Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $341
Standard/Professional
$150
$501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "MOTU 4pre audio interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your creativity with the MOTU 4pre audio interface, a versatile tool designed for musicians and producers eager to capture studio-quality sound both at home and on the road. This hybrid USB/FireWire interface offers seamless connectivity, whether you're working on a sleek Mac laptop or a robust PC tower. Equipped with four transparent microphone preamplifiers, the 4pre ensures your recordings are crystal clear and free from unwanted noise or distortion. This compact powerhouse is housed in a rugged all-metal half-rack chassis, making it perfect for mobile recording sessions or small studio spaces.
What sets the 4pre apart is its intuitive CueMix FX software, allowing you to manage your mix with an 8-bus mix engine before your signal even hits your DAW. This feature offers full control over mix volume independently from input gain, ensuring you can monitor your recordings at the perfect level. Plus, with the ability to control CueMix via your iPad through the TouchOSC app, you can tweak levels and effects without leaving your performance space. Whether you're tracking vocals or instruments, the MOTU 4pre is a faithful companion for capturing your sound with precision and ease.
Key Features:
- Hybrid connectivity with USB 2.0 and FireWire options
- Four ultra-clean mic preamps with combo jacks for versatile input
- Compact, durable metal chassis suitable for both desktop and mobile setups
- 8-bus mix engine with CueMix FX for flexible mixing
- iPad control with TouchOSC app for wireless mixing and effects adjustment
- Functions as a stand-alone 4-channel mixer without a computer
- Includes AudioDesk recording software for Mac users
- Dual headphone outputs for easy collaboration
Product specs
| Computer Connectivity | FireWire/USB 2.0 |
| Form Factor | Desktop/Rackmount |
| Simultaneous I/O | 6 x 6 |
| Number of Preamps | 4 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/96kHz |
| Effects | Yes (DSP Mixer) |
| Analog Inputs | 4 x XLR-1/4" combo |
| Analog Outputs | 4 x 1/4" TRS |
| Digital Inputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF) |
| Digital Outputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF) |
| Rack Spaces | Half |
| Bus Powered | Yes (FireWire) |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Width | 8.5" |
| Depth | 7" |
FAQs
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What connectivity options does the MOTU 4pre audio interface offer?
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The MOTU 4pre provides both FireWire and USB 2.0 connectivity, making it versatile for different computer setups and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.
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How many preamps are included in the MOTU 4pre, and do they support phantom power?
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The MOTU 4pre features four preamps, all of which support phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.
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Is the MOTU 4pre suitable for mobile recording setups?
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Yes, the MOTU 4pre is compact and bus-powered via FireWire, making it ideal for mobile recording setups and easy to transport alongside your laptop.
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Does the MOTU 4pre include any built-in effects?
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The MOTU 4pre features a built-in DSP mixer, allowing you to apply effects and manage your mix without additional software, enhancing your recording flexibility.
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Can the MOTU 4pre be used with both desktop and rackmount configurations?
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Yes, the MOTU 4pre is designed to fit both desktop and rackmount setups, providing flexibility in how you integrate it into your studio environment.
Videos
STLAudio
MOTU 4PRE USB/Firewire Interface Video Demo - STL Audio
Reviews
PROS
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Low latency, comparable to higher-end MOTU models
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Sturdy build quality across inputs/outputs
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High audio fidelity for recording and live performance
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Versatile: Integrates well for both studio and on-the-road use
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Effective without a computer for monitoring purposes
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Includes comprehensive, useful software package
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Good preamp quality for the size and price
CONS
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Audio quality not as superior as Apogee interfaces
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Cue Mix control program can be confusing for new users
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Lacks MIDI connectivity, requiring additional hardware for those needs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU 4pre audio interface.
Features and functionality
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The MOTU 4pre includes built-in mix control and DSP effects, offering more gain on the two mic pres compared to some competitors.
Source
Comparisons
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Owners note the MOTU 4pre has lower latency and an additional input pair compared to the Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre.
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User experience
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Users report long backorder times for the MOTU 4pre, with some orders delayed by several months, influencing purchase decisions.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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