MOTU · Mid-size · USB · 2019 on

MOTU M4

Name: MOTU M4
Brand: MOTU
Availability: InStock

The M4 launched with the M2 in November 2019 and shares its two front mic, line or guitar preamps, its ESS Sabre32 Ultra output converters (MOTU quotes 120 dB of dynamic range on the outputs) and its full-color LCD. What the extra width buys you is a pair of balanced line inputs on the back, four balanced outputs instead of two, and an INPUT MONITOR MIX knob that blends your live inputs against computer playback. That makes it the one to pick if a synth or drum machine lives on your desk, or if you want a second pair of speakers on outputs 3-4. It's still bus powered over USB-C and class compliant on a Mac, so a laptop and one cable is the whole setup, and MIDI in and out are on the back too.

M4 (one version since 2019)M2, the two-in, two-out sibling (its own page)M6 (2022), with a DC power supply

Spec at a glance

Maker: MOTU
Size: Mid-size
Connects over: USB
Made: 2019 on
Inputs: 2 combo XLR/TRS mic, line or hi-Z guitar (front), 2 balanced 1/4-inch line (rear)
Outputs: 4 balanced 1/4-inch TRS (DC coupled), 4 RCA mirroring them, 1 headphone
Mic preamp gain: Up to 60 dB
Phantom power: 48 V, switchable per mic input
Converters: ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC; MOTU quotes 120 dB dynamic range on the line outs, 115 dB on the line and mic inputs; 44.1–192 kHz
Connection: USB-C, USB 2.0 audio class compliant (USB-C to USB-A cable supplied)
Power: USB bus powered, with a power switch
MIDI: 5-pin DIN in and out
Also listed as: MOTU M-4, MOTU M4 USB-C, MOTU M4 audio interface
Typical eBay ask (Oct 14, 2026): $270–$300

In the photos

How to tell it apart

The M4 has an INPUT MONITOR MIX knob and a third MON button for rear inputs 3-4 on the front, which the M2 lacks. Round the back it has two line inputs, four TRS outs and four RCA outs, and it's 8.25 inches wide against the M2's 7.5. An M6 has two headphone jacks and a DC power socket.

Mac and Windows

Drivers and support

It's USB audio class compliant, so a Mac or iPad runs it with no driver. MOTU's optional M-Series installer adds lower latency and loopback channels, and the current Mac version supports macOS 12 through macOS 26 on Apple silicon and Intel, while the Windows installer supports Windows 11 (Windows on ARM since February 2026). MOTU lists the M4 as compatible with macOS Tahoe and macOS Golden Gate.

Which interfaces still get drivers

Power, cables and licences

What should come with it

A USB-C to USB-A cable. For a computer with only USB-C ports, MOTU says to use a USB-C to USB-C cable rated for USB 2, or an adapter.
No power supply, because it runs off USB power. With a Lightning iPad, MOTU recommends a powered USB hub and Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.
Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite and about 6 GB of loops come from registering the serial number (on the bottom and the box) in a MOTU account.
MOTU's tech note says a sold product is transferred through its customer service, and only the registered owner can approve it. Ask whether the seller registered it and will sign the transfer.

Check the listing photos against this list, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. A missing power supply or a licence that won’t transfer should come off the price.

What to check

We found no documented hardware fault pattern for the M4. MOTU's update notes fix occasional erroneous audio output when turning the input trims (firmware, February 2026) and latency drift and spikes on Windows (drivers, 2026), so update before judging a glitch.

01Model: Check the photos for the INPUT MONITOR MIX knob and two line inputs on the back. Those confirm an M4 rather than an M2.
02Gain knobs: Ask for a short video turning each gain knob end to end with a mic plugged in. The LCD meter should rise smoothly, with no crackle or jumps.
03Phantom power: Ask the seller to press 48V on each mic input with a condenser mic connected. Both inputs should power the mic and show signal on the LCD.
04Line inputs: Ask for a quick test of rear inputs 3-4 with a keyboard or phone. Both channels should show on the LCD meters.
05Outputs and headphones: Ask for music playing through outputs 1-2, 3-4 and the headphones. Each should be clean, with no hum or missing side.
06USB-C port: Look closely at the USB-C socket in the photos and ask whether the cable sits firmly. It shouldn't wiggle or drop out when touched.
07Registration: Ask the seller whether the M4 is registered to their MOTU account. Good is unregistered, or a seller who'll approve the transfer with MOTU.

Buying your first one? How to pick a first used interface covers inputs, mic gain and drivers, and the power supply guide covers which ones need their adapter.

Buying guide

Which one to buy

§ Oct 14, 2026

Every M4 for sale on eBay US today is new or open-box dealer stock, so there's no used one to buy yet and the band is the new price. At least 16 are listed and most ask $280–300 delivered, with Sweetwater, Full Compass, Perfect Circuit and others all at $280 with free shipping, so take the downtownphoto listing that adds an XLR cable and straps for the same money. Used M2s ask about 20% under new right now, which would put a used M4 under about $225 delivered. When one turns up, check the photos for the INPUT MONITOR MIX knob and two line inputs on the back, which set it apart from an M2, and ask whether it's registered to the seller's MOTU account. Skip the Japan listing at $480 delivered and the $305 open-box one from a zero-feedback seller, since both ask more than new.

Listed now: 16
For parts: 0
Typical ask: $270–$300
Full range: $280–$400

Cheapest
$279.95delivered
New at $280 with free shipping from a 100% seller, the lowest price here and the same as most US dealers. It's bus powered, so the USB-C cable that comes with a new one is all it needs.
MOTU M4 Audio Interface (USB-C)
View on eBay ↗: MOTU M4 Audio Interface (USB-C)$279.95 delivered
Best value
$279.95delivered
The same $280 with free shipping, plus an XLR cable and straps as titled and shown in the photo, from a 99.8% dealer. It's new, so MOTU's USB cable should be in the box too.
MOTU M4 Desktop Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface with XLR Cable & Straps
View on eBay ↗: MOTU M4 Desktop Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface with XLR Cable & Straps$279.95 delivered

Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 14, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.

Snapshot

For sale on eBay

8 of 16 listed

Checked Oct 14, 2026. Some may have sold.

Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 14, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.

New
- Cheapest
MOTU M4 Audio Interface (USB-C)
$279.95delivered
$279.95 · free shipping
Buy It Now$279.95
Good buy
New, free shipping.
Seller: guildwatergear
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: MOTU M4 Audio Interface (USB-C)
New
- Best value
MOTU M4 Desktop Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface with XLR Cable & Straps
$279.95delivered
$279.95 · free shipping
Buy It Now$279.95
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
New, with an XLR cable and straps as titled.
Seller: downtownphoto
99.8% positive
View on eBay ↗: MOTU M4 Desktop Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface with XLR Cable & Straps
New
MOTU M4-MOTU 4x4 USB-C Bus-Powered Audio Interface
$279.95delivered
$279.95 · free shipping
Buy It Now$279.95
Our take
New from a dealer, free shipping.
Seller: fullcompass
99.9% positive
View on eBay ↗: MOTU M4-MOTU 4x4 USB-C Bus-Powered Audio Interface
New
MOTU M4 4-in / 4-Out USB-C Audio Interface PRO AUDIO NEW - PERFECT CIRCUIT
$279.95delivered
$279.95 · free shipping
Buy It Now$279.95
Our take
Titled new. Free shipping.
Seller: perfect_circuit_audio
99.8% positive
View on eBay ↗: MOTU M4 4-in / 4-Out USB-C Audio Interface PRO AUDIO NEW - PERFECT CIRCUIT
New
Motu M4 4x4 USB Audio Interface with Studio Quality Sound
$279.95delivered
$279.95 · free shipping
Buy It Now$279.95
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
New, with Best Offer open.
Seller: downtownphoto
99.8% positive
View on eBay ↗: Motu M4 4x4 USB Audio Interface with Studio Quality Sound
New
MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface
$279.95delivered
$279.95 · free shipping
Buy It Now$279.95
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
New from Sweetwater, with Best Offer open.
Seller: sweetwatersound
99.8% positive
View on eBay ↗: MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface
Open box
- Check the seller
MARKED DOWN Motu M4 4-in / 4-out USB Audio Interface
$304.86est. delivered
$299.00 + $5.86 shipping
Buy It Now$299.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
Open box from a zero-feedback seller, asking more than new.
Seller: lamar-4052
No feedback yet
View on eBay ↗: MARKED DOWN Motu M4 4-in / 4-out USB Audio Interface
New
- Priced high
Motu M4 Audio USB Interface 4-in/4-out ESS Saber32 Ultra DAC Technology with Box
$479.99est. delivered
$399.99 + $80.00 shipping
Buy It Now$399.99
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Priced high
New from Japan, with box. About $200 over US dealers delivered.
Seller: japan.exporter
99.5% positive
View on eBay ↗: Motu M4 Audio USB Interface 4-in/4-out ESS Saber32 Ultra DAC Technology with Box

Prices change daily. The live eBay search shows everything listed now, including anything new since Oct 14, 2026.

See every listing on eBay ↗eBay search

Compare with

Keep exploring

Brand

Size

Connection

Read

MOTU M4

M4 (one version since 2019)M2, the two-in, two-out sibling (its own page)M6 (2022), with a DC power supply

Spec at a glance

Maker

MOTU

Size

Mid-size

Connects over

USB

Made

2019 on

Inputs

2 combo XLR/TRS mic, line or hi-Z guitar (front), 2 balanced 1/4-inch line (rear)

Outputs

4 balanced 1/4-inch TRS (DC coupled), 4 RCA mirroring them, 1 headphone

Mic preamp gain

Up to 60 dB

Phantom power

48 V, switchable per mic input

Converters

ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC; MOTU quotes 120 dB dynamic range on the line outs, 115 dB on the line and mic inputs; 44.1–192 kHz

Connection

USB-C, USB 2.0 audio class compliant (USB-C to USB-A cable supplied)

Power

USB bus powered, with a power switch

MIDI

5-pin DIN in and out

Also listed as

MOTU M-4, MOTU M4 USB-C, MOTU M4 audio interface

Typical eBay ask (Oct 14, 2026)

$270–$300

Drivers and support

What should come with it

A USB-C to USB-A cable. For a computer with only USB-C ports, MOTU says to use a USB-C to USB-C cable rated for USB 2, or an adapter.

No power supply, because it runs off USB power. With a Lightning iPad, MOTU recommends a powered USB hub and Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.

Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite and about 6 GB of loops come from registering the serial number (on the bottom and the box) in a MOTU account.

MOTU's tech note says a sold product is transferred through its customer service, and only the registered owner can approve it. Ask whether the seller registered it and will sign the transfer.

Check the listing photos against this list, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. A missing power supply or a licence that won’t transfer should come off the price.

What to check

01Model: Check the photos for the INPUT MONITOR MIX knob and two line inputs on the back. Those confirm an M4 rather than an M2.

02Gain knobs: Ask for a short video turning each gain knob end to end with a mic plugged in. The LCD meter should rise smoothly, with no crackle or jumps.

03Phantom power: Ask the seller to press 48V on each mic input with a condenser mic connected. Both inputs should power the mic and show signal on the LCD.

04Line inputs: Ask for a quick test of rear inputs 3-4 with a keyboard or phone. Both channels should show on the LCD meters.

05Outputs and headphones: Ask for music playing through outputs 1-2, 3-4 and the headphones. Each should be clean, with no hum or missing side.

06USB-C port: Look closely at the USB-C socket in the photos and ask whether the cable sits firmly. It shouldn't wiggle or drop out when touched.

07Registration: Ask the seller whether the M4 is registered to their MOTU account. Good is unregistered, or a seller who'll approve the transfer with MOTU.

Buying your first one? How to pick a first used interface covers inputs, mic gain and drivers, and the power supply guide covers which ones need their adapter.

Spec at a glance

How to tell it apart

Drivers and support

What should come with it

What to check

Which one to buy

For sale on eBay

MOTU M4 Audio Interface (USB-C)

MOTU M4 Desktop Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface with XLR Cable & Straps

MOTU M4-MOTU 4x4 USB-C Bus-Powered Audio Interface

MOTU M4 4-in / 4-Out USB-C Audio Interface PRO AUDIO NEW - PERFECT CIRCUIT

Motu M4 4x4 USB Audio Interface with Studio Quality Sound

MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface

MARKED DOWN Motu M4 4-in / 4-out USB Audio Interface

Motu M4 Audio USB Interface 4-in/4-out ESS Saber32 Ultra DAC Technology with Box

Compare with

MOTU M2

MOTU UltraLite-mk5

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)

PreSonus Studio 26c

Keep exploring

Spec at a glance

How to tell it apart

Drivers and support

What should come with it

What to check

Which one to buy

For sale on eBay

MOTU M4 Audio Interface (USB-C)

MOTU M4 Desktop Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface with XLR Cable & Straps

MOTU M4-MOTU 4x4 USB-C Bus-Powered Audio Interface

MOTU M4 4-in / 4-Out USB-C Audio Interface PRO AUDIO NEW - PERFECT CIRCUIT

Motu M4 4x4 USB Audio Interface with Studio Quality Sound

MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface

MARKED DOWN Motu M4 4-in / 4-out USB Audio Interface

Motu M4 Audio USB Interface 4-in/4-out ESS Saber32 Ultra DAC Technology with Box

Compare with

MOTU M2

MOTU UltraLite-mk5

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)

PreSonus Studio 26c

Keep exploring