Introducing the MOTU Four-Pre

Four mic preamps: When two mic inputs just aren't enough

If you've been searching for an affordable, compact audio interface with four mic inputs, your search is over. The 4pre packs four mic inputs into an impressively small half-rack form factor, along with a healthy complement of additional professional-grade audio connections. Just think of the possibilities. You can record and mix vocals plus guitar for two musicians simultaneously. Or mic a drum kit with overheads and close-ups. Or record lead and background vocals in one take. With an interface this flexible, capable, and great-sounding, you'll be ready for any situation your music throws at you.

Compact size: Designed to go with you anywhere

The 4pre is an impressively small 8.5 by 7 by 1.75 inches, which means that it slides easily into your backpack. It also sits nicely next to your laptop or desktop computer.
Flexible combo-style inputs

Connect guitars, a keyboard, or other inputs

The four inputs are not just for mics: they are combo jacks that also accept a quarter-inch plug. Inputs 1-2 take line-level signals, such as the output from a synth or keyboard. Inputs 3-4 are "hi-Z" DI inputs with proper impedance for plugging in your electric guitar directly, without an amp or cabinet, to process your guitar sound through amp and cab simulation plug-ins in your host software.
Universal connectivity

Hybrid technology connects to any computer

Thanks to MOTU’s Hybrid interface technology, the 4pre connects to any Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed
USB 2.0. Connect your mic, guitar, keyboard, and digital input, and you are ready to make pro-quality recordings.

High-speed USB 2.0: High bandwidth and low latency

The 4pre can record and play all channels simultaneously, and high-speed USB 2.0 provides plenty of bandwidth, even at 96 kHz.

Bus-powered FireWire: No power supply needed

The 4pre can draw power from its FireWire connection to the computer, so you can operate remotely on laptop battery power.
Mixing made simple

Hands-on mixing for studio and stage

Quickly balance the levels of mics, guitars, a keyboard, or other inputs right from the front panel. Each input has its own volume control. Route inputs directly to any output pair, each with its own unique mix: main outs, line outs, S/PDIF out, and phones.

Studio grade sound: Your mix will be ready for prime time

The 4pre has been engineered with MOTU’s renowned, award-winning audio interface technology, which delivers the pristine audio quality and rock-solid performance that MOTU interfaces are known for worldwide. You can always record and mix with confidence, knowing that decades of engineering experience are behind you, every step of the way.

Technical Specifications

• Converters: 24-bit
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz

• Analog Inputs
• 4 x XLR/TRS combo
• 2 x 1/4" TRS phone (balanced/unbalanced)
• 2 x 1/4" hi-Z guitar

• Analog Outputs
• 2 x 1/4" balanced TRS main out
• 2 x 1/4" balanced TRS line out
• 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone

• Digital Input: 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
• Digital Output: 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF

• Computer I/O
• 1 x FireWire 400 (Type B)
• 1 x USB 2.0

• Sync In/Out: S/PDIF
• SMPTE time code (LTC)
• Headphone Output: 2 x 1/4" TRS phone with independent volume control
• Phantom Power: Individual +48V

• Front panel
• 2 x 10-segment ladder LEDs • main outs
• 4 x 5-segment LEDs • inputs
• 2 x signal present LEDs • S/PDIF I/O
• 2 x signal present LEDs • stereo line out
• 4 x LEDs • 48V phantom power
• 4 x LEDs • -20 dB pad
• 5 x LEDs • mix/trim (main, line, S/PDIF, phone, trim)
• 1 x LED • Vol/Pan

• Power Requirements: 9-18V DC, 5W, tip + or -
• FireWire bus power
• DC power adapter included, required for stand-alone and USB 2.0 operation