Motu 4 instrument input signal is low

[harmonicaman]

Hi

I have Motu 4 , front two mics are OK but the back side the instrument input signal is too low
What can I do?

[mikehalloran]

Hi

I have Motu 4 , front two mics are OK but the back side the instrument input signal is too low
What can I do?

If you're referring to the M4, the issue is that those are not instrument inputs; they're -16dBu Line inputs. Even the first version of the M4 brochure was wrong on that. Only keyboards with line level outputs can drive them. Despite the fact that many of us here do own such units, most keys etc. do not.

You need a DI of some sort.
I like the Morley MLLS 2-channel Line Level Shifter (was the Ebtech LLS 2) and the Radial J+4
https://www.sweetwater.com/c957--Direct ... 2high&pn=2

Many other recent threads on this subject including these:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=69371&p=587103&hil ... ch#p587103

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=69797

[harmonicaman]

Thanks

Do you mean this ?
https://www.amazon.com/Morley-MLLS-2-ch ... B08NQ1SMTJ

Will it work with my Motu 4 ?
Do I need to connect that to another USB port too?

[mikehalloran]

Thanks

Do you mean this ?
https://www.amazon.com/Morley-MLLS-2-ch ... B08NQ1SMTJ

Will it work with my Motu 4 ?
Do I need to connect that to another USB port too?

Yes, Yes and No

That is a simple 2-Channel step up (or step down) transformer. It is quiet, passive and very good. The +4 jack goes to the M4 and you plug your keys (or CD/Tape player etc.) into the -10 jack.

The transformer has excellent low end/bass response as all good ones do. Cheap transformers don't give you adequate low end response.

Here's the instruction sheet:
https://morleyproducts.com/wp-content/u ... 070717.pdf

You can use either TRS balanced cables or an XLR-M to TRS going into your M4. The jacks are parallel so it makes no difference which you use but TRS–TRS cables are ubiquitous and inexpensive. The M4 wants a balanced in. Something like this will be fine:
https://www.amazon.com/SEISMIC-AUDIO-SA ... ref=sr_1_4

The -10 jack can take anything. Balanced/unbalanced input cable doesn't matter to the MLLS-2.


Amazon is a good place to buy because of their 30 day return policy. If the output level isn't enough for your situation, you will want an active 2-channel DI instead.