MOTU M2/4

[mikehalloran]

...
Oh, and the reviews on your new audio card are gushing to say the least.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n25WIe_J4YY

Interesting. A bit uninformed where he mentioned that the loop-back feature is rare. Apparently, he hasn’t been paying attention.

Nope. All the new USB interfaces have it. Whatever those new ICs are, everyone’s using them now or will. Some are only offering 2-4 channels (MOTU, Mackie); NI is 6 while others are 2–6 &18 channels (Behringer, Scarlett, M-Audio, Steinberg). Apparently, this is not limited to USB 2 since Steinberg and Metric Halo are offering USB 3. (MOTU’s other USB 2/3 devices have no loop-back/blend while UAD is Windows only).

Although Mackie has 2–4 ch. desktop boxes like everyone else, they also have the new ProFxv3 line using these in traditional flat mixers from 6–30 channels. I bought & returned the 6 channel & just took delivery on the 12 channel that I will keep. As for I/O timing through loop-back, the Mackie tests the same for me. The Onyx preamps are extremely good on my SM7b and are a bit hotter — enough so that I could use it without my Cloudlifter CL-z (not that I will).

One thing that the video pointed out that I hadn’t noticed is that each channel of the M2 has its own loop-back blend control(!). Besides the nice meters, this appears to be unique—everyone else has only blend one control for the entire unit (The ProFxv3 can bring USB 3/4 into an aux on the 12 channel up).

Unless there’s something at NAMM that changes my mind, I’ll be buying a M2 or M4 for the desktop come January. I’ve already tested loop-back/blend on the Mackie and reallY like it.

Since I can use the Mackie to bring in up to 12 channels analog, I think it’s time to put my pristine 828mkII up for sale.

I can’t imagine trying Performer Lite or the two apps I can download free because of the Mackie.

[bayswater]

I'm inclined to get one now they have arrived here on the monthly turnip truck. But I'm wondering whether this is a 1.00 version and I'd be better to wait for the first update.

And: anyone that has one, how does it sound to you? I know it has the same ADA as a lot of higher end units, but all that doesn't matter unless the analog circuits are properly done.

[stubbsonic]

One annoying thing on that video was when he went to demonstrate the noise levels. Here's me sitting in my noisy-assed room. How quiet are those pre's with the level all the way up... "fan whirl, stomach growl, truck passes by..." Oh, and let's boost that level by 12 dB for no reason.

Not so useful. The resistor test seemed more useful.

Sorry I haven't bothered to test my unit yet. I'm not sure how useful my assessment would be. My hearing doesn't go above 12K any more.

[bayswater]

12K? That's well above middle C I think. The only criticism I've heard is from someone who said he thought the bass might be a bit muddy but he wasn't that confident in his monitors.

[mikehalloran]

12K? That's well above middle C I think. The only criticism I've heard is from someone who said he thought the bass might be a bit muddy but he wasn't that confident in his monitors.

Uh yea... that could also indicate that the bass is more accurate and he/she really needs to address the rest of the signal chain. I give that review about 0% on the significance scale.

Just saw this on MOTU’s Catalina compatibility page:

M2 and M4

The new M2 and M4 bus-powered USB audio interfaces are compatible with macOS Catalina. They are USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation with no driver installation needed. However, a driver is available that provides lower latency peformance and loopback channels under macOS Catalina.

[bayswater]

The new M2 and M4 bus-powered USB audio interfaces are compatible with macOS Catalina. They are USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation with no driver installation needed. However, a driver is available that provides lower latency peformance and loopback channels under macOS Catalina.[/i]

Yes, the latency performance relies on a driver for a Mac, but I don't think this is Catalina specific. Nice it works with Catalina, but still, a lot of other audio stuff doesn't yet, although I haven't checked recently. Maybe a future OS X update to underlying audio function will support these new capabilities without a driver.

Yes, the review is not helpful. But I haven't seen anyone else who doesn't either sell or make them offer an opinion. If anything, Lite has generated more interest than the hardware you need to get it. I find that odd.

[stubbsonic]

I just tried registering at motu.com and no matter what, it would not accept the serial number, saying it wasn't valid. I haven't seen this as an issue with other users, so I must be entering the wrong number. It does say "Serial #" right next to the number I'm entering. Hmmm.

My first M4 support ticket. Dumb issue.

[mikehalloran]

I just tried registering at motu.com and no matter what, it would not accept the serial number, saying it wasn't valid. I haven't seen this as an issue with other users, so I must be entering the wrong number. It does say "Serial #" right next to the number I'm entering. Hmmm.

My first M4 support ticket. Dumb issue.

Any dashes? If so and you used minus signs, the MOTU web site doesn't like that.

[stubbsonic]

No dashes. Seems really clear and obvious what to enter, and it is not being accepted. I sent an email, but perhaps I should instead enter a support ticket.

[bayswater]

I sent an email, but perhaps I should instead enter a support ticket.

Both.

[mikehalloran]

I’d call on Monday.

[stubbsonic]

Can't create a support ticket on a device that hasn't been registered. Will call.

[bayswater]

Can't create a support ticket on a device that hasn't been registered. Will call.

I used to send email to sales@motu.com for things like this, problems buying and registering. It got answered quickly, at least it did when Dave was there. Haven't done it for a while.

[mikehalloran]

If all you need is a mic, looks like AKG is first out of the gate with one of these new interfaces built in. 4 capsules to generate different pickup patterns.

https://www.akg.com/Microphones/Condens ... 4-USB.html

The big resellers claim shipping in January but the above web site lets you buy direct from AKG now.

If anyone is looking at the Blue Yeti, they should consider this instead. Of course, Blue and others should be announcing their own versions by NAMM.

[bayswater]

If all you need is a mic, looks like AKG is first out of the gate with one of these new interfaces built in. 4 capsules to generate different pickup patterns.

It looks like an iMic. Why is this in the MOTU M2 topic, is there a link I don't get?