MOTU M2/4

[mikehalloran]

... is there a link I don't get?

Yep. This is not just an iMic.

Everything that's been discussed has this new inexpensive loop-back/blend interface that offers near-zero direct monitoring over USB 2. I bought a mixer, you're looking at a desktop box. This is the first microphone I've seen that has it, too.

Since they all have appeared since September, I suspect that everyone is using the same chip set at the core. I just can't figure out whose.

The M2/M4 is the only one I've seen that offers a Mac driver. Motu claims it's needed for 2.5 ms RT and makes mention of the independent blend controls for R/L. The others are claiming 2.7 ms if they post it at all with Core Audio. MOTU also says the M2/4 are Class Compliant without the drivers.

Though I bought the Mackie to have 7 mic pres for remote work, the M2 or M4 appears to be the top contender for my desk. With that and my old Neumann BCM104 or any of my ribbon mics, I certainly don't need that new AKG.

NAMM should be very interesting.

[bayswater]

... is there a link I don't get?

Yep. This is not just an iMic.

OK, I was just making fun of the stand.

Everything that's been discussed has this new inexpensive loop-back/blend interface that offers near-zero direct monitoring over USB 2. I bought a mixer, you're looking at a desktop box. This is the first microphone I've seen that has it, too.

OK, the penny dropped. You wouldn't need the M2 at all. At that price though, how good a mic would you expect it to be?

Back to the M2-4, low latency is nice but not a big deal to me. I always monitor the source and set buffers high to keep CPU load down. My interest is the sound quality. Earlier, I had been thinking about getting a separate D/A converter to get improved playback quality, but price killed that idea. So the M2 might be the thing, or for the extra few dollars, an M4 -- I rarely record more than 3 channels at a time.

[mikehalloran]

...Earlier, I had been thinking about getting a separate D/A converter to get improved playback quality, but price killed that idea. So the M2 might be the thing, or for the extra few dollars, an M4 -- I rarely record more than 3 channels at a time.

Ooooohhh ... thanks for that. It caused me to rethink my needs. My first thought was, me too, but on second thought, that's not true.

I have a couple of remaster/restore projects on deck for next year that were originally recorded to 4 track analog. True, I can use the 828mkII or new Mackie to import them but I'm trying to reduce the real estate on my desk. So I really do need 4 in and, for only $50 more, I can have it with the M4.

Unless something else blows me away at NAMM, that's what I intend to get.

[stubbsonic]

This may fall under the "missing-something-obvious" (like me missing the supplied USB cable in the M4 box's "secret" compartment).

I tried connecting the M4 to my 6th gen iPad using the CCK (USB3 version), and it would not power on.

The M4 powers up fine when connected to my rMBP.

The M4 manual says:
"Connect USB-C port on this adapter to a wall outlet for power."

But the adapter has a USB-A port and a lightning port. I connected the lightning port to the charger.

"The USB Type A port can then be connected to the M2 or M4, or a powered USB hub for connection to many USB devices."

I haven't tried a powered hub, but I suppose I could try that next.

I often run into trouble when trying to connect devices to my iPad. In the past, I think a hub has helped, but it always feels pretty random, what works and what doesn't.

Someone from SW has reached out to help me.

[stubbsonic]

OK. Apparently it is not user error. I've got an active support ticket with MOTU and so far there doesn't appear to be anything I'm not getting right. They don't seem to understand why it won't power up with the iPad. Might be a defective unit. Too soon to tell.

[bayswater]

Bad news. I guess I’ll wait.

[stubbsonic]

Still not resolved.

MOTU said they are going to try testing some other power supplies on their end. I'm on hold. SW just checked in with me about progress. I just told them that we were testing things, trouble-shooting.

The working theory right now is that something about my charger/CCK combination doesn't supply enough juice for the M4 to power up. The other possibility is a defect in the M4, but it seems like they will want to exhaust the other possibilities before sending me a new one.

I don't know how much variability there is in these apple chargers. It charges the iPad, and I can power the M4 directly from the charger. I have two CCK's and the M4 doesn't work with either of them.

There also wasn't any indication as to whether my issue is rare. What would they do if it was more wide-spread?

[mikehalloran]

What charger are you using with the CCK? An iPhone charger puts out 5W, the early iPad charger is 10W and the later ones were 12W.

All the specs say is Power. Bus-powered through USB. Gee thanks, MOTU.

I have no problem powering my keyboards and iPad Pro through a UGREEN USB 3 Audio hub through the USB-3 CCK with a 12W iPad charger.

[bayswater]

This is a real PITA for you. Does it at least work plugged into a computer directly?

[mikehalloran]

I have two CCK's

Just to be clear, you are using the current, USB 3 version of the CCK with your iPad. There is an older USB 2 version — it does not have a charging port.

[stubbsonic]

My charger is the 12W one that shipped with the Gen 6 iPad. Both CCK's are the USB 3 versions with the charging port. And we're talking about plugging the M4 and the charger into the CCK, and the CCK into the iPad.

Yes, it works when I plug it into my MacBook Pro. Sounds nice.

I tried plugging the M4 into the UGreen hub, which didn't work. However, when I power the hub itself from from another charger, with the hub into the CCK, and the iPad charger into the CCK and .... that worked! Good call, Mike. Thanks!!!

Still it's quite a spaghetti factory to get it working, but at least I can try it out now.

[bayswater]

FWIW, I've had three of those Apple 12W chargers, one of them quite recently. All have failed, delivering some charge but not enough for the devices to continuously register that they are being charged. Since then I've been using 24W Anker chargers for everything.

[stubbsonic]

I wondered if the Apple chargers were reliably outputting the necessary power.

Can you post a link to the Anker charger? That might be a good option.

[mikehalloran]

Had I known you had the UGREEN, I would have suggested powering it, too. Glad it works.

Here’s a link to the Anker charger I own. 2 x 12W lets my daughter and I both charge our iPads while watching TV.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-Po ... 1577209831

No idea why the white one costs less than the black. Mine is white.

[mikehalloran]

As long as the UGREEN audio hub came up.

A bumped audio plug in the headphone jack of an older iPad took out the motherboard. Doesn’t matter that I’m smack dab in the middle of the Silicon Valley, I couldn’t get it repaired anywhere. Apple offered a trade in on an iPad Pro and so i took it. I knew i never wanted to use that jack again, however and it is taped up (aids water resistance, too).

This, plugged into the USB 3 Apple Camera Connection kit, solved all problems and concerns. Zero detectable latency at USB 3 speeds. As mentioned, it has its own charging port (I’ve never need it but...) If someone bumps the plug and ruins the jack, I’m out $16.

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-External- ... 1577210296