Motu M4 and GarageBand
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This forum is for seeking solutions to technical problems involving Digital Performer and/or plug-ins on MacOS, as well as feature requests, criticisms, comparison to other DAWs.
This forum is for seeking solutions to technical problems involving Digital Performer and/or plug-ins on MacOS, as well as feature requests, criticisms, comparison to other DAWs.
Motu M4 and GarageBand
Hi! I just got a new Motu M4, I plug in my keyboard in the back to Line 3-4 I hear the keyboard but cannot record in Garage Band? Any solution?
- HCMarkus
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- Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:01 am
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand
You likely just need to select the proper Input in Garage Band. 

Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand
Thank you, I finaly did that and it works
Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand
The record volume Is low I did not find a way to make it loader, my keyboard is max volume and the input monitor is almost at max
- HCMarkus
- Posts: 10410
- Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:01 am
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Rancho Bohemia, California
- Contact:
Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand
I don't own your interface, but believe the inputs on the back (3-4) are Line Level, not Instrument Level. As such, they may not be appropriate for your synth without using some preampfification. OTOH, although the levels may be low, tracks recorded from those input may still be clean enough that a little boost with a Trim/Gain Plugin in GarageBand will make them useable.
You can always plug your synth into the two front panel inputs.
Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand
Thank you, I will try to figure it out
- mikehalloran
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand
Your keyboard outputs Instrument level, not Line level. Doesn't matter the brand, that's the issue. Very few pro keyboards output true line level signals.
You have a few choices:
1. Use the Channel 1/2 CombiJacks of your M4 — they are designed for Instrument level.
2. Get a step-up transformer or a DI box and use it to increase the level to 3/4. I have a number of recommendations if you go that route.
3. If you need those Mic inputs on 1/2, get an interface that can accommodate both Microphones and Instrument levels such as the MOTU M6. You'd plug your keyboard into 3/4.
https://motu.com/en-us/products/m-series/m6/
I like my M•Audio AIR 14|192 since it has 4 mics + 2 Instrument + 2 Line inputs. These have been out around 4 years and can be found used under $200 if you shop around.
https://www.m-audio.com/audio-MIDI-inte ... 92-14.html
DP 11.34; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sequoia 15.4, USB4 8TB externals, Neumann MT48, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3, Zoom F3 & UAC 232 32bit float recorder & interface; 2012 MBPs (x2) Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 NE Pro, Toast 20 Pro
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sequoia 15.4, USB4 8TB externals, Neumann MT48, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3, Zoom F3 & UAC 232 32bit float recorder & interface; 2012 MBPs (x2) Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 NE Pro, Toast 20 Pro