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.
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granul
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Motu M4 and GarageBand

Post by granul »

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?
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HCMarkus
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand

Post by HCMarkus »

You likely just need to select the proper Input in Garage Band. :smash:
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granul
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand

Post by granul »

Thank you, I finaly did that and it works
granul
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand

Post by granul »

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
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HCMarkus
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand

Post by HCMarkus »

granul wrote: Thu Oct 17, 2024 1:52 pm 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
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.
granul
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand

Post by granul »

Thank you, I will try to figure it out
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mikehalloran
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Re: Motu M4 and GarageBand

Post by mikehalloran »

granul wrote: Thu Oct 17, 2024 1:24 pm 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?
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
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