The 4pre from MOTU is a compact hybrid digital audio interface that features both FireWire and USB 2.0 connectivity. The interface can also function as a standalone mixer without the need for a computer. Four individual microphones or two stereo pairs can be recorded via the combo microphone/guitar inputs.
The transparent preamps offer individually switchable phantom power and a -20dB pad, with all settings adjustable on the front panel, or from the included CueMix software. Two guitar jacks provide high-impedance load characteristics suitable for passive and active pickups. Line inputs can be matched for keyboards, analog mixers, effects processors, or other equipment with difference reference levels.
Four analog outputs allow for connecting powered studio monitors to the main outs, while separate line outs can be used for a variety of purposes, either mirroring the main outs, or acting as a completely independent output pair. Two headphone jacks facilitate working with others. Digital input/output make digital transfers easy with support for sample rates of up to 96kHz.
Digitally controlled analog trim deliver analog quality with digital precision with the ability to save and recall trim settings. The S/PDIF digital inputs can also be trimmed. Immediate volume adjustments are always within reach, so the interface serves as the perfect compact, portable live mixer, with or without a computer.
The included CueMix software delivers on-screen mixing and control and can be operated side by side with any host audio software for Mac or Windows. It can also be controlled from the Mackie Control Universal Pro work surface, or any HUI-compatible controller. Additionally it provides talkback and listen back features, along with a range of software analysis tools.
The 4pre can be daisy chained to another pre or MOTU audio interface. Direct SMPTE time code sync is supported without the need for a separate synchronizer. The included SMPTE Console software (for Mac OS X and Windows) provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer.
| Connectivity |
USB 2.0 FireWire 400 1 Please Note:FireWire port uses FireWire 800 connector for greater reliability, but unit runs at FireWire 400 speed close |
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz |
| Analog In |
4 x Neutrik Combo/XLR 2 x 1/4" TRS phone (balanced/unbalanced) 2 x 1/4" TS phone Hi-Z instrument |
| Analog Outputs |
2 x 1/4" TRS phone Main 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Line 2 x 1/4" TRS phone Headphone |
| Digital Input Connectors | 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF |
| Digital Output Connectors | 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF |
| MIDI In/Out | No |
| Sync In/Out |
S/PDIF SMPTE Time Code (LTC) |
| Headphone Output | 2 x 1/4" TRS phone with Volume Control |
| Phantom Power | +48V, individually switchable |
| Display |
2 x Main out 10-segment ladder LEDs 4 x Input 5-segment LEDs 2 x S/PDIF I/O signal present LEDs 2 x Stereo line out signal present LEDs 4 x Phantom power LEDs 4 x Pad LEDs 5 x Mix/trim (main, line, S/PDIF, phone, trim) LEDs 1 x Vol/Pan LED |
| Power Requirements |
9~18VDC, 5W, tip + or - via included power adapter (required for stand-alone and USB 2.0 operation) FireWire bus power |
| System Requirements |
Mac PowerPC G4 CPU 1GHz or faster (including PowerPC G5 CPUs and all Intel processor Macs) OS X v10.5.8 or later required, 10.6, or 10.7 1GB RAM (2GB or more recommended) Available FireWire or USB2 port Large hard drive (preferably at least 250GB) PC Pentium-based 1GHz PC compatible or faster equipped with at least one USB2 or FireWire port Windows Vista SP2 32- or 64-bit, or Windows 7 1GB RAM (2GB or more recommended) Available FireWire or USB2 port Large hard drive (preferably at least 250GB) Included Software CueMix FX MOTU SMPTE Console AudioDesk (Mac only) 64-bit Operation Available for Mac OS X v10.6 or 10.7 Available for 64-bit versions of Windows 7 or Vista Requires a 64-bit CPU (and host application for plug-in versions) |
| Dimensions |
9.5 x 7 x 1.75" (241 x 178 x 45mm)
2
Please Note:Chassis dimensions with rack ears close |
| Weight | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Compatible Software |
Mac MOTU Digital Performer MOTU AudioDesk Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later) Apple Logic Pro Apple Logic Express Apple GarageBand Apple SoundTrack Pro Ableton Live Propellerhead Record and Reason Steinberg Cubase Cockos Reaper Native Instruments KONTAKT Waves stand-alone applications (and plug-ins, via compatible host) Windows Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later) Ableton Live Cakewalk Sonar Steinberg Cubase Propellerhead Record and Reason Image Line FL Studio Sony Vegas Pro Sony Sound Forge Sony Acid Cockos Reaper Native Instruments KONTAKT Waves stand-alone applications (and plug-ins, via compatible host) |