MOTU 4pre 6x8 USB 2.0 & FireWire Audio Interface

The MOTU 4pre 6x8 USB 2.0 & FireWire Audio Interface is an affordable, compact audio interface with four high-quality mic inputs. The Motu 4pre is an ideal live-recording interface for both studio and stage.

The MOTU 4pre packs four mic inputs into an impressively small half-rack form factor, along with a healthy complement of additional professional-grade audio connections. The four inputs are not just for mics: they are combo jacks that also accept a quarter-inch plug. Inputs 1-2 take line-level signals, such as the output from a synth or keyboard. Inputs 3-4 are "hi-Z" DI inputs with proper impedance for plugging in your electric guitar directly, without an amp or cabinet, to process your guitar sound through amp and cab simulation plug-ins in your host software.

Thanks to MOTU’s Hybrid interface technology, the 4pre connects to any Mac or PC via FireWire or high-speed USB 2.0. Connect your mic, guitar, keyboard, and digital input, and you are ready to make pro-quality recordings. The 4pre can draw power from its FireWire connection to the computer, so you can operate remotely on laptop battery power. The 4pre can record and play all channels simultaneously, and high-speed USB 2.0 provides plenty of bandwidth, even at 96 kHz.

The 4pre aluminium alloy chassis is lightweight, yet incredibly sturdy and durable, and designed to withstand the rigors of the studio, stage, and tour bus. In a world awash with cheap plastic, the cool touch of the 4pre's metal exterior in your hands is a reassuring reminder that you are holding quality engineering and construction built to last. The 4pre can be joined with another MOTU half-rack interface (MIDI or audio) and together they can be mounted in a standard 19-inch equipment rack, or you can mount them on rack rails with other gear for convenient desktop operation.

The main features of the 4pre include:

• Converters: 24-bit
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz
• Analog In: 4 x XLR/TRS combo including 2 x 1/4" hi-Z guitar (inputs 3&4)
• Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" balanced TRS main out, 2 x 1/4" balanced TRS line out, 2 x 1/4" TRS headphone
• Digital Input: 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
• Digital Output: 1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF
• Computer I/O: 1 x FireWire 400 (Type B), 1 x USB 2.0
• Sync In/Out: S/PDIF
• SMPTE time code (LTC)
• Works with Mac OS X version 10.5, 10.6, or 10.7 (v10.5.8 or later is required), Windows 7 or Vista (SP2 or later is required)
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 7 x 1.75 inches
• Sturdy and lightweight aluminium alloy chassis