Hi everyone,
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you who chimed in on my recent post about upgrading my audio interface. I truly appreciate the thoughtful feedback — this is why I love our little audiophile corner of the internet.
After going through all of your suggestions and doing a deep dive into reviews, specs, and user experiences, three brands consistently rose to the top: RME, MOTU, and Focusrite.
I absolutely loved what I saw from RME. There were a couple of models I seriously considered, but they’re just a bit outside my current budget range. That’s not to say I won’t add one to the studio down the road — because let’s be honest, RME gear is kind of the endgame for a lot of us.
My decision ultimately came down to two interfaces: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen and the MOTU M4.
Through my research, the MOTU M4 seemed to have a slight edge for vinyl transfers and long-term driver stability. A few reviews mentioned that Focusrite’s Windows drivers can occasionally be finicky. While many users have zero issues, that small concern mattered to me since reliability is critical when I’m digitizing vinyl — especially rare 12″ mixes for Burning the Ground.
In the end, I chose the MOTU M4 for several reasons:
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC
- Excellent low-latency performance
- Transparent, detailed sound quality
- Great input/output connectivity
- Competitive price point
For what I need — capturing clean, dynamic transfers from my Technics SL-1200MK7 and Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 — the M4 checks all the boxes.
I placed the order last night through Amazon, and it’s scheduled for overnight delivery. I’m actually taking today off to set everything up (assuming it arrives on time). You know I won’t be able to resist running a few test transfers immediately.
I’ll report back once I’ve had some hands-on time with it.
See you all very soon.
— Paul
Congratulations! I have the Focusrite 2i2 3rd. It sounds good to my ears. I used to rip vinyl records. I have a Rega P6, and now I’m bringing a used Revox B795 from Germany. It’s tangential. I hope to be able to play with it soon. As for the phono stage, I had several options. In the end, I sold it and kept the Phono Box Project, the most basic one, although I see that the phono stage on my Onkyo A-65 is also good, according to many users.
First, DjPaulT is a blessing. I suspect we all agree.
Long story short…been down this very same rabbit hole for a month or so. Still struggling even with the great info noted here as I am at a loss to understand with confidence the cabling required to go from an RCA out turntable OR pre-amp TO the XLR inputs in the MOTU.
Is it OK to use very short passive RCA to XLR cable adapters without degrading the signal path?
This is how I have connected my Turntable to the phono Preamp, and to MOTU M4.
1. Turntable → Phono Preamp RCA Cables
2. Phono Preamp → MOTU M4
From the output of the preamp, connect to the M4 inputs.
Use:
RCA → 1/4″ TS cables (one for left, one for right)
Connection:
Left output of preamp → Input 1 on the M4
Right output of preamp → Input 2 on the M4
Thank you, Paul. The world with XLR cables (and what I now know is called “TRS)” aka 1/4″) is new to me. My current set up is an old Sound Blaster Xfi where the ADC is a mystery item and connections are all RCA or optical. Simple but nowhere near the quality of your old or new set up which I have admired for some time!
Great choice, Paul. Looking forward to hearing the results 🤩 .
Hi, It seems like a good choice. I wanted to ask you something. I record my vinyl records using a Denon PMA 2500NE amplifier, a Technics 1500CEG turntable, and an Audio Technica 760SLC cartridge. I connect the analog audio output of the Denon to the analog audio input of a 2008 Mac Mini. I record the vinyl at 96 kHz 2-bit, since the Mac only goes up to 96 kHz. The sound quality I get from my Audacity recordings is fantastic. My question is: do you think the quality of my recordings would improve with the MOTU M4? If so,… Read more »
Hi Javier, You already have a very solid setup, and the fact that you’re recording at 96 kHz / 24-bit into Audacity means you’re capturing more than enough information from the vinyl itself. Your Technics SL‑1500C (assuming that’s the model you mean), Audio‑Technica AT760SLC cartridge, and Denon PMA‑2500NE amplifier are all high-quality components. Would the MOTU M4 improve your recordings? Possibly — but the improvement would likely be subtle rather than dramatic. The main difference comes down to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Right now you’re using the ADC built into your 2008 Mac Mini, which was designed primarily for general… Read more »
Hi, sorry, I’ve been away and just caught up on the messages today.
Thanks for your excellent explanations. Everything is much clearer now.
Yes, the Technics turntable is the SL-1500C. And yes, I meant 96 kHz/24-bit. Apparently, the translator removed that information.
I’ll think about it and maybe I’ll go for the MOTU M4. The price seems reasonable.
What connection cables would you recommend?
By the way, how can I change my avatar?I don’t see the option.
Again, thank you so much for your help and your great work.
PLEASE test “confusion” by New Order.
I am wanting an excuse to get a new pair of headphones. A test rip would be just the tipping point!
EDIT: check your records, my email address (or one with “biteatme” in the name, most likely) has been with you since nearly your launch (by the 3rd or 4th year at the latest! ) .
I realize a test rip is not an official rip and NOT for public release.
Hey Paul!, congrats for the new gear, now looking forward to hear the new releases thru that beauty. Best!
If you can make your rips even more “premium” then they already are … Good on ya !
NICE!
Looks like a pretty good choice:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/motu-m4-audio-interface-review.15757/
Yay, congratulations!
Excellent choice I enjoy the saver because Back Gemma had receivers. I’m using a 32 beat version of it right now which gives you excellent dynamic range sound to noise ratio and channel separation giving you a Y stage of the music, especially when I play my vinyls.
Inspired by your work I invested in upgrading my setup and I got myself the MOTU M2 and I’m really happy with it. I chose the Motu because of its clean sound. My idea being that the sound I get through my little Tube Box E (genalex Gold tubes) should as true as possible to that sound. I’m still learning but getting happy with my results.
Awesome, Paul! Like ING below, this is above what I know concerning all of this, but I’m pleased because you are. Way to go!!
Jeff
“I’m actually taking today off to set everything up“
ok i’m happy to know that i’m not the only one who does this for new audio or DJ or video gear!!!
Lol, I have completely rearranged my studio room today. 😀
Exciting!!! So much of the lingo is above my knowledge base, but I know what I know when I hear it! 😁😎
About $270 as far as I can see? Well within the budget you set for this Paul so that’s a bonus.
I’m reading that the ADC interface is actually a AKM AK5554VN as the SABRE DAC is for the DAC output only. Strangely, the ADC should be able to do 32 bit float since it has 4 channels but it doesn’t seem to be supported by the MOTU M4 spec but some say it should if using a compatible DAW. Nonetheless, it seems to be a solid choice. Can’t wait to hear it!
Nevermind, I didn’t realize it was a 4 channel interface, now it make sense that it doesn’t do 32 bit float, which is useful but not necessary, especially with vinyl recording!
The product description states that it has a 24bit/192kHz converter. This should definitely be considered before purchasing. For the price, it’s a very good interface.
Let`s wait for Pauls next rips and I bet you can’t hear the difference between a 24Bit and a 32Bit recording.
Just for those who might not understand 32bit float, it is achieved by stacking 2 DAC (usually 24bit), one with low gain and one with high gain, this way you can adjust levels after recording so you don’t haver to worry about clipping or loosing dynamic range if you didn’t set your level close to full DBFS (maximum digital level) beforehand. As I said, useful but not necessary to achieve high quality recording.
Correct 😉
The only puzzling thing to me is that in Adobe Audition, under Audio Driver, it says MOTU M Series. I assumed I would see ASIO drivers instead. Is this normal?
Paul, don’t worry, that’s normal.
Great, thank you for clarifying this for me.
Congrats! MOTU is always a better choice for sound quality than Focusrite.
I’ve used RME. Their driver support was weak.
Good choice. Thanks for sharing your transfers!
great! not an expert, but seems like a great choice, have fun with your new toy!