Comparison Motu M2 vs Motu M4

The number of input and output channels that the audio interface is equipped with. See below for more details on each type.

— Input channels. Input (in) channels on audio interfaces designate the number of different audio signals a device can accept for recording overnight. Their number plays a decisive role in multi-channel sound recording, connecting several instruments or vocals at the same time. When choosing an audio interface, consider not only the number of input channels, but also the types of connectors (see “Inputs”).

— Output channels. Output channels output (out) is the number of audio signals that can be sent to other devices or equipment for playback. The outputs of the audio interface can be used to connect to amplifiers, monitors, speaker systems, headphones, etc. A large number of output channels will come in handy when creating sound mixes, multi-channel recording or multitasking in a studio environment. For simpler tasks, it is enough to have from 2 to 4 output channels. When choosing an audio interface, consider not only the number of output channels, but also the types of connectors (see “Outputs”).

The number of preamplifiers in the design of an audio interface, designed to work with a weak signal - which directly comes from a microphone, pickup, etc. Each preamp corresponds to one low-level input channel. For example, if an audio interface has four preamps, it can simultaneously process signals from four microphones or other devices connected to those preamps. Professional studio audio interfaces are often equipped with a large number of preamps to provide flexibility and the ability to record from a large number of sources simultaneously.

— Total audio inputs Jack / XLR. The total number of analog audio inputs such as Jack (6.35 mm) and/or XLR (this interface can be combined with a “jack”). Note that such connectors can play the role of both a line input and a microphone or instrument input. For more details, see the relevant paragraphs.

— mini-Jack. The standard 3.5 mm mini-Jack is usually used in audio interfaces as an analog (line) input for two stereo channels, as well as as a microphone audio input (see the corresponding paragraphs).

The type of line input provided in the device. Uses the line input to feed audio from an external source to the audio interface.

The following types of connectors can be used for line input:

— mini-Jack (3.5 mm). A socket for a standard mini-Jack plug (3.5 mm). The connector serves as an audio input for two stereo channels. It is designed primarily for portable electronics such as smartphones, pocket players, etc. In stationary devices, Jack (6.35 mm), XLR and RCA are more popular.

— Jack (6.35 mm). A common audio connector for transmitting an analog signal. In design, this type of socket is as similar as possible to a mini-Jack (3.5 mm), but differs in size. Jack connector (6.5 mm) provides tight contact and is less susceptible to interference. It also supports a balanced connection - high-quality transmission of audio signals over fairly long wires with effective protection against interference.

- XLR. The XLR standard is considered professional - not only because of the high quality of signal transmission, but also because of its fairly large size and the presence of locks for securely securing the plugs. However, only one channel of audio can be transmitted over one cable, so XLR outputs are usually installed in pairs - based on stereo sound. Also note that these connectors can be combined with Jack sockets (6.35 mm). They also allow y...ou to implement a connection in a balanced format with a high degree of noise immunity and the use of fairly long wires without affecting the frequency of the analog signal.

- RCA. Connector for coaxial cable with tulip type plug. The standard RCA input consists of two jacks - for stereo sound, left and right channel. One analog RCA connector can only transmit one channel of audio, so the number of such connectors corresponds to the number of channels supported by the device.

— Total audio outputs Jack / XLR. The total number of analog audio outputs such as Jack (6.35 mm) and/or XLR (this interface can be combined with a “jack”). Note that such connectors can play the role of both the Main output and the linear output. For more details, see the relevant paragraphs.

— mini-Jack. The standard 3.5 mm mini-Jack is usually used in audio interfaces as an analog (line) output for two stereo channels, as well as as an output for connecting headphones (see the corresponding paragraphs).

Through the Main outputs it is supposed to transmit signals from the audio interface to external devices for playing and recording sound. In everyday use, there are models with one type of Main connector, as well as with several varieties (for example, Jack (6.35 mm), XLR, RCA, or Jack (6.35 mm) / RCA, or Jack (6.35 mm) / XLR).

— Jack (6.35 mm). Output for transmitting analog audio signal. Structurally similar to the popular mini-Jack, but differs from it in its larger dimensions. As a result, Jack type plugs (6.35 mm) are used primarily in high-end stationary audio equipment. Outputs of this type usually operate on a “one channel per connector” principle (i.e., to transmit stereo sound you will need to use two Jack sockets). Also, this interface often provides a balanced connection - a connection in a special format that allows the use of long wires without compromising the signal quality (due to the suppression of interference in the wire itself). However, the Jack connection (6.35 mm) may also be unbalanced.

- XLR. Another type of output for transmitting an analog signal using a balanced connection. It allows the use of long cable lengths without compromising the quality of data exchange - external interference is absorbed directly in the cable. Often the connector is combined with a Jack interface (6.5 mm). The XLR is equipped with a locking lock and three contacts. A single three-pin an...alog cable can only carry one channel of audio, so a standard XLR output typically consists of two jacks, stereo left and right.

- RCA. Jacks for coaxial cables with characteristic plugs, popularly known as “tulips”. One cable in analog format can transmit one channel of audio. The standard output of this type consists of two connectors - for the left and right stereo channels. On the other hand, RCA does not provide the possibility of a balanced connection, which is why it is inferior to other options in noise immunity, has noticeable limitations on cable length and is poorly suitable for professional use. Nevertheless, “tulips” have become very widespread in entry-level and mid-level stationary audio equipment.

The number of pairs of RCA output connectors(see above) in the audio interface design. By “pair” in this context we mean two RCA connectors, usually intended for stereo audio - left (Left) and right (Right) channels.