Behringer UMC404HD vs MOTU M4
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right USB Audio Interfaces for your music.
Last updated: May 20, 2026 • Next update: May 27, 2026
Behringer UMC404HD
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
The UMC404HD is a solid entry-level interface for bedroom producers and singer-songwriters needing a decent number of inputs and outputs. The MIDAS preamps are a real highlight for the price, and the direct monitoring is a must for tracking. It's not a professional studio workhorse, but a very capable tool for home recording.
$109
MOTU M4
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
The MOTU M4 is a seriously capable little interface, especially for the price. It’s a fantastic option for singer-songwriters, podcasters, or anyone needing a portable, high-quality recording solution with a good feature set. The included software is a nice bonus too!
$328
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Behringer UMC404HD | MOTU M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Behringer | MOTU |
| Model | UMC404HD | M4 |
| Price | $108 | $327 |
| Expert Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 | ⭐ 4.8/5 |
| Inputs | 4x XLR/jack combo | 6 (2 mic/line combo XLR/TRS, 2 line TRS, 2 Hi-Z) |
| Outputs | 4x Line, Main XLR/jack, Stereo Headphone | 8 (4 line TRS, 4 RCA, 1 headphone TRS) |
| Max Sample Rate | 192 kHz | 192 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24 Bit | 24 bit |
| Preamps | MIDAS Mic Preamps | 2 (MOTU designed, low-noise) |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs | 2.3 lbs |
| Pros | + MIDAS preamps offer surprisingly clean and low-noise performance | + Excellent AD/DA conversion for clean, detailed recordings |
| Pros | + Compact size makes it ideal for smaller studios and mobile setups | + Compact size makes it ideal for mobile or smaller studios |
| Pros | + Comprehensive I/O for a budget-friendly interface | + Flexible I/O options accommodate a wide range of setups |
| Pros | + Direct monitoring avoids latency issues for tracking vocals and instruments | + Intuitive LCD metering simplifies level adjustments and monitoring |
| Cons | - Plastic enclosure feels less robust than higher-end interfaces | - Phantom power can be noisy with certain microphones |
| Cons | - Limited headroom; can clip easily with louder sources | - Limited routing options compared to more expensive interfaces |
| Cons | - MIDI implementation lacks advanced features found in pricier units | - Build quality feels a little plasticky, not quite rock-solid |
| Category | USB Audio Interfaces | USB Audio Interfaces |
| Article Number | 359076 | 478036 |
| Check Price | Check Price |
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Frequently Asked Questions
While functional, the 48V phantom power isn't as clean or powerful as those found in premium interfaces; capacitor mics might reveal some noise.
They function as standard inserts, but the signal level and impedance matching aren't optimized for high-end outboard gear – best for simple effects.
USB 2.0 is adequate for most users, but you might encounter occasional dropouts with very large project files or numerous plugins on resource-intensive systems.
It's surprisingly good, offering a warm, round tone, though a dedicated DI box will still provide more pristine results.
Absolutely, the headphone output is robust and offers a dedicated level control, making solo recording very straightforward.
Yes, it's generally stable and provides a clean signal for recording software output, though occasional driver quirks can happen with OS updates.
