If you've been searching for an affordable, compact audio interface with four mic inputs, your search is over. The 4pre packs four mic inputs into an impressively small half-rack form factor, along with a healthy complement of additional professional-grade audio connections. Just think of the possibilities. You can record and mix vocals plus guitar for two musicians simultaneously. Or mic a drum kit with overheads and close-ups. Or record lead and background vocals in one take. With an interface this flexible, capable, and great-sounding, you'll be ready for any situation your music throws at you.

The 4pre is an impressively small 8.5 by 7 by 1.75 inches, which means that it slides easily into your backpack. It also sits nicely next to your laptop or desktop computer.

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.

• Converters: 24-bit
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz
• Analog In: 4 x XLR/TRS combo, 2 x 1/4" TRS (balanced/unbalanced),2 x 1/4" hi-Z guitar
• 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)
• Headphone Output: 2 x 1/4" TRS phone with independent volume control
• Phantom Power: Individual +48V
• Front panel: 2 x 10-segment ladder LEDs main outs 4 x 5-segment LEDs inputs
• 2 x signal present LEDs S/PDIF I/O
• 2 x signal present LEDs stereo line out
• 4 x LEDs 48V phantom power
• 4 x LEDs -20 dB pad
• 5 x LEDs mix/trim (main, line, S/PDIF, phone, trim)
• 1 x LED Vol/Pan
• Power Requirements: 9-18V DC, 5W, tip + or -
• FireWire bus power
• DC power adapter included, required for stand-alone and USB 2.0 operation