Sampling - IMac Built in Output Vs Motu M4

The Lounge Other Gear
1

Just wondering if there’d be much of a difference between the inbuilt IMac output and a Motu M4 Soundcard. iMac is a relatively new model.

I’m currently coming out of the iMac, into a small Mackie mixer to add some fx, then into an Mpc One and Octatrack.

Curious to know if going direct from a Motu M4 would make that much of a difference.

Thanks

2

There will be a difference because the MOTU has a better DAC chip, if you feel the sound coming out is what it’s meant to be I wouldn’t’ worry. I had a Mini Mac and the difference between Apogee and MOTU stuff, compared to the Mac out, was pretty obvious across a whole tune.

Ultimately it’ll be more accurate in the tiniest details, that’s the quickest way to explain it.

1 Like
3

Thanks.

And in reality I’m not after anything special.

For what I’m doing things sound fine as they are.

4

Ended up buying a Presonus Quantum 2626.

The difference is crystal clear. Really pleased i made the switch.

5

Best to AB with headphones. The difference should be night and day. Built-in ports on macs are pretty poor.

6

Absolutely was. Although my tracks still sounded crap :laughing: