MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
The UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid from MOTU is a hybrid FireWire and USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface for Windows and Mac computers with built-in DSP processing that also offers powerful stand-alone mixer functionality. It connects to both Mac and Windows computers through either a FireWire or USB port and provides high-resolution audio inputs and outputs for the connected computer. The option of computer connections provides a welcome level of future-proof usage.
Built-in DSP processing gives you the ability to add reverbs, compressors, and EQ to all input and output channels of the UltraLite-mk3, without taxing the host computer's processors. Additionally, when the UltraLite-mk3 is configured for stand-alone use, the DSP processing can be used without being attached to a computer. You can even call up the effects and tweak their parameters to your liking by utilizing the LCD display, all without a computer. Among the included effects are a vintage LA-2A compression emulation, and a range of reverbs and EQs.
A rich assortment of inputs and outputs are provided on the UltraLite-mk3, and controlling their gain settings is easy. You can make fine adjustments to the microphone preamps, as well as the input and output trims of all of the 1/4" jacks. Mac and Windows compatible CueMix FX software is included which enables you to create and save elaborate mixing and routing setups for the UltraLite-mk3. You can even slave to external SMPTE time code source through any of its quarter-inch inputs or outputs. MOTU SMPTE Console software is included to generate, regenerate, or slave other devices to your computer.
- Hybrid FireWire/USB2 connectivity, connect to your computer via either bus-powered FireWire or hi-speed USB 2.0
- Includes CueMix FX, a flexible 10 input/14 bus mixer with on-board DSP effects, including reverb with sends/returns, plus EQ and compression on every input and output
- No channel sharing on the 10 inputs and 14 outputs of the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid; the mic inputs, S/PDIF I/O, headphone out, and main outs are all handled as separate channels
- Classic Reverb provides five different room types, three frequency shelves with adjustable crossover points, shelf filtering, and reverb lengths up to 60 seconds
- Two forms of compression, a standard compressor with conventional threshold/ratio/attack/release/gain controls and the Leveler, an accurate model of the legendary LA-2A optical compressor, which provides vintage, musical automatic gain control
- Modeled EQ provides 7-band parametric EQ modeled after British analog console EQs, featuring 4 filter styles (gain/Q profiles) to effectively cover a wide range of audio material. LP and HP filters are also supplied with slopes that range from 6 to 36 dB.
- CueMix FX cross-platform mixing software, attractive graphic mixing, graphic editing of parametric EQ and a convenient tabbed interface for quick access to all features in one window. Also provides full-screen real-time FFT display, spectrogram "waterfall" display, oscilloscope, X-Y plot and linear or polar phase analysis.
- Front-panel control, access any setting in your entire UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid mix directly from the front panel
- "Reverb return" stream allows users to record or mix UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid reverb output separately in their DAW. Effects can also be applied when the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid is operating stand-alone (without a computer) as a complete stand-alone mixer.
- Stand-alone operation, program your mixes at the studio and then bring the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid to your gig with no computer needed. Just plug in the included power adapter and you are ready to go. Tweak the mix on site using the back-lit LCD and front-panel controls.
- Multiple CueMix FX mixes, create different monitor mixes for the main outs and headphones. Or add send/return loops for outboard gear with no latency.
- Two combo jacks provide hi-Z 1/4" guitar input or low-Z XLR mic input with phantom power, pad, and plenty of gain
- Eight 24-bit 192 kHz analog inputs and outputs on balanced/unbalanced 1/4" TRS jacks
- Digitally controlled analog trims on all analog inputs (mic/guitar inputs & quarter-inch TRS inputs) provides accurate adjustments in 1 dB increments. Fine-tune the balance of your analog inputs and then save/recall trim configurations.
- Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) is a DSP-driven phase lock engine and internal clock source that produces imperceptibly low jitter characteristics (below the noise floor), even when the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid is resolved to an external clock source via SMPTE time code
- Time code support directly resolves to (or generates) time code via any quarter-inch input or output, without the need for an extra synchronizer
- Sample-accurate MIDI, connect a MIDI controller and/or sound module with no separate interface needed. MIDI I/O is sample-accurate with supporting software.
- Expandable, you can add additional interfaces for more I/O as your needs grow
- Separate TRS main outs with front panel volume control
- Stereo 24-bit 96 kHz S/PDIF in/out
- Includes drivers for Mac & PC, including ASIO, WDM, Wave, Core Audio, and Core MIDI
- 100% compatible with all host-based effects processing in today's popular audio programs
- Includes AudioDesk full-featured sample-accurate workstation software for the Mac with recording, editing, mixing, real-time 32-bit effects processing & sample-accurate sync
- Plug-and-play operation with your Mac or PC via FireWire or USB 2.0
- Front panel volume control for monitoring. Stereo, Quad, 6.1, 7.1 and user-defined surround monitoring setups available.
- Front panel headphone jack with volume control
- Bus-powered FireWire operation. No need for external power when operating as a FireWire interface connected to a computer. A power supply is included for stand-alone operation.
| Converters | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz |
| Analog In |
2 x Neutrik combo/XLR 6 x 1/4" TRS phone (balanced/unbalanced) |
| Analog Outputs |
10 x 1/4" TRS phone 1 x 1/4" TRS phone Headphone |
| Digital Input Connectors |
1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF (stereo) 1 x FireWire (shared with output) 1 x USB 2.0 (shared with output) |
| Digital Output Connectors |
1 x RCA coaxial S/PDIF (stereo) 1 x FireWire (shared with output) 1 x USB 2.0 (shared with output) |
| MIDI In/Out | 2 x 5-pin DIN (16-channels I/O) |
| Sync In/Out |
S/PDIF Directly resolves to or generates time code via any quarter-inch input or output |
| Headphone Output | Yes, 1/4" Stereo with Volume Control |
| Phantom Power | Yes, +48V |
| Dimensions | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Weight | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Specialties |
On-board DSP effects FireWire & USB 2.0 connectivity |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 20 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
84%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (9)
- Compact (8)
- Easy to use (8)
- Versatile (8)
- Lightweight (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (8)
- Amateur recording (5)
- Performances (5)
- Professional recording (5)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (8), Professional musician (6), Audiophile (3), Tech savvy (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great interface, same trouble with PC
I use this interface to record music in my studio. I run it via USB with CUBASE 5 on a quadrucore 2,7 Ghz intel 2 PC that mounts windows 7. The quality of the ...Read complete review
I use this interface to record music in my studio. I run it via USB with CUBASE 5 on a quadrucore 2,7 Ghz intel 2 PC that mounts windows 7. The quality of the sound is great, dynamic response is optimal both for phantom powered mics and for analog input instruments. It's precise and powerful. Its software interface (CUEMIX) is versatile and allows you an incredible range of adjustements and control both on input and output, even before reaching your computer. There's a BUT though. As I had read in other reviews it still tends to create some conflicts with the PC sometimes making it sluggish, other times making it crash altogether. I guess if I were MOTU I'd spend a little extra resources to create drivers that are flawless for all those unfortunate users (probably millions) that have a PC and don't have the resources or the will to shift to MAC.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Didn't work - still trying to fix!
The installation CD for MOTU UL mk3 didn't work.[...]download the drivers from the [@]. I had to register the device for that and after we downloaded the drivers the device ...Read complete review
The installation CD for MOTU UL mk3 didn't work.[...]download the drivers from the [@]. I had to register the device for that and after we downloaded the drivers the device is still not working![...] I'm extremely disappointed.
Reviewed by 20 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Basic Use
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
This interface sounds amazing, such a jump from my mbox. My Genelec speakers sound incredible, there is such a differentiation in frequency and much clearer power. Very happy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Navigate
Cons
Best Uses
- Multi track recording
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
Setup is easy and simple on a Macbook Pro. I'm not looking for anything fancy.... just to record tracks using Logic and Sure Beta horn mic. I don't want to go through a lot of techie setup.
I bought this model because of the extra inputs which maybe I'll use someday.
I'm up and running. B&H also got it to me before Christmas when all others were going to take a lot longer to ship. And the price was good.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Great Sound
- Powerful
Cons
- Driver set up is tricky
Best Uses
- Audiophiles
- Larger Rooms
- Live DJ
- Production
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I use the interface with Ableton live for audio production and DJing.
The build quality stood out immediately and it sounds great. A definate step up from my old NI interface.
Driver installation is a bit tricky, just make sure to follow the instructions to the letter.
I haven't tried programming the unit via the buttons on the front panel but I could see this being a little time consuming.
Overall I am very happy, the ins and outs on the unit are sufficient for my current needs with room to grow, the sound is great and the build quality is sound. The reputation of MOTU seems to be well deserved.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
As its the first sound card I bought, i'm not disappointed. My KRKs have never sounded so great. I connect the soundcard via USB and its very stable, and have the luxury of pluging it FireWire in the futur (if I buy a new computer lets say).
Thought, I hate the clip sound my speakers does when I turn on & off the machine; it forces me to turn my speakers off first.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
So far so good. I haven't really pushed it to the max yet, but it looks to have everything I need, and so far it's worked reliably. The build quality is overall solid, though the knobs feel a bit cheap. I'd just recommend being gentle with them.
Pros
- Attractive Design
Cons
- USB Driver Problems Mac
Best Uses
- Not Any
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
Mac OS X 10.6 USB Drivers never loaded. Several attempts failed and Downloaded Updates failed to resoulve the problem. Even removing the Software and Drivers and clean install failed.
This is my move to Mac as Microsoft support and programing was buggy and virus ridden. Most certainly it must be the UltraLite mk3 Hybrid programing not the Mac OS.
Now I'm puzzled, huh.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
Unlike several interfaces I've tried, the UltraLite enables external channel mappings in Live, meaning I can iso record individual tracks. It's also a lot more stable. I love the size for all of the connectivity it provides.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
Just got this installed. Setup was fast and easy, the sound quality is very good and the amount of control over the port routing is excellent. I would definitely recommend this unit.
Installed on a Windows 7 64bit PC recording sound from a sound board.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Solid Constructions
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I rcv'd my Ultralite 1 hour before I had to leave for a gig. I was able to install the software/drivers to my laptop without issue (Dell XPS Studio 16 on Win 7) and tested as far as seeing the click from Ableton Live registering on the MOTU display. In the spirit of winging it, I took it with me to my gig and was able to perform. The sound was clean and my system ran very smoothly throughout a long set.
I was not able to plug and play using the headphones queue, but I did not have time to mess with it nor did I need queuing so not biggie there.
I'm impressed that I was able to do this without cracking open CueMix or messing with much routing.
Looking forward to many more adventures with my MK3.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I use the Motu live. Use the softsynths from my computer.
It works good.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
The installation CD for MOTU UL mk3 didn't work.[...]download the drivers from the [@]. I had to register the device for that and after we downloaded the drivers the device is still not working![...] I'm extremely disappointed.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I use this product for composing songs.
I am not sure what might be great about this product, it seems to be as good as the 828 I already own.
No complaints thus far.
Pros
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I did install this product on a new labtop with Windows 7. At first the output function OK. I coudnt get the input to work, so I tried to reinstall the program. After this neither input or output would work.
I have also tried to install the program on a XP machine. It did'nt work at all.
More help is needed if this thing should work at all.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited host connectivity
Best Uses
- Events
- Live Sound
- Professional Recording
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I use this interface for live sound reinforcement applications and run room mics for Smaart as well as effects returns for VST plugins through it. The quality is great, and I'm very happy with the design so far. Be sure to set up the correct ASIO drivers though, the Windows defaults might start acting weird at some point.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
A great, high-quality, easy-to-use interface.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I use this interface to record music in my studio. I run it via USB with CUBASE 5 on a quadrucore 2,7 Ghz intel 2 PC that mounts windows 7. The quality of the sound is great, dynamic response is optimal both for phantom powered mics and for analog input instruments. It's precise and powerful. Its software interface (CUEMIX) is versatile and allows you an incredible range of adjustements and control both on input and output, even before reaching your computer. There's a BUT though. As I had read in other reviews it still tends to create some conflicts with the PC sometimes making it sluggish, other times making it crash altogether. I guess if I were MOTU I'd spend a little extra resources to create drivers that are flawless for all those unfortunate users (probably millions) that have a PC and don't have the resources or the will to shift to MAC.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
I'm no professional but this thing makes me feel like one. There's no latency and it's super versatile. It works great with a mac book pro and logic. The software is just like a mixing board and it works thusly.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
This is my third pro-level soundcard and it rocks! It was an easy install (on Windows 7) and it has been a rock-solid performer! The DSP is great and the effects are pro all the way. CueMix is way cool. This is one of those solid, well-thought-out, pro-level products that has so much jammed into it that it's hard for the manufacturer to describe it in detail.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Would prefer metal knobs
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
Evaluated unit with Grado SR 60 headphones. Nice preamps, reverb is good, once set up properly. Most of the range of the decay adjustment is overkill. This adjustment could be rescaled. I found the limiting and frequency adjustment useful for vocals. I like the fact the company is based in MA, close to home.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface:
Easy-to-use, high quality sound card. Nice preamps. Well-thought signal routing possibilities (with the Cuemix application) which makes most mixing tables useless when recording with it! Compact and strong, can be carried anywhere since bus-powered (via firewire).
Displaying reviews 1-20
Cables
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- Original: $14.99
- Save: $1.50
- Price: $13.49
- GBP 8.61
Digital Cables
- Price: $15.99
- GBP 10.21
Snakes
- Price: $93.50
- GBP 59.70
This item is usually Drop Shipped from the MFR/Distributor within 7-10 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of placing the order with the vendor. Item is non-cancelable and non-returnable.
Headphones
- Price: $27.37
- GBP 17.47
Monitors
- Price: $179.00
- GBP 114.29
Data Storage Devices
- Price: $159.00
- GBP 101.52
Software
- Price: $495.00
- GBP 316.04
What's in the Box
- AC Power Adapter
- Software CD ROM
- USB Cable
- Ninety Day Warranty. After 90 Days, Flat Fee for Any Repair
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