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MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface

Name: MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Brand: MOTU
SKU: MAULMK3H
Price: 549.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4 (37 reviews)

BH #MAULMK3H • MFR #8450

37 reviews

Authorized Dealer

MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface

Key Features

Hybrid FireWire & USB 2.0 Connectivity
On Board DSP Processor
Classic Reverb, LA-2A Compressors, EQ
10 Inputs, 14 Outputs

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.

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MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Overview

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.

UPC: 839128005747

MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Specs

Key Specs

Channels of I/O	10 Input / 14 Output
Maximum Sampling Rate	192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs	1
Analog Audio I/O	2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line Input 6x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Line Input 10x 1/4" TRS Line Output 1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O	1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection	1x FireWire 6-Pin (Class-Compliant, on Interface) 1x USB-B (Class-Compliant)
OS Compatibility	Windows macOS 10.4
Power Requirements	AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)

Channels of I/O	10 Input / 14 Output
Built-In DSP	Floating-Point
Maximum Sampling Rate	192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs	1
Built-In Microphone	No

Signal Processing

Pad	No
High-Pass Filter	No
Solo/Mute	No

Connectivity

Analog Audio I/O	2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line Input 6x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Line Input 10x 1/4" TRS Line Output 1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
Phantom Power	48 V
Digital Audio I/O	1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection	1x FireWire 6-Pin (Class-Compliant, on Interface) 1x USB-B (Class-Compliant)
Host Connection Protocol	FireWire 400 USB 2.0
USB (Non-Host)	No
Sync I/O	No
Network I/O	No
MIDI I/O	1x DIN 5-Pin Input 1x DIN 5-Pin Output
Expansion Slots	No
Wireless	No

Digital Audio

Sample Rates	44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz
Bit Depths	24-Bit
Sync Sources	Internal, S/PDIF

Audio Storage & Playback

Media/Memory Card Slot

Compatibility

OS Compatibility	Windows / macOS 10.4 Only
OS Compatibility	Windows macOS 10.4
Mobile App Compatible	No
Required Hardware	FireWire 400 Port, FireWire 800 Port, USB 2.0 Port

Power

Power Requirements	AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
AC/DC Power Adapter	10 to 24 VDC

Packaging Info

Package Weight	5.6 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	15 x 11.4 x 5.5"

MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Reviews

Tough Decision made simple

By Christophere

Rated 5 out of 5

Date: 2023-02-07

I already have one and needed more channels so picking up another Ultralite mk3 was an easy choice. 10in 14 out up to 192 kHz sample rate on all 10 analog inputs, MIDI interface and that means with 2 units at under $1200 I am able to record 20 channels simultaneously. I connect them direct to my laptop or use 2 of the USB in the Akai Force and USB to my laptop. The advantage over ADAT channels is the sample rate drop. The advantage over AVB is price point, so its a good place to get stuck in. Might be confusing to less experienced because there are so many ways to route internally , but there is no compromise on quality. Beautiful sounding compressor/limiter, 60 seconds of warm reverb, wave form generator, superb eq per channel. DSP meter and if you have limited real estate, I have yet to find so much in such a small form factor. B&H rock the best pricesand they are straight shooters, it difficult for me to shop elsewhere because the service and communication is superior.

Does not work

By Gene

Rated 1 out of 5

Date: 2017-02-11

I've had this for over a year. Sounds fine. Unfortunately it does not work randomly every other time I fire it up, using either computer, both Win 7, hi specs, using USB3. Now trying to register it with MOTU so I can actually get some support (not that I hear they are very good at supporting people with problems) and the serial number does not seem to be working so I can't register it. Lovely. I'd recommend staying away from this. I'd eschew MOTU altogether.

See any errors on this page?

question

Will it play nice with Pro Tools on my Windows 7 (soon windows 10) system?

Asked by: Anonymous

Hi Gabriel, i dont use this interface for work with pro tools, i use this with Reaper and Ableton Live on OS X Mountain Lion and Windows 7 32 bits and work perfect. I recorded a live band on 96khz and 24 bits on 8 channels. I play my synthesizers, guitar and percussion instruments and process this on real time and works fine. I provide the ultrlite to my friend and him work with pro tools on Windows 7 64bit and works fine at 96khz 24bit session. This is my experience and hope help you to decide

Answered by: Gabriel R.

Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Is it possible to use the UltraLite-mk3 just an an interface with my own mix software (ProTools) and not use the included CueMix software?

Asked by: Anonymous

Yes, I've used the UltraLite-mk3 with ProTools so I can assure you it is compatible.

Answered by: Jeff R.

Date published: 2018-08-28

question

what elctrical current?

Asked by: Anonymous

As mentioned the UltraLite ships with a DC power supply that provides 15V at 1A.Dave

Answered by: MOTU Expert

Date published: 2018-08-28

question

What's the end to end audio latency w/Cubase 8, Logic 10?

Asked by: Marta G.

It means that it is fully compatible with your DAW and doesn't introduce any annoying delay . It is a solid unit, pretty perfect for most home recording needs.

Answered by: ADRIAN T.

Date published: 2024-05-26

question

what electric pawer i can use?

Asked by: Anonymous

hello, if you use the Firewire connection then no other power source is required (the Firewire port is bus-powered). However if you use the USB2 port you'll need to use the supplied power adapted - the USB port is not bus-powered.

Answered by: James L.

Date published: 2018-08-28