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MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface

BH #MAULMK5 • MFR #8453
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MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Key Features
  • Musicians, Podcasters, and Producers
  • AC-Powered / Mac, Windows, iOS
  • 2 Mic / Line / Hi-Z Preamps, 6 Line In
  • Headphone and 10 Line Outputs
Raising the bar above the previous generation of UltraLite, the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 desktop 18x22 USB-C audio/MIDI interface provides a slew of enhancements inside and out, from its fresh appearance and simplified operation to updated DACs and improved analog performance. With its flexible connectivity, generous software bundle, virtual loopback function, and host-based or standalone use, the UltraLite-mk5 is equally advantageous for musicians, producers, podcasters, and content creators.
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MOTU ULTRALITE MK5 Overview

Raising the bar above the previous generation of UltraLite, the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 desktop 18x22 USB-C audio/MIDI interface provides a slew of enhancements inside and out, from its fresh appearance and simplified operation to updated DACs and improved analog performance. With its flexible connectivity, generous software bundle, virtual loopback function, and host-based or standalone use, the UltraLite-mk5 is equally advantageous for musicians, producers, podcasters, and content creators.

The mic preamps on the UltraLite now deliver up to +74 dB of gain, more than enough to get a robust recording level even from low-output dynamic mics. The two combo inputs can also accept line/instrument sources while the six rear-panel 1/4" inputs are dedicated for line-level sources. Thanks to the 10 DC-coupled line outputs and stereo headphone out, the interface can easily feed speakers, cans, and outboard gear. Plus, 10 channels of digital audio I/O and traditional MIDI I/O are present, should you need to integrate the UltraLite-mk5 with more complex setups.

UltraLite-mk5 Vs UltraLite-mk4
In addition to its freshened look and feel, the UltraLite-mk5 features updated ESS DACs, an ESS-driven headphone out, improved analog performance, simplified operation, USB Type-C connectivity, and new software and drivers.
Sound
The UltraLite-mk5 includes renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, featuring the ES9026PRO DAC, to deliver measured 125 dB dynamic range and -114 dB THD+N along with high-resolution support up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Renowned drivers deliver rock-solid performance and industry-leading low latency.
Versatility
Flexible XLR/TRS combo jacks let you plug in mics, guitars, and/or line inputs. Add individual 48V phantom power if needed, adjust level with trim and pad, and start recording. Apply reverb, EQ, and compression to the mix in your headphones, to the recorded tracks, or both.

The headphone output mirrors the main outs, but it can also mirror any other output pair. You can even create your own independent headphone mix. Push the volume knob to control main out volume.

Each mic input has +74 dB of independent preamp gain, a -20 dB pad, and 48V phantom power for condenser mics. Use the rotary encoders for quick access to basic settings from the front panel.

The bright, crisp, high-resolution OLED provides long-throw metering for all analog I/O, plus activity indicators for digital audio and MIDI I/O.
Connectivity
As an interface or mixer, the UltraLite-mk5 provides 18 inputs and 22 outputs, for a total of 40 simultaneous, independent I/O channels. You get two mic/line/instrument inputs on XLR-1/4" combo jacks, six 1/4" TRS balanced line inputs, 10 DC-coupled 1/4" TRS balanced line outputs, a 1/4" front-panel headphone out, stereo coaxial S/PDIF I/O, and 8-channel optical I/O. The optical ports alternatively support stereo TOSLINK (optical S/PDIF). Traditional 5-pin MIDI input and output ports are also provided.
USB Class Compliance
The UltraLite-mk5 is USB audio class compliant, giving you plug-and-play compatibility with iPad and other Apple iOS devices. Record on-the-go, directly to your iPad, or play backing tracks during a gig, mixed with your live inputs with the UltraLite-mk5's built-in mixing. Control everything from the CueMix 5 mixing app on your iPad. The interface has a USB Type-C port and is compatible with USB Type-A. Mac and Windows drivers are available for low-latency operations (2.4 ms roundtrip latency). The external power supply ensures stable operation whether you use the UltraLite-mk5 standalone or with a host.
Live Streaming
The UltraLite-mk5 provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer or iOS device, so you can easily route the computer output, along with a mix of live inputs from the UltraLite-mk5 itself, back to the computer, where you can record it back into your podcasting host software or stream it live to the internet.
Ready for the Road
After recording and mixing in the studio, take the UltraLite-mk5 on the road with your laptop for mobile recording and live mixing. It features a rugged steel enclosure that can be rackmounted alone or beside another unit using optional hardware.
Included Software
  • CueMix 5 gives you simple yet comprehensive graphic control over your mix. CueMix 5 is a completely new app with attractive graphic mixing, graphic editing of parametric EQ, and a convenient touch-friendly interface for quick access to all mixing features, digitally controlled trims, and other settings in your UltraLite-mk5.
  • Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process, and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar, and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing, and much more.
  • Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go with over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments, and more.
  • Performer Lite includes 6GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. From Performer Lite's Content Browser, choose from dozens of musical styles, click to audition, then drag and drop in your project's timeline to quickly build your track.
UPC: 839128006188

MOTU ULTRALITE MK5 Specs

Key Specs
Channels of I/O
Analog:
8 Inputs / 12 Outputs
Digital:
10 Inputs / 10 Outputs
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
2
Analog Audio I/O
2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input
6x 1/4" TRS Line Input
10x 1/4" TRS Line Output
1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O
TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input
TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output
RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input
RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection
1x USB-C (Class-Compliant)
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
General
Display
1x Monochrome OLED
Channels of I/O
Analog:
8 Inputs / 12 Outputs
Digital:
10 Inputs / 10 Outputs
Built-In DSP
Yes
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
2
Built-In Microphone
No
Input Level Adjustment
2x Knob
Signal Processing
Pad
Mic:
-20 dB (Switchable per Channel)
Gain/Trim Range
Mic Inputs:
Up to +74 dB
High-Pass Filter
No
Solo/Mute
No
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input (Front Panel)
6x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input
10x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output
1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output (Front Panel)
Phantom Power
48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
Digital Audio I/O
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output
1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input
1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection / USB
1x USB-C (Class-Compliant)
Host Connection Protocol
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
Performance
Maximum Input Level
Mic Inputs:
0 dBu
Line Inputs:
+24 dBu
Maximum Output Level
Line Outputs:
+21 dBu
Headphone Outputs:
+14 dBu
Impedance
Line/Hi-Z Inputs:
1 Megohm
Dynamic Range
Line Inputs:
120 dB (A-Weighted)
Mic Inputs:
115 dB (A-Weighted)
Headphone Outputs:
118 dB (A-Weighted)
Line Outputs:
125 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N
Mic Inputs:
-113 dB
Line Inputs:
-114 dB / 0.0002% (Unweighted)
Line Outputs:
-114 dB / 0.0002% (Unweighted)
Headphone Outputs:
-110 dB / 0.0003% (Unweighted)
EIN
Mic Inputs:
-129 dBu
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
44.1 to 192 kHz
Sample Rate Conversion
No
Bit Depths
24-Bit
Latency
2.4 ms at 96 kHz (Dependent on Buffer Size, Input to Output)
Sync Sources
ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF
Audio Storage & Playback
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.11 or Later / Windows 10 or Later
Processor Requirement
Mac:
Intel Core i3 or Better
PC:
Intel Core i3 or Better
AMD
RAM Requirements
4 GB, 8 GB Recommended
Storage Requirements
500 GB
Mobile Device Compatibility
iPad
iPhone
iPod Touch
Required Hardware
Available USB 2.0 Port
Power
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
AC/DC Power Adapter
12 to 18 VDC at 1 A, Center-Positive or Negative (Included)
Physical
Rackmount Size
1 U (with Non-Included Hardware, 1/2-Rack)
Dimensions
8.6 x 6.9 x 1.75" / 21.8 x 17.5 x 4.45 cm
Weight
2.9 lb / 1.3 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.87 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.8 x 11.4 x 5.5"

MOTU ULTRALITE MK5 Reviews

Good value but not perfect

By Joseph
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2025-03-03

Installation was effortless and preamps and playback sound great. Headphone amp can't handle high impedance very well and the volume knob is too small and close to headphone socket, making it hard to use.

Cheap 7.1 interface, works well

By Kevin
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-28

I needed something compact & portable that could handle 7.1 output monitoring for Pro Tools, and this is pretty much the only thing in this price point that will do it. You have to spend at least 3x as much for the next viable option, so while I'm still not the biggest fan of MOTU's converters or overall sound quality, for the price it can't be beat. Drivers are solid on Mac OS Monterey and CueMix 5 is much better than prior versions for I/O setup.

See any errors on this page?

is this plug and play with davinci resolve?

is this plug and play with davinci resolve?
Asked by: Keith
If the UltraLite-mk5 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface is compatible with your computer and Davinci Resolve is compatible with your computer then they will both work together.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2023-08-09

Hi, does the supplied AC power adapter also work ...

Hi, does the supplied AC power adapter also work in countries with their mains power rated at 220-240v (volts)?
Asked by: Marco Aurelio
Yes, the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface supports 100-240 VAC power sources.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2023-12-18

How many channels does the optical out support?

How many channels does the optical out support?
Asked by: Leon
The optical ports on the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface support stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) input and output.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2022-12-14

Does it come with half rack ears?

Does it come with half rack ears?
Asked by: Felipe
It does say: ...can be rackmounted alone or beside another unit using optional hardware. I assume it is sold separately, right?
Answered by: Felipe
Date published: 2023-05-24

Using the Configure button in the Windows Sound ...

Using the Configure button in the Windows Sound Panel, do the drivers support 5.1 and 7.1 surround output through Windows?
Asked by: Daniel
Actually, the BH Staff reply to the question is not accurate. I spoke directly with a MOTU engineer and he said the only way for the Ultralite-mk5 to work in 5.1 and 7.1 surround in Windows (for games and movies) is to use vb-audio Voicemeeter. MOTU is aware of the lack of Windows driver surround support but is working on it in the future.
Answered by: Daniel
Date published: 2023-01-25

Is this plug and play with Davinci Resolve ...

Is this plug and play with Davinci Resolve studio?
Asked by: Keith
The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface will work for audio input and output in DaVinci Resolve Studio, and the analog audio outputs on this interface offer excellent connectivity option for professional surround sound monitoring.
Answered by: Jordan K
Date published: 2023-08-09

Does the package includes international power ...

Does the package includes international power socket adapters?
Asked by: Alex
No it does not.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2022-12-27
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