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MOTU UltraLite mk5

45

USB 2.0 Audio Interface

  • With USB C connector
  • ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology
  • 24 Bit / 44.1 - 192 kHz
  • Precise level meters for all analogue inputs/outputs with high-resolution OLED display
  • 2 Microphone / line / Hi-Z inputs via XLR/jack combo socket
  • Gain control and 48V phantom power for both mic inputs
  • 10 DC-coupled line outputs via 6.3 mm stereo jack
  • 6 Line inputs via 6.3 mm stereo jack
  • Digital inputs/outputs via ADAT (8 channels) or Optical S/PDIF (2-channel)
  • MIDI input and output
  • Stereo headphone output via 6.3 mm jack with independent volume control
  • DSP-controlled 22 x 6 monitor mixer incl. reverb, parametric 4-band equaliser and dynamic effects
  • Driver loopback for mixing computer audio, live streaming and podcasting
  • iOS compatible (USB class compliant)
  • System requirements: Windows 8 or later, USB Class Compliant for plug-and-play operation on the Mac
  • Includes MOTU Performer Lite 10
Available since April 2021
Item number 516626
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Recording / Playback Channels 18x22
Number of Mic Inputs 2
Number of Line Inputs 8
Instrument Inputs 2
Number of Line Outs 10
Headphone Outs 1
Phantom power Yes
Number of S/PDIF Connectors 1
Number of ADAT Connectors 1
Numer of AES/EBU Connectors 0
Number of MADI Connectors 0
Ethernet 0
Other Connectors No
MIDI interface Yes
Word Clock 0
Max. sample rate (kHz) 192 kHz
Max. resolution in bit 24 bit
USB Bus-Powered No
Incl. power supply Yes
USB Version 2.0
Width in mm 220 mm
Depth in mm 178 mm
Height in mm 45 mm
Connection Format USB port Type C
Zero latency monitoring 1
2.259 AED 584,03 €
Plus 269 AED shipping
The price in AED is a guideline price only
Since we ship from Germany, additional costs through taxes and customs may be incurred
In stock
In stock

This product is in stock and can be shipped immediately.

Standard Delivery Times
1

Compact audio interface

The MOTU UltraLite Mk5 is a compact USB 2.0 audio interface with connections for two microphones and six line input channels. On top of that, it also offers ten DC-coupled outputs. Furthermore, its optical connections can be used to expand the input and output channels digitally. In total, this audio interface is able to receive signals from 18 input channels and to send signals to 22 output channels. The fifth generation of the MOTU UltraLite was released four years after its predecessor, and offers new and improved converters, a greater dynamic range, and an OLED display. It combines excellent sound quality and robust workmanship, and the latest drivers give it solid performance and low latency. Thanks to the integrated monitor mixer, which comes equipped with effects, this device will prove its worth not only in studio applications, but also on the stage at live shows.

Each output has its own mix

The UltraLite Mk 5 is equipped with a DSP-controlled monitor mixer, including numerous effects, comprising reverb, a parametric 4-band equaliser, as well as dynamic effects like a compressor. With the help of this device and its outstanding features, users can create an independent mix for each output channel. An additional twelve input channels can be created using the optical connectivity options. Alternatively, the S/PDIF jacks support stereo TOSLINK. Loopback channels for the MOTU UltraLite Mk5 can be created using the USB port, which is especially helpful for live streaming and podcasts. All inputs and outputs can be used simultaneously with a quality of up to 48kHz. The integrated ES9026PRO DAC converters implment ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, enabling a higher dynamic range of 125dB (a marked improvement on the previous generation) and a THD value of -114dB.

Reliable solution for high-quality recordings

The MOTU UltraLite Mk5 is aimed at all musicians and sound engineers who are looking for a reliable solution for recordings in a quality of up to 192kHz and 24Bit. Thanks to its robust and sturdy steel casing and its compact size, portability is safe and straightforward, making it ideal for mixing signals live on stage. Furthermore, it can process audio signals with a low latency – when using the DAW Digital Performer, latency is 2.4ms at a sample rate of 192kHz and a sample buffer of 32Bit. The large number of input and output channels allows for flexible integration into every studio setup. Using a rack mount kit (sold separately), the MOTU UltraLite Mk5 can be installed in a 19" rack, making it even more user-friendly and space-saving.

About MOTU

The US manufacturer of digital audio hardware from Cambridge, Massachusetts, was founded in 1981 and since then has continued to generate attention for its sophisticated and innovative concepts. The company's range includes USB, Thunderbolt, and network audio interfaces, MIDI interfaces, video hardware, and the popular MOTU Digital Performer DAW software. MOTU also developed "Mouse Stampede", one of the first arcade games for the Apple Macintosh, in 1984. In short, MOTU represents good-quality, reliable products with a great deal of creativity and wit, which usually come at a very fair price.

Capture performances directly

The front side of the Mk5 is fitted with practical combo jacks, allowing both jack cables and microphones to be easily connected. Condenser microphones are also an option with this audio interface, thanks to the 48V phantom power which can be activated for each channel. The level of line signals such as keyboards can be lowered by 20dB via the PAD switch, and if Hi-Z is a activated, then sources with high impedance such as electric guitars and basses can be connected. The numerous line outputs allow the user to connect stage monitors or several loudspeakers for a surround configuration. The USB-C port is class compliant, which guarantees plug-and-play connectivity for iPads or other iOS devices. These features allow performances to be captured directly, without any detours in the signal path – and backing tracks can also be played easily. The integrated mixer can be controlled and settings can be adjusted via the mixing app CueMix 5.

45 Customer ratings

4.8 / 5

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31 Reviews

L
Ticks all the boxes
L_Bo 15.05.2021
Nicely compact with a pleasing aesthetic, sleeker in person than the pictures would have you believe. Build quality is excellent, surpassed my expectations. The unit gets slightly warm during use, nothing out of the ordinary for electronic equipment.

I use it in a Win10 home studio setup, drivers install along with CueMix 5 in a single installer, firmware update via CueMix took 30 secs, was up an running on my system within about 15 mins from opening the box. CueMix 5 is well laid out, easy to use, responsive and functional.

The OLED is a nice addition and is quite useful for quick metering and there are some settings you can change directly on the device without having to open CM5 such as sample rate and factory reset. Latency performance is good, nice and stable at low buffer sizes. Loads of I/O, the two pre-amps sound great, transparent, with lots of gain. DC coupled outputs are a useful bonus. MIDI I/O essential, ADAT expansion great to have.

One con: the Volume knob is small and right above the headphone output so can be harder to turn when you have a set plugged in. The knob is high precision but that also means it takes a few seconds to turn all the way down. As far as I can tell, there is no way of quickly muting either the headphones output or the main output directly on the device.

Overall very pleased with this purchase, does everything I need and more at a very high standard of quality across the board.
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OE
10out 8in budget, okay Wandlung, harsche Höhen und Jitter - das hört man sofort
OTEC Events 12.06.2023
735€ und 1 bit oled display einzubauen ist das allerletzte auf der Welt. Unfassbar. Digital-analog Wandlung ist o.k.a.y. Sehr störend auf das Gesamtbild des Klanges und insgesamt Gerätes wirken die harsche Höhen und Jitter aus. Wahrscheinlich 125db,115db noise floor und viele ins und outs konnten nur mit obengenannten Klangproblemen erreicht werden (typisch Motu). Im Vergleich beim Apollo Twin X gibt das nicht. Da klingt alles sehr gut, eingebaute preamps um Welten besser.
Vielleicht mit external clock verbessert sich beim Ultralite5 alldas wie das z.B. bei Apollo x16 der Fall ist (x16 mit guten external clock wird auf ein mal eine höhere Wandlerklasse, nur wenige wissen dass apollo für einen externen Clock ausgelegt ist). Von daher die Wandlung und internal clock ist nur mit O.K. zu bewerten.

Motu ist verbesserungsfähig und sollte dies korrigieren z.B. 1000-2000€ aber dann bitte menschlichen Sound, guten Clock, gerne Doppelhöhe bzw. 19'' zoll rackfähig, externes Netzteil weiterhin und klever konfiguriert - Ultralite5 ist zurückgeblieben und nicht überlegen, ich habe es gekauft, wegen 125db und 10 Ausgängen.

Der Preis 735€ für 10 simmetrische Ausgänge und 8 simmetrische Eingänge (2 davon Preamps) ist trotzdem viel zu hoch.

Die Software und Treiber auf Windows 11 liefern schnell zuverlässige und intuitive Ergebnisse - hier beste Note. Wird leicht warm das Gerät, es wackelt nichts, gutes Gewicht, Gummifüße, gute stabile Buchsen, auch hier beste Note.

Keine Kaufempfehlung
Empfehlung mindestens Apollo X8
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3
10
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D
Top Sound Quality and features
Dim83 15.11.2022
As from past years MOTU has a very special quality about its products! High quality converters, high build quality and very nice deal at this price range!
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3
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O
Perfect in every way
OCAudiophile 18.10.2023
Unmeasurable distortion levels, enough channels to even run Dolby Atmos with filters from a PC
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