MOTU UltraLite AVB - 18x18 Hybrid Audio Interface with DSP and AVB Networking
The MOTU UltraLite AVB redefines flexibility and power in a compact audio interface. Designed for both studio and stage use, this half-rack unit combines exceptional audio quality, powerful internal DSP processing, and advanced AVB audio networking capabilities. With a total of 18 simultaneous inputs and 18 outputs, the UltraLite AVB offers massive connectivity for any recording or live performance situation. Its aluminum alloy chassis is not only robust and lightweight—ideal for musicians and technicians on the go—but also houses cutting-edge technology that ensures reliable, professional performance.
Hybrid connectivity is one of its strengths, offering a high-speed USB 2.0 port (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS devices) for universal connection to any computer or iPad, and an Ethernet port for AVB audio networking. This networking technology allows for easy system expansion by connecting other MOTU AVB interfaces with a simple network cable to increase the number of channels or to send and receive audio over long distances with extremely low latency. At the heart of the UltraLite AVB is a powerful DSP engine that powers a 48-channel, 12-bus stereo digital mixer. This allows you to apply high-quality effects to every input and output channel without consuming CPU resources, including EQs modeled after British analog consoles, a compressor inspired by the legendary LA-2A, and a rich-sounding classic reverb. All this power can be controlled wirelessly from any device with a web browser (iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, smartphone, or laptop), turning the interface into a complete standalone digital mixer.
Main Features
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Total Connectivity: Offers 18 simultaneous inputs and 18 outputs, including 2 microphone preamps, 2 Hi-Z guitar inputs, 6 analog line inputs and 8 analog line outputs.
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Superior Audio Quality: Recording and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. Balanced analog outputs provide a dynamic range of 117dB, rivaling high-end interfaces.
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Powerful DSP Mixer: Internal 48-channel digital mixer with 12 stereo buses and 32-bit floating-point effects processing, remotely controllable.
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Modeled Vintage Effects: Includes reverb, 4-band equalizer, gate and two forms of compression, including a classic emulation of the Teletronix LA-2A.
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AVB Audio Networking: Ethernet connectivity to expand the system with more MOTU interfaces or to integrate into a larger-scale audio network with ultra-low latency.
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Universal Wireless Control: Access all mixing and DSP functions via a web application from your tablet, smartphone or computer browser, without the need to install specific software.
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Robust and Portable Construction: Housed in a sturdy and lightweight half-rack aluminum chassis, perfect for touring, live performances, and outdoor recording.
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DC Coupled Outputs: The analog line outputs are capable of sending control voltage (CV) to modular synthesizers and other external equipment.
Benefits for the Musician and Producer
With the MOTU UltraLite AVB, you gain unprecedented creative freedom. Its ability to function as a high-density studio interface or a standalone live mixer lets you adapt to any situation. Record a full band in the rehearsal space, manage monitor mixes on stage from your tablet, or produce complex tracks in your studio with the assurance of near-zero latency and pristine sound. The integrated DSP frees up your computer for more plugins and virtual instruments, while AVB networking opens the door to a scalable, future-proof audio ecosystem.
Use Cases
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Music Production Studio: Connect all your synthesizers, drum machines, microphones and instruments and manage them through its flexible routing matrix and DSP mixer.
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Live Sound for Bands: Use it as the brain of your live sound system. Manage the front-of-house (FOH) mix and musician monitors directly from an iPad, without the need for a physical mixing console.
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Mobile and Outdoor Recording: Its compact size and robust construction make it the ideal companion for recording concerts, live sessions or sound effects in any location with studio quality.
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Advanced Podcasting and Streaming: Create complex mixes for your broadcasts, applying compression and equalization to voices in real time for professional sound without overloading your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer to use the UltraLite AVB?
Not necessarily. The UltraLite AVB can function as a standalone digital mixer. Once set up, you can control all its mixing and effects functions wirelessly from a tablet or smartphone, without it being connected to a computer.
What is AVB and why is it important?
AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is an Ethernet networking standard designed to transmit audio and video with very low latency and precise synchronization. It allows you to connect multiple MOTU AVB interfaces together to increase the number of channels or create a distributed audio network throughout a building using standard Ethernet cabling.
Does the wireless controller work with any device?
Yes. Control is handled through a web application that runs directly on the interface. Simply connect the UltraLite AVB to a Wi-Fi router, and you can access the control interface from the web browser of any device connected to that network, whether it's an iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, smartphone, Mac, or PC.
Is the interface compatible with the latest operating systems?
Yes, MOTU provides regularly updated drivers to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of macOS (including Apple Silicon) and Windows.
Project description
Hybrid audio interface with USB 2.0 and AVB Ethernet connectivity, featuring 18 simultaneous inputs and 18 outputs. It operates at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. It includes two microphone/guitar inputs with digitally controlled preamps, six analog TRS line inputs, eight balanced and DC-coupled analog TRS line outputs, and one stereo headphone output. It also features eight channels of ADAT optical digital I/O (switchable to stereo TOSLink) and MIDI I/O. An integrated 48-channel digital mixer with a DSP engine provides processing for effects such as EQ, compression, gate, and reverb. All of this is housed in a half-rack aluminum chassis.
