MOTU UltraLite-mk5 - 18x22 USB-C Audio Interface with DSP
The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 represents the fifth generation of one of the most acclaimed audio interfaces on the market, completely redesigned to deliver unparalleled sound quality, ultra-low latency, and reliable professional performance. Connecting via USB-C, this 18-in/22-out interface becomes the perfect hub for any recording studio, music production setup, or live performance environment. Its robust steel chassis with aluminum alloy covers not only ensures durability in any environment but also houses cutting-edge technology designed for the most discerning ears.
At the heart of the UltraLite-mk5 lies the renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC conversion technology, featuring the ES9026PRO chip, which delivers an exceptional 125 dB of dynamic range on its line outputs. This translates into incredibly clear, detailed, and accurate audio reproduction, allowing you to hear every nuance of your mixes. The analog inputs are equally impressive, offering 120 dB of dynamic range and virtually nonexistent harmonic distortion (-114 dB THD+N). The two front-panel microphone preamps, with XLR/TRS combo connectors, provide up to +74 dB of clean gain and an equivalent input noise (EIN) of -129 dBu, ensuring crystal-clear recordings even with the most demanding microphones.
Monitoring is simpler and more intuitive than ever thanks to its new high-resolution OLED display, which offers precise metering for all I/O, and the revamped CueMix 5 software. This application, native to macOS, Windows, and iOS, allows you to control the direct monitoring mix with zero latency in a graphical and touch-based way, creating independent mixes for each pair of outputs with built-in DSP effects such as equalization, compression, noise gate, and reverb—all without overloading your computer's CPU.
Main Features
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Exceptional Audio Quality: Equipped with ESS Sabre32™ converters (DAC ES9026PRO) that offer a dynamic range of 125 dB on the outputs for first-class sound clarity and detail.
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Complete Connectivity: A total of 40 simultaneous I/O channels (18 inputs and 22 outputs), including 2 mic/line/Hi-Z preamps, 6 line inputs, 10 line outputs, ADAT/TOSLINK optical I/O, S/PDIF and MIDI.
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Ultra-Low Latency Performance: Optimized drivers for Mac and PC that enable round-trip latency (RTL) as low as 2.4 ms (at 96 kHz), ideal for recording virtual instruments and real-time monitoring.
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Integrated DSP mixer and CueMix 5: Powerful internal digital mixer with effects (Reverb, EQ, Compressor, Gate) for creating latency-free monitor mixes without consuming computer resources. Controllable from Mac, PC, and iOS.
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Robust Construction and Compact Design: Heavy-duty steel chassis in a half-rack format, perfect for both the studio desktop and taking on tour.
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High Resolution OLED Display: Provides a clear and detailed measurement of all analog and digital input and output signals at a single glance.
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Loopback function: Facilitates recording the computer's output audio, ideal for podcasting, live streaming, and content creation.
Benefits for the Musician and Producer
The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 is designed to inspire creativity and eliminate technical barriers. For musicians, this means being able to record vocals and instruments with stunning fidelity, listening to the performance in real time without any perceptible latency. For producers, the clarity of the ESS Sabre32™ converters ensures that mixing decisions can be made with complete confidence, knowing that what you hear is a faithful representation of your audio. The flexibility of its inputs and outputs allows for the integration of external synthesizers, drum machines, and processors, while the DC-coupled outputs open the door to controlling modular synthesizers directly from your DAW.
Use Cases
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Professional or Home Recording Studio: As the main interface, it allows you to simultaneously record multiple sources such as voices, guitars, and keyboards with impeccable sound quality.
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Music Production and Mixing: Use its multiple outputs to connect several pairs of monitors, send custom headphone mixes to artists, or integrate external hardware processors.
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Live Performances and Podcasting: Its robust construction and ability to function as a standalone mixer make it ideal for the stage. The loopback function is perfect for live streaming or recording podcasts with audio from multiple sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it compatible with my operating system?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with macOS (10.11 or higher), Windows (10 or higher) and iOS (13.5 or higher) thanks to its USB Class Compliant connectivity.
- Do you need an external power supply?
- Yes, it works with the included 15V DC power adapter to ensure stable performance and +48V phantom power.
- Can I use it without being connected to a computer?
- Yes, the UltraLite-mk5 can function as a standalone digital mixer, allowing you to mix all its inputs to the outputs using the internal DSP.
- What software is included?
- It includes CueMix 5 control software, a license for the MOTU Performer Lite digital audio workstation, and over 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples, and Loopmasters.
Project description
USB-C audio interface with 18 inputs and 22 outputs and a resolution of up to 192 kHz. It features two XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone/line/Hi-Z with +74 dB gain preamps, -20 dB pads, and individual +48V phantom power. It includes six line inputs and ten balanced line outputs on 6.35 mm jacks, the latter being DC-coupled. D/A conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre32 ES9026PRO chip, achieving 125 dB of dynamic range. Digital connectivity consists of 8-channel optical ADAT I/O (or 4-channel SMUX), stereo TOSLINK, and S/PDIF RCA. It also features MIDI I/O, a stereo headphone output, and an OLED display for metering. A built-in DSP mixer with effects (EQ, compression, reverb) is included. The interface is housed in a half-rack steel chassis and is compatible with macOS, Windows, and iOS.
