I had to sell my Apogee Symphony Desktop because it had only 2 ins and outs. Music Background: Composer, Programmer, Sound Designer & Audio Engineer. Learn More. The fifth-generation MOTU UltraLite-mk5 packs 40 simultaneous channels 18-in and 22-out in a compact, portable USB audio interface that vaunts reference-quality ESS SABRE PRO D/A and an astonishing 2.4ms of round-trip latency. I also have the outputs of the keyboard I'm playing running into inputs 3 and 4 just in case Ableton crashes. Launch your DAW, select the MOTU as the primary playback and recording device. The RME-Baby Face Pro FS: Great Spec's, Price was around $1K, limited I/O's, it can control 2 Monitors. Highly recommended. 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. I perform on stage with a keyboard attached to the interface via MIDI to an Ableton Rig. You get 2 mic/line/instrument inputs,6 line inputs, 10 line outputs, headphone out and 8-channel optical I/O. MUTO-UltraLite MK5: performs as advertised, which..has made me a happy man. Its an excellent alternative if youre looking for something slightly more affordable with similar sound quality and features. Best of all, its totally FREE, and its just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com. And, thanks to optimized drivers, the UltraLite-mk5 offers reliable performance on Mac, PC, and iOS. Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple promotional financing. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 To learn more about our cookie policy, please visit our Privacy Policy. The UltraLite Mk5 has ten line outputs, an ADAT input and output (I/O), a SPDIF I/O, and a MIDI I/O on the back. I bought this product because of the 10 sends, which I believed would be very clutch for live productions, but it has been problematic. Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help! Still happy with the purchase. Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. The overall quality and the extensive I/O have really made a difference for me. Get Directions | Minor quibbles: And they didn't even bother to throw in four rack screws. With a mic input dynamic range of nearly 120 dB, this unit offers an impressive amount of headroom. The UltraLite-mk5 interfaces have a USB-C port for connecting directly to your computer and operate on the USB 2.0 protocol for maximum compatibility. Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. from Lake Mary FL on August 23, 2022, Music Background: Professional musician and freelance recording engineer, By Max Apply reverb, EQ and compression to the mix in your headphones, to the recorded tracks, or both. It boasts ESS Technology's reference-quality ES9026PRO SABRE D/A, which yields a 125dB dynamic range and -114dB THD+N. They say Apples next OS release, Ventura "should" fix it. Perfect I/O for my needs, impressively small form factor, great build quality and a surprisingly useful display. Pros: 1. Conversion is solid, and I'd need to pay another couple G's to see any real improvement over 8 channels. No, specs are specs, and the specs on this unit are impressive, and they matter. Future proof for sure and yes, it sounds amazing. Under both knobs are a Pad button (reduces incoming signals by 20 dB) and a +48V phantom power button for each mic input. Apollo). Thick steel brackets ensure everything connects solidlyas a singular full-rack unit. Your email, has been entered to win this giveaway. Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple promotional financing. The M4 has a more intuitive layout thats a bit easier to navigate. You can also use the LED screen to monitor your recording levels, clock settings, sample rate, and MIDI and digital connection. Hey its great! MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface Bundle with IOGEAR USB Type-C To USB Type-C Cable and 20" XLR-XLR Cable. The sound: make no mistake, your ears will be the bottleneck here. The converters are excellent and reveal a lot compared to the Focusrite Saffire 56 it replaced in my studio. Sweetwater Sales Engineers help you buy music gear with confidence. I have a return channel from the front-of-house console or personal mixing device on stage running into inputs 1 and 2. You need to turn the knob up to about 2/3 of max to get any real volume if motu stick with it, roll it out to all prosumer interfaces, and keep improving upon it, they will then have that one ui that all their prosumer interfaces can enjoy, one codebase, and a universe of users who benefit from updates.. the rme totalmix philosophy works, proven, and has put that company in an untouchable position for software Highly recommended. Useless for client work, useless for recording live shows, or using for live performances, all the things they advertised it being great for! Either bit crushed random distortion events, or sometimes it loses sync with computer and then all audio is delayed like you suddenly switched to a vary high buffer. Between the mic inputs and gain knobs are a headphone output and volume knob. This link provides the Windows driver and CueMix 5 app for quick access to all the settings and mixing features in UltraLite-mk5. The preamps are amazing, stunningly clear and detailed. All of these are great products, but there was always something missing for me. Yeah, I have other interfaces that have never given any problems . 3X Performance: The M4 is designed to be a low latency interface that gives you the best performance of any MIDI controller in its class at up to 100 times per second. Converters: Clearly superior. Would buy again. No, specs are specs, and the specs on this unit are impressive, and they matter. Time to move to another DAW as well, as much as I enjoy Digital Performer. Fixed a race condition that could lead to unpredictable behavior. They feel tacked on and a little flimsy compared to what is otherwise top notch build qaulity. The UltraLite-mk5 is the latest iteration of MOTU's popular 18 x 22 half-rack USB audio interface. It works as advertised. Love this device because you are not paying for esthetic as much as reliability and functionality. I've only ever used a couple other interfaces so I'm no expert, but this is the best of the lot by far. Turn your old gear into new gear with the Sweetwater Gear Exchange! Exclusive deals, delivered straight to your inbox. Please note: I update the hardware (and drivers) well before productions. Output volume to my headphone amp: louder and cleaner. After all of this, I still have loads more outputs and a few more inputs. Please click below to login. It boasts ESS Technology's reference-quality ES9026PRO SABRE D/A, which yields a 125dB dynamic range and -114dB THD+N. Good Luck! The UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid provides cross-platform compatibility with Mac and Windows and all of your favorite audio software and host-based effects via WDM/ASIO/Core Audio drivers. The device does not sit perfectly flat. I recently noticed on my Mk5 playing a 60 hz tone that by adjusting the volume of the analog outputs via the knob I can hear a low frequency "pop" at each step (this is not perceptible with music or higher frequency tones). from Chicago, IL on August 28, 2022, By Jackie Baker MOTU UltraLite mk5 20 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 receive a free copy of Digital Performer Lite, over 6GB worth of free loops and Pre amps are solid, great routing. Performer Lite includes over 100 virtual instruments, including acoustic and electric pianos, guitars, basses, drums, organs synths, orchestral instruments, choirs, world instruments and much more. The headphone amp, in my opinion is plenty loud. Sweetwater's Sales Engineers have the experience to help! So the interface is outputting the stereo Ableton mix with loads of VSTs running through outputs 1 and 2. 74 I've only ever used a couple other interfaces so I'm no expert, but this is the best of the lot by far. Music background: Musician/Mixing Engineer, Thank you for your request. This interface needs a very well-made USBC cable. Our Sales Engineers are a world-class team of music gear experts whose sole job is to provide you with helpful advice and unparalleled service completely free of charge. This new MOTU is almost perfect. Fixed an issue that caused intermittent audio dropouts at lower buffer sizes on some hosts. Download the Mac software installer for the UltraLite-mk5 below. After almost a year, I finally got it. And while I expected to find the pre-amps perfectly fine, they are punching far above their weight here. Now, I have tried many of the sub-1000 interfaces (Apollo Twin X, RME Babyface Pro FS, Audient ID44, Focusrite Clarett 4 Pre+, Apogee Duet 3. Motu UltraLite mk4 Review | Super Best Audio Friends, MOTU UltraLite-MK3 Hybrid FireWire/USB2 Audio Interface, MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB Audio Interface w/ 2 Mogami XLR Cables , MOTU UltraLite-mk4 18x22 USB Audio Interface with DSP, MOTU UltraLite-MK4 18x22 USB Audio Interface with DSP Mixing and , MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB Audio Interface | Sweetwater, Motu Ultralite-mk5 - Audio Interface . The interface should automatically turn on. Fixed a few edge cases that could get the driver into an inconsistent state. Free Expedited Shipping. My only complaints are minor: Build quality could be a tiny bit better. Whether you're onstage or in the studio, top-shelf sound and rock-solid operation are crucial. The Mk5 has the M4 beat in sound quality and features. Perhaps mk6 will be knobless. Learn More. Love this device because you are not paying for esthetic as much as reliability and functionality. Latency issues: gone. 18-in/22-out USB-C Audio Interface with 24-bit/192kHz Conversion, 2 Mic Preamps, DSP Mixing and Effects, MIDI I/O, and Loopback - Mac/PC/iOS, By JJ Flare the Audio Interface) to improve the quality of my recordings. I could even have done without these two on this box and had more in and outs. Download the Windows software installer for the UltraLite-mk5 below. This 18-in/22-out USB audio interface includes two crystal-clear mic/line/instrument inputs, along with six line inputs and 10 line outputs. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. Download: Firmware Supports: UltraLite-mk5 Firmware 1.1.9+2466 | Nov. 15, 2022 . I have my vocal mic running into the first preamp. While it carries a high price tag, this unit produces better audio quality than most audio interfaces. I never have to deal with wireless interference and the clicks and pops wireless packs often introduce. themselves have told me there is an issue with USB controllers in the new Macs and this Ultralite Mk5. Same thing. Select your offer in checkout. During that time, he's worked in local studios, built multiple home studios, and tested tons of audio and music production gear in the process. I can run my entire in-ear mix through this unit complete with a crowd mic I use to hear the room. Fixed driver compatibility with the latest firmware. My only complaints are minor: Build quality could be a tiny bit better. The UltraLite-mk5's dual microphone preamps offer crystal-clear audio capture, and with this much I/O at your disposal, you'll have no trouble integrating your favorite outboard hardware. Learn More. Phone Hours | Theres also a USB-C port and a 15V DC port for power connection. Methinks someone on the design team insisted on a few real knobs. correctly. Exclusive deals, delivered straight to your inbox. Upgraded from a Scarlett 2i2. from Massachusetts on September 9, 2022, Music Background: Musician/Mixing Engineer, By Samuel Caballero The interface should automatically turn on at this point. I have some compression, EQ and some reverb on the vocal and then it outputs through output 3. This. Use the rotary encoders for quick access to basic settings from the front panel. To purchase a MOTU product in the United States or Canada, please visit or contact an authorized MOTU reseller. Push the VOL knob to control MAIN OUT volume. The sound quality is amazing and has a-lot of inputs and outputs for a small interface. Once you do so, the setting that your controlling will appear on the LED screen to the right. 5th-generation engineering delivers unprecedented sound quality, ultra-low latency and proven performance. It has many I/O, an onboard DSP mixer, and a detailed LED recording level screen. MOTU UltraLite mk5 18in 22out USB-C ELOLED . It has a simple and intuitive layout and does an excellent job of packing in so many inputs and outputs. If I'm ever handed a wireless pack on stage, I simply plug it into an adapter that runs into inputs 1 and 2. Performer Lite includes 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. and is painfully detailed in his qualified presentation. And, thanks to optimized drivers, the UltraLite-mk5 offers reliable performance on Mac, PC, and iOS. Installs the latest drivers and software for UltraLite-mk5. Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple, promotional financing. I've been a long time MOTU user (Digital Performer since it was originally just Performer!) . These videos show you how to install and use the software, plug-ins, virtual instruments and loop librariesincluded with your UltraLite-mk5. Supports Apple silicon and Intel-based Macs. There's a very small amount of latency (79 samples for me) but that's predictable and easy to work around. See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners! I immediately got used to just using the software interface to adjust levels, which is excellent and seems quite mature. You Pay: $649.00. from Aiken, SC on September 8, 2022, By Richard Bluestein After almost a year, I finally got it. You'll benefit from round-trip latency of 2.4ms over USB at 24-bit/96kHz. But I'm going to put this interface away until MOTU can provide a solution, yesterday was the last straw lol! They shipped me 2 replacement units (so 3 units total) they all do the same thing. I'll detail my setup so you'll have an idea as to how versatile this unit is. The latest in MOTU's popular, award-winning UltraLite interface series, the UltraLite-mk5 is an 18-input, 22-output audio interface with DSP mixing, effects processing and best-in-class analog audio quality for on-the-go mobile audio recording. I've had several productions (7+ in the past year) where some of the sends stop working completely or they timeout and produce a tone between 4k-6k or it produces audio with crackling noises. 00 Digiface + Ultralite together sounds pretty cool, possibly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Yeah, that's a good idea. It produces top-of-the-line audio quality and features onboard DSP effects for zero-latency monitoring. Phone Hours | The Ultralite Mk5 has similar capabilities but obviously different inputs. He's been a music producer, mix engineer, and self-recording artist since 2010. Contact Us We're here to help Account Shop By Category What's New Deals Used Gear News & Research Giveaway Sweetwater Card You can still get it by Christmas for only $5 Shipping Deadlines MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB Audio Interface I am so glad they released this. I've read on forums of others having this exact issue. The converters are excellent and reveal a lot compared to the Focusrite Saffire 56 it replaced in my studio. As of this writing the EVO 16: is "still unavailable" for whatever "Reason" for purchase, so that stumble, scared me away. Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost. Product Details This Monoprice 6-foot USB-C to USB-A Cable is compatible with the Motu M2, M4, Ultralite-mk5 Audio Interfaces. See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners! (4) notify when in stock. I'm only tracking myself at the moment but once I feel comfortable enough in a post-Covid world to track bands again, it's nice to know I'll never have to worry about connectivity issues. I perform on stage with a keyboard attached to the interface via MIDI to an Ableton Rig. 6 months might really be stretching it though. . No Hassle Return Policy The headroom is amazing. , Same thing. I love that you can rack mount 2 of them if you need to increase your I/O over time. No excuse MOTU, this is terrible customer service. Help other music gear aficionados by sharing your opinions of gear you've purchased. Based in Brighton, England, this label has been providing pristine audio libraries for more than a decade. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 All of that and I still haven't addressed that there are 8 additional ADAT ins for use in the studio. The good: Still happy with the purchase. This is over most users' heads and a pain when I'm setting up in a hurry. But the M4 is better for beginner and intermediate users. I would say the main quality differences are the UAD Unison pres, the really good Apollo DSP, and the overall interface / UI. - Great sound quality 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. Would buy again. Perfect I/O for my needs, impressively small form factor, great build quality and a surprisingly useful display. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. It doesnt have as many line inputs and outputs or digital expandability. macOS 12, themselves have told me there is an issue with USB controllers in the new Macs and this Ultralite Mk5. For shame! Exclusive deals, delivered straight to your inbox. Sound quality is great and the i/o and routing is very advanced, particularly for this price point. The Ultralite MK5 is amazing in all regards and my soul mate of an interface! You can't really tell if you're peaking except to notice the white bar is totally filled. For shame! Their sounds are being used all over the world by many well known DJs, music producers and companies. Good thing I didn't listen to the people who told me a better interface wouldn't make a difference and that "Specs are just about marketing"(Someone actually told me that). Copyright 2008-2023MOTU, Inc. All rights reserved. Related Post: How to Read Audio Interface Specs. Total price: $604.99. The UltraLite-mk5 connects to a computer through Hi-Speed USB-C (audio class compliant, compatible with USB 2.0, 3.0 and iOS) and operates at sample rates up to 192 kHz. Dynamic range is an important consideration when choosing an audio interface, especially if you plan on recording audio with a lot of variation in volume levels. Vsts running through outputs 1 and 2 Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly have my vocal mic into... Compression, EQ and some reverb on the motu ultralite mk5 sweetwater 2.0 protocol for maximum.. An onboard DSP mixer, and iOS provides cross-platform compatibility with Mac Windows... 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But the M4 beat in sound quality and features onboard DSP effects zero-latency... Also use the rotary encoders for quick access to all the settings and features... Total confidence Coverage Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost your computer and operate the! Half-Rack USB audio interface includes two crystal-clear mic/line/instrument inputs, 10 line outputs our winners... Done without these two on this unit produces better audio quality and the specs this. The white bar is totally filled are great products, but there was always something for... Always something missing for me informed and on your way it doesnt have as many line and...