MOTU’s UltraLite-mk5 provides 40 simultaneous audio channels over USB-C
The compact fifth-gen UltraLite gets a sleek makeover, too.
MOTU promises best-in-class audio quality with the fifth iteration of its UltraLite 18×22 audio interface. Sporting a smart new look and maintaining the portability of its predecessors, the half-rack UltraLite-mk5 gives you 40 simultaneous audio channels to play with.
- READ MORE: Best Audio Interfaces under $500
UltraLite-mk5 is built with two XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic, line and hi-Z instruments, six line inputs, 10 line outputs, one headphone output and eight channels of optical ADAT in/out and MIDI in/out connections. Optical connectivity supports also stereo RCA S/PDIF in/out. The combo inputs feature preamps with up to +74dB of gain.
Keeping an eye on all those levels is achieved via the high-contrast white OLED display, along with digital I/O activity indicators. MOTU has bundled in the CueMix 5 software with the interface, letting you manage signal routing and creating monitor mixes for the analogue outputs with EQ, compression, noise gate and reverb. The software is compatible with macOS, Windows and iOS.
MOTU’s UltraLite-mk5 updates the digital-audio-conversion quality with the ESS ES9026 PRO DAC. This provides 125dB dynamic range and -114dB Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N), with sample rates of up to 192kHz. MOTU says the interface’s mic inputs “deliver a remarkable -129dB Equivalent Input Noise (EIN)”.
The compact audio interface is also said to provide ultra-low latency performance, with a round trip latency of 2.4ms over USB.
You’ll hook up the UltraLite-mk5 to your computer via USB-C, but the interface is also compatible with USB-A connections. If you’re using an iOS device to process audio, you’ll need a Lightning adapter.
Along with the aforementioned CueMix 5, the UltraLite-mk5 comes with the Performer Lite software to get recording, editing, mixing and processing straight away. MOTU has also packed in “hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.” Over 100 virtual instruments are included, too.
MOTU’s UltraLite-mk5 is available now at a price of $595. Learn more at motu.com.
