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MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface

SKU: MT8453 MFR: 8453
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Key Features

  • Capture pristine audio quality with 120 dB dynamic range, perfect for professional recordings.
  • Enjoy versatile connectivity with 18 inputs and 22 outputs, ideal for complex studio setups.
  • Achieve seamless compatibility across Mac, Windows, and iOS with USB-C, enhancing your workflow.
  • Experience ultra-low latency monitoring, ensuring precise timing for all your performances.
  • Benefit from a durable, compact design, making this audio interface perfect for on-the-go production.
  • Connect instruments and microphones effortlessly using XLR/TRS combo jacks for diverse recording needs.
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Review Summary

MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Specifications

  • Sample rates

    44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz

  • Mic/line/guitar inputs

    2x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks
    1 M Ohm impedance on the line/instr inputs

  • Line Input

    1/4" TRS, balanced, tip hot
    120 dB Dynamic Range
    -114 dB (0.0002%) THD+N (unweighted)
    24 dBu Max Level

  • Line Output

    1/4" TRS, balanced, tip hot
    125 dB Dynamic Range
    -114 dB (0.0002%) THD+N (unweighted)
    21 dBu Max Level

  • Mic input

    XLR, balanced, pin 2 hot
    115 dB Dynamic Range
    THD+N: -113 dB / EIN: -129 dBu
    Max level: 0 dBu / Preamp gain: +74 dB

  • Phones

    1/4", TRS stereo
    118 dB Dynamic Range
    -110 dB (0.0003%) THD+N (unweighted)
    Max level: 14 dBu / Output Impedance: <1 Ohm

  • Analog inputs

    6x 1/4" TRS line in (balanced)

  • Analog outputs

    10x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)

  • Digital I/O

    1x bank (8 ch) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates
    1x bank (4 ch) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates
    Switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)
    1x stereo S/PDIF on RCA (up to 96 kHz)

  • Computer I/O

    1x USB-C 2.0 audio class compliant
    Compatible with USB Type A (with adapter or C-to-A cable)

  • Total audio I/O

    18 in / 22 out (40 total) at 1x sample rates
    14 in / 18 out (32 total) at 2x sample rates
    8 in / 12 out (20 total) at 4x sample rates

  • MIDI I/O

    1x MIDI In
    1 x MIDI Out
    16 MIDI channels to/from computer host

  • Headphone

    1x 1/4" TRS stereo phone

  • Phantom power

    2x individual +48V

  • Front panel

    2x XLR/TRS combo inputs
    1x 1/4" TRS headphone output
    1x potentiometer: phone/monitor vol
    2x potentiometer: mic/instr input gain
    4x switches: (2) 48V and (2) pad
    1x high-resolution white OLED display for metering/status

  • Power

    Multi-blade international 15V DC power adapter
    1.0A max: tip pos or neg
    Supports 100-240V power sources (US/Japan, EU, UK, Australia)

  • Mac System Requirements

    Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including Apple silicon Macs)
    4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended
    macOS version 10.11 or later
    (Optional driver requires 10.13 or later)
    Available USB port
    A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)

  • Windows System Requirements

    Intel Core i3 PC (or AMD equivalent)
    4 GB RAM; 8 GB or more recommended
    Windows 10 or later (x64 AMD/Intel only)
    Available USB port
    A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)

  • Class-Compliant Support

    USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (no driver required)

  • Compatible Mac Software

    MOTU Performer Lite
    MOTU Digital Performer
    Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
    Apple Logic Pro
    Apple Logic Express
    Apple Garage Band
    Apple SoundTrack Pro
    bleton Live
    Presonus Studio One
    Propellerhead Record & Reason
    Steinberg Cubase
    Cockos Reaper
    Native Instruments Kontakt
    Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

  • Compatible Windows Software

    MOTU Performer Lite
    MOTU Digital Performer
    Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
    Ableton Live
    Cakewalk Sonar
    Cockos Reaper
    Image Line FL Studio
    Native Instruments Kontakt
    Presonus Studio One
    Propellerhead Record & Reason
    Sony Vegas Pro
    Sony Sound Forge
    Sony Acid
    Steinberg Cubase
    Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

  • Dimensions (W x D x H)

    8.6 x 6.9 x 1.75" (22 x 17.5 x 4.5cm)

  • Weight

    2.875 lbs (1.31kg)

  • UPC Code

    839128006188

About MOTU UltraLite-mk5

5th-generation engineering delivers unprecedented sound quality, ultra-low latency and proven performance.

Sound - Best-in-class audio quality
The UltraLite-mk5 includes renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, featuring the ES9026PRO DAC, to deliver measured 125 dB dynamic range and -114 dB THD+N. Renowned drivers deliver rock-solid performance and industry-leading low latency.

Performance - Ultra-low latency
Optimized drivers for both Mac and PC deliver ultra-low latency performance. With a high-performance DAW such as Digital Performer, the UltraLite-mk5 delivers an astonishing round trip latency (RTL) of 2.4 ms (milliseconds) over USB (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer).

Versatility - Built for studio and stage
Housed in a compact, steel enclosure you can take anywhere, the UltraLite-mk5 is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. Connect all your personal studio gear for state-of-the art computer-based recording and production, or take it to your next gig to mix live, without a computer.

Connectivity - 40 simultaneous audio channels
As an interface or mixer, the UltraLite-mk5 provides 18 inputs and 22 outputs, for a total of 40 simultaneous, independent I/O channels. You get 2 mic/line/instrument inputs, 6 line inputs, 10 line outputs, headphone out and 8-channel optical I/O. The optical ports alternatively support stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF).

All the I/O you need
Connect all of your audio gear, including speakers, headphones, mics, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, effects processors and even MIDI devices.

USB Class Compliance - iOS compatibility
The UltraLite-mk5 is USB audio class compliant, giving you plug-and-play compatibility with iPad and other Apple iOS devices. 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. Control everything from the CueMix 5 mixing app on your iPad or iPhone.

Live Streaming - Loopback
The UltraLite-mk5 provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer or iOS device, so you can easily route computer output, along with a mix of live inputs from the UltraLite-mk5 itself, back to the computer, where you can record it back into your podcasting host software or stream it live to the internet. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

Mobile recording and mixing
After recording and mixing in the studio, take the UltraLite-mk5 on the road with your laptop for mobile recording and live mixing.

Monitor Mixing with Effects - Introducing CueMix 5
CueMix 5 gives you simple, yet comprehensive graphic control over your mix. CueMix 5 is a completely new app with attractive graphic mixing, graphic editing of parametric EQ, and a convenient touch-friendly interface for quick access to all mixing features, digitally controlled trims and other settings in your UltraLite-mk5.

Start making music right away with included workstation software, virtual instruments and loops
Connect the UltraLite-mk5 to your Mac or PC and start laying down tracks with the included Performer Lite production software, plus hundreds of loops, one-shots and sounds from industry leaders Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters.

Performer Lite
Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and MIDI keyboard and start tracking with over 100 virtual instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing and much more.

100+ Instruments
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. Take your musical muse wherever it wants to go.

6 GB of free loops and sample packs
Performer Lite includes 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from leading sample content providers to help you start making music right away. From Performer Lite's Content Browser, choose from dozens of musical styles, click to audition, then drag and drop in your projects timeline to build your track quick.

Since 1986, Big Fish Audio has consistently produced the highest quality sample libraries available. Over the years, their sounds have been featured in hundreds of charting songs and top film and television soundtracks.

Lucidsamples is a collective of experienced music producers and professional musicians that offers high quality samples and sample packs which are suitable for creating products in the most popular music genres. Their sounds are being used all over the world by many well known DJs, music producers and companies.

Loopmasters is the definitive "sample boutique." Based in Brighton, England, this label has been providing pristine audio libraries for more than a decade. Content has been expansive and evolving over the years, with hundreds upon hundreds of royalty-free packs to inspire amateurs and seasoned artists alike.

MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Features

  • 18x22 USB audio interface with DSP, mixing and effects
  • Superb analog audio performance driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
  • Ultra-low latency for host software processing
  • Precision front-panel metering for all analog I/O with high-resolution OLED display
  • 2x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS
  • Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input
  • Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs
  • 10x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4" TRS analog outputs with 125 dB dynamic range
  • Hardware (direct) monitor mixing for each analog output pair (6 mix busses)
  • 6x balanced 1/4-inch TRS analog inputs with measured 120 dB dynamic range
  • 1x optical digital I/O (8-channel optical or 2-channel TOSLink)
  • 1x stereo RCA S/PDIF digital I/O
  • 1x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control
  • MIDI in and out/thru
  • Precision boost for all analog inputs and trim for all analog outputs in 1 dB steps
  • Wi-Fi control from CueMix 5 app on multiple mobile devices (via a USB-connected computer on the same network)
  • Network management features (discovery for multiple devices on the network and password protection for each device)
  • Support for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates
  • DC-coupled TRS outputs for CV control of modular synths from a host DAW
  • USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required)
  • Windows driver with 2.4 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)
  • Mac driver (optional, for 2.4 ms RTL@32/96 kHz and loopback feature)
  • iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)
  • Loopback for capturing host output, live streaming, and podcasting
  • Guitar re-amping with near-zero loop-thru to record the dry guitar signal and mic'd amp simultaneously
  • Control room features include Talkback, A/B Monitor Select, and Monitor Grouping
  • DSP-driven 22 x 6 monitor mixer (separate monitor mix for each analog output pair)
  • On-board effects including reverb, 4-band parametric EQ and dynamics
  • Rugged steel construction
  • CueMix 5 app to control mixing and settings from your Mac, PC or iOS device
  • MOTU Performer Lite 11 workstation software included
  • 100+ instruments (in Performer Lite)
  • Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots
  • Rack-mountable as a single unit or side by side (mounting kits sold separately)

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 24 months.

Key Features

  • Capture pristine audio quality with 120 dB dynamic range, perfect for professional recordings.
  • Enjoy versatile connectivity with 18 inputs and 22 outputs, ideal for complex studio setups.
  • Achieve seamless compatibility across Mac, Windows, and iOS with USB-C, enhancing your workflow.
  • Experience ultra-low latency monitoring, ensuring precise timing for all your performances.
  • Benefit from a durable, compact design, making this audio interface perfect for on-the-go production.
  • Connect instruments and microphones effortlessly using XLR/TRS combo jacks for diverse recording needs.

What's in the box:

  • MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
  • External Power Supply
  • CueMix 5 Software (Download)
  • MOTU Performer Lite (Download)
  • 6GB of Loops and Sounds from Big Fish Audio/LucidSamples/Loopmasters and MOTU (Download)
  • MOTU 2 Year Limited Warranty