MOTU OctaLite

Introducing OctaLite - 16x12 USB audio interface and optical expander with mixing, effects, and eight pristine, ultra-quiet mic preamps in a compact, mobile half-rack unit

The MOTU OctaLite is a 16-input, 12-output USB audio interface and optical expander with DSP mixing, on-board effects and best-in-class analogue audio quality, housed in a compact half-rack steel enclosure. Eight combo XLR/TRS mic/line/hi-Z inputs with Burr-Brown™ op amps deliver up to +74 dB of preamp gain and a measured −129 dBu EIN, while two balanced, DC-coupled quarter-inch outputs driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology deliver 125 dB of dynamic range at sample rates up to 192 kHz.

Use it three ways. Connect to a Mac, PC or iOS device over USB-C for recording with 2 ms round-trip latency; run it as a standalone mixer with no computer attached; or use it as an 8-channel optical expander to add eight mic/line/instrument inputs to a MOTU UltraLite-mk5 or other audio interface with a single optical cable. Two OctaLites mounted side by side give you sixteen mic inputs in a single rack space (mounting kits sold separately).

The DSP-driven mixer creates separate mixes for the headphones and monitor outputs, with three virtual mix buses plus reverb, 4-band parametric EQ, compression and gating, all running independently of your computer. Loopback channels make live streaming and podcasting straightforward, a high-resolution OLED display meters all analogue I/O, and the included CueMix 5 app and MOTU Performer Lite software, with over 100 instruments and 6 GB of loops, get you making music straight away.

FEATURES

• 16 x 12 USB audio interface with DSP, mixing and effects

• Operation as an 8-channel mic/line/instr optical expander up to 96 kHz

• Can be mounted side by side with an UltraLite or another OctaLite in a single rack space

• 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

• 8x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS with Burr Brown™ op amps and +74 dB of preamp gain

• Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input

• Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs

• 2x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS analog outputs with 125 dB dynamic range

• Hardware (direct) monitor mixing

• 1x optical digital I/O (8-channel optical or 2-channel TOSLink)

• 1x optical SMUX out (channels 5-8) at 88.2 or 96 kHz

• 1x headphone out (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control

• 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 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)

• Mac driver (optional, for 2 ms RTL@32/96 kHz and loopback feature)

• iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant)

• Loopback for capturing host output, live streaming, and podcasting

• DSP-driven monitor mixer with independent mixes for phones and monitor outs

• Mixer includes three virtual mix buses for in-the-box mixing and routing

• On-board effects including reverb, 4-band parametric EQ and dynamics

• Guitar re-amping with near-zero latency loop-thru to record dry guitar and mic'd amp simultaneously

• Rugged steel construction

• CueMix 5 app to control mixing and settings from a Mac, PC or iOS device

• MOTU Performer Lite 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 with an UltraLite-mk5 or 2nd OctaLite (mounting kits sold separately)

• Two-year factory warranty

Sound - Best-in-class audio quality
The OctaLite analog output is driven by renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology, featuring the ES9026PRO DAC, to deliver measured 125 dB dynamic range and -114 dB THD+N.

Equipped with Burr-Brown™ op-amps, the eight mic inputs deliver super-clean, ultra-quiet, neutral performance and +74 dB of preamp gain.

Renowned USB audio drivers deliver rock-solid performance and industry-leading low latency.

Connectivity - Eight mic inputs in a half-rack unit 
As an interface or mixer, the OctaLite provides eight mic/line/instrument inputs in a half rack form factor. Connect up to eight microphones, or any combination of mics, line level inputs, and guitars. The hi-Z quarter-inch jacks are perfect for DI guitar recording. Connect your speakers to balanced line outputs (L-R), along with headphones and 8-channel optical I/O. The optical ports alternatively support stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF). Operate the OctaLite as a USB audio interface, stand-alone mixer or 8-channel optical expander for another interface or mixer.

Versatility - Built for studio and stage
Housed in a compact, steel enclosure you can take anywhere, the OctaLite 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.

Performance - Ultra-low latency
When operating the OctaLite as a USB audio interface, optimized drivers for both Mac and PC deliver ultra-low latency performance with a round trip latency (RTL) of 2 ms (milliseconds) over USB (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer).

All the I/O you need
Connect all of your audio gear, including speakers, headphones, mics, guitars, synths and keyboards.

USB Class Compliance - Studio-grade I/O for your iOS device
The OctaLite 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 OctaLite's built-in mixing. Control everything from the CueMix 5™ mixing app on your iPad or iPhone.

Live Streaming - Loopback
The OctaLite 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 OctaLite itself, back to the computer, where you can record it back into your podcasting host software or stream it live to the internet. The OctaLite provides three virtual mix buses that you can use for alternate loopback mixes. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!

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

Optical Expansion
In addition to USB audio interface operation, the OctaLite serves as the perfect optical expander for your UltraLite-mk5, 828, 16A or other audio interface. Add eight mic channels to your setup with a single optical cable. The mic input circuits in the OctaLite are identical to the UltraLite-mk5, ensuring uniformity across both units for all ten combined inputs. Setup is easy: just select the analog inputs as the source for the Optical Out bank, and you're good to go. There's even a 2nd extra optical ouput port to cover channels 5-8 when employing the 4-channel SMUX optical format at high sample rates (88.2 or 96 kHz).

Rack-Mount Operation

• Half-rack Mounting Kit
  Ready for serious touring, the steel-encased OctaLite can be rack-mounted with thick, steel brackets designed to withstand the punishment on the road ahead. This is the same bracket as used for the UltraLite-mk5. (Sold separately)

• Half-rack Coupler Kit
  Join two OctaLite units together, side by side, to fill a space in your rack or road case. Or mount an OctaLite side-by-side with an UltraLite-mk5. Thick steel brackets ensure everything connects solidly as a singular full-rack unit. (Sold separately)

Sixteen mic inputs in a single rack space
Mount two OctaLites side by side and you've got sixteen mic inputs in a single rack space. Great for your studio rack or a portable rack case for on-the-go recording!

Flexible "combo-jack" inputs
Flexible XLR/TRS combo jacks let you plug in mics, guitars and/or line inputs. Add individual 48V phantom power if needed, adjust level with trim and pad, and start recording. Apply reverb, EQ and compression to the mix in your headphones, to the recorded tracks, or both. The quarter-inch inputs are hi-Z, perfect for DI guitar recording.

Headphone output
The headphone output mirrors the main outs, but you can also create your own independent headphone mix. Push the VOL knob to control MAIN OUT volume.

Preamp gain
Each mic input has +74 dB of independent preamp gain, a -20 dB pad and 48V phantom power for condenser mics. Use the rotary encoders for quick access to basic settings from the front panel.

Large OLED display
The bright, crisp, high-resolution OLED provides long-throw metering for all analog I/O, plus activity indicators for digital audio.

Monitor Mixing with Effects - The CueMix™ 5 app
CueMix 5 gives you simple, yet comprehensive graphic control over your OctaLite mix. For macOS, Windoww and iOS, CueMix 5 delivers intuitive 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 OctaLite. Create separate mixes for the rear-panel monitor (line) outputs, front-panel headphones and loopback channels.

Start making music right away with included workstation software, virtual instruments and loops
Connect the OctaLite 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 MOTU, 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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mic/line/guitar inputs:

• 8 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks

• 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs

Digital I/O:

• 1 bank (channels 1-8) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates

• 1 bank (channels 5-8) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates

• Switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)

Computer I/O:

• 1 x USB-C 2.0 audio class compliant

• Compatible with USB Type A (with adapter or C-to-A cable)

Total audio I/O:

• 16 in / 12 out (28 total) at 1x sample rates

• 12 in / 12 out (22 total) at 2x sample rates

• 8 in / 4 out (12 total) at 4x sample rates

Headphone: 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo phone
Phantom power: 8 x individual +48V
Front panel:

• 2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs

• 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output

• 1 x potentiometer • phone/monitor vol

• 1 x potentiometer • mic/instr input gain

• 1 x potentiometer • mic channel select

• 4 x switches • 48V, pad, back, menu

• 1x high-resolution white OLED display for metering/status

Power:

• Multi-blade international 15V DC power adapter

• 2.0A max • tip positive

• Supports 100-240V power sources (US/Japan, EU, UK, Australia)

Dimensions and weight (width x depth x height, enclosure only):

• 8.6 x 6.9 x 1.75 inches / 22 x 17.5 x 4.5 cm

• 3.0 lbs / 1.36 kg

System Requirements
Mac System Requirements:

• Apple silicon and Intel processors supported

• 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance

• macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant)

• Available USB port

Windows System Requirements:

• x86-64 (Intel, AMD) & ARM (Snapdragon) PCs supported

• 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance

• Windows 11 23H2 or later (x86-64/ARM64)

• Available USB port

Class-Compliant Support: USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (no driver required)
Included Software:

• CueMix 5

• MOTU Performer Lite

• Ableton Live Lite

• 6GB of loops and sounds from MOTU, Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, and LoopCloud

Compatible Mac Software
The OctaLite ships with standard Core Audio drivers for macOS for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:

• 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

• Ableton 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
The OctaLite ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 11 for compatibility with virtually all ASIO- and Wave-compatible audio apps, including:

• 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)