MOTU UltraLite-mk5

The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 packs 40 simultaneous channels of pro-grade I/O into a compact, road-ready half-rack chassis. Connecting over hi-speed USB (USB-C, class compliant for Mac, PC and iOS), it pairs the reference-grade ES9026PRO ESS Sabre32 DAC — 125 dB dynamic range, -114 dB THD+N — with MOTU's optimised drivers for round-trip latency as low as 2.4 ms at up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Two combo XLR/TRS inputs offer mic, line and hi-Z guitar preamps with 48V phantom power, joined by six line inputs and ten DC-coupled line outputs for flexible monitoring and outboard routing. Eight channels of optical I/O (with stereo TOSLink S/PDIF), RCA S/PDIF, MIDI in/out and a dedicated headphone output complete the connectivity, expanding the channel count well beyond the analog complement.

An onboard DSP-driven monitor mixer creates a separate mix for every output pair with reverb, 4-band parametric EQ and dynamics, controllable from the CueMix 5 app over USB or Wi-Fi. Loopback simplifies podcasting and livestreaming, while talkback, A/B monitor select and standalone operation let the UltraLite-mk5 run as a full mixer with or without a computer.

FEATURES

• 18 x 22 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-inch 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)

• Two-year warranty

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.

Rack-Mount Operation
Half-rack Mounting Kit (Sold Separately)
Ready for serious touring, the steel-encased UltraLite-mk5 can be rack-mounted with thick, steel brackets designed to withstand the punishment on the road ahead. (Sold separately)

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

• 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.

• 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 and MIDI I/O.

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.

SPECIFICATIONS

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

• 2 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks

• 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs

Analog inputs: 6 x 1/4" TRS line in (balanced)
Analog outputs: 10 x 1/4" TRS line out (balanced, DC coupled)
Digital I/O:

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

• 1 bank (4 ch) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates

• Switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)

• 1 x stereo S/PDIF on RCA (up to 96 kHz)

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:

• 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:

• 1 x MIDI IN

• 1 x MIDI OUT

• 16 MIDI channels to/from computer host

Headphone: 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo phone
Phantom power: 2 x individual +48V
Front panel:

• 2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs

• 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output

• 1 x potentiometer • phone/monitor vol

• 2 x potentiometer • mic/instr input gain

• 4 x 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)

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

• 2.875 lbs / 1.31 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

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