MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface Review
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Our editorial take on the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 is a desktop 18x22 USB-C audio/MIDI interface designed for professional and home studio use. It offers a substantial count of analog and digital I/O, including 2 XLR-1/4" combo inputs with Hi-Z capability and 10 line outputs. The unit emphasizes audio quality with favorable dynamic range and THD+N specifications across its inputs and outputs. Its onboard DSP and macOS/Windows compatibility, along with standalone mode operation, make it a versatile option for various production environments. While it notably lacks certain features such as a high-pass filter or built-in microphone, its comprehensive connectivity and robust performance figures position it as a capable hub for intricate recording and mixing setups. The inclusion of MIDI I/O further extends its utility for integrating hardware synthesizers and controllers. For users prioritizing extensive I/O and sound quality in a USB-C format, the UltraLite-mk5 presents a compelling option.
- High channel count with 18 inputs and 22 outputs including ADAT/S/PDIF options
- Excellent dynamic range and low THD+N figures across analog I/O
- Versatile analog inputs combining mic, line, and Hi-Z capabilities with individual phantom power and switchable pads
- Built-in DSP for internal processing without host CPU load
- Standalone operation mode for flexibility outside of a computer setup
- Lacks a high-pass filter on inputs, requiring external filtering or software processing
- No Sync I/O (e.g., Word Clock) or network connectivity for larger studio integration
- Monochrome OLED display offers limited visual feedback compared to larger color screens
- No Solo/Mute buttons on the unit itself
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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About this product
The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 is a desktop 18x22 USB-C audio/MIDI interface offering a range of enhancements including updated DACs and improved analog performance. It provides flexible connectivity, a generous software bundle, and can be used in host-based or standalone modes, making it suitable for musicians, producers, podcasters, and content creators.
Specs
- Pad
- -20 dB (Switchable per Channel)
- Display
- 1x Monochrome OLED
- Latency
- 2.4 ms at 96 kHz (Dependent on Buffer S
- MIDI I/O
- 1x DIN 5-Pin Input 1x DIN 5-Pin Output
- Sync I/O
- No
- Wireless
- No
- Solo/Mute
- No
- Bit Depths
- 24-Bit
- Network I/O
- No
- Built-In DSP
- Yes
- Sample Rates
- 44.1 to 192 kHz
- Phantom Power
- 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
- EIN Mic Inputs
- -129 dBu
- USB (Non-Host)
- No
- Expansion Slots
- No
- Host Connection
- 1x USB-C (Class-Compliant)
- Analog Audio I/O
- 2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input 6x 1/4" TRS Line Input 10x 1/4" TRS Line Output 1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
- High-Pass Filter
- No
- THD+N Mic Inputs
- -113 dB
- Digital Audio I/O
- TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
- THD+N Line Inputs
- -114 dB / 0.0002% (Unweighted)
- Power Requirements
- AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
- THD+N Line Outputs
- -114 dB / 0.0002% (Unweighted)
- Built-In Microphone
- No
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 192 kHz / 24-Bit
- Channels Of I/O Analog
- 8 Inputs / 12 Outputs
- Input Level Adjustment
- 2x Knob
- Sample Rate Conversion
- No
- Channels Of I/O Digital
- 10 Inputs / 10 Outputs
- THD+N Headphone Outputs
- -110 dB / 0.0003% (Unweighted)
- Dynamic Range Mic Inputs
- 115 dB (A-Weighted)
- Host Connection Protocol
- USB 2.0
- Analog Audio I/O Detailed
- 2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input (Front Panel) 6x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input 10x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output 1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output (Front Panel)
- Dynamic Range Line Inputs
- 120 dB (A-Weighted)
- Digital Audio I/O Detailed
- 1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input 1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
- Dynamic Range Line Outputs
- 125 dB (A-Weighted)
- Gain/Trim Range Mic Inputs
- Up to +74 dB
- Impedance Line/Hi-Z Inputs
- 1 Megohm
- Number Of Microphone Inputs
- 2
- Maximum Input Level Mic Inputs
- 0 dBu
- Dynamic Range Headphone Outputs
- 118 dB (A-Weighted)
- Maximum Input Level Line Inputs
- +24 dBu
- Maximum Output Level Line Outputs
- +21 dBu
- Maximum Output Level Headphone Outputs
- +14 dBu
Where to buy
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- B&H Photonew● In stock-Buy
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