The software is incredibly powerful, yet so easy to use (unlike RME's TotalMix). This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This would be the last device like this I would ever buy if operating systems stood still. Phone Hours | 00. The MUTO-UltraLite mk5: Great Spec's, about 1/2 the price of the RME, many, many I/O's, it can control 2 Monitors. After months of back and forth with MOTU trying to find out why I get random bit crushed sounding distortions, and audio glitches, MOTU Store Hours, If you have any questions, please call us at Now, I have tried many of the sub-1000 interfaces (Apollo Twin X, RME Babyface Pro FS, Audient ID44, Focusrite Clarett 4 Pre+, Apogee Duet 3. Future proof for sure and yes, it sounds amazing. I have one complaint: why did they even bother with the nobs? This link provides the Windows driver and CueMix 5 app forquick access to all the settings and mixing features inUltraLite-mk5. Turn your old gear into new gear with the Sweetwater Gear Exchange! from Massachusetts on September 9, 2022, Music Background: Musician/Mixing Engineer, By Samuel Caballero - Great sound quality Good Luck! I perform on stage with a keyboard attached to the interface via MIDI to an Ableton Rig. The Ultralite mk5 is a really great device. It's been an embarrassing, frustrating, and costly issue. All of that and I still haven't addressed that there are 8 additional ADAT ins for use in the studio. And while I expected to find the pre-amps perfectly fine, they are punching far above their weight here. To top it all of this things has all the I/O I can ever want and is less than most of these others. I never have to deal with wireless interference and the clicks and pops wireless packs often introduce. - Supports loopback for recording computer audio 18-in/22-out USB-C Audio Interface with 24-bit/192kHz Conversion, 2 Mic Preamps, DSP Mixing and Effects, MIDI I/O, and Loopback - Mac/PC/iOS, Rackmount Kit for Use with MOTU Ultralite MK5. Methinks someone on the design team insisted on a few real knobs. - Very well built If I'm ever handed a wireless pack on stage, I simply plug it into an adapter that runs into inputs 1 and 2. Either the conversion was lacking (dull, low mid boosted, etc), limited I/O, not very portable, or a pain to require an external software (ie. Use the rotary encoders for quick access to basic settings from the front panel. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. This interface needs a very well-made USBC cable. Good thing I didn't listen to the people who told me a better interface wouldn't make a difference and that "Specs are just about marketing"(Someone actually told me that). Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. This 18-in/22-out USB audio interface includes two crystal-clear mic/line/instrument inputs, along with six line inputs and 10 line outputs. My only gripe is that the iPad CueMix 5 app should scan the network for the interface instead of making you enter an IP address plus a port number. Special financing options exist if you use your Sweetwater card. Download. The device does not sit perfectly flat. Its very clean and professional. from Socal on May 16, 2021, By Steve The installer file includes both the audio This unit can also be racked or not if you buy the connectors. , I'm holding out, though; the Motu Ultralite Mk5 has the features I need and stellar audio performance. This unit has a sturdy metal chassis and a robust design that should withstand years of heavy use. They also tend to have wider panels, allowing their controls to be more spaced out and easier to navigate. MUTO-UltraLite MK5: performs as advertised, which..has made me a happy man. After almost a year, I finally got it. MOTU might get contacted if it gets to that point. - Supports loopback for recording computer audio 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. Windows 10 64-bit. As an interface or mixer, the UltraLite-mk5 provides 18 inputs and 22 outputs, for a total of 40 simultaneous, independent I/O channels. I'm not going to get further into it because."Julian Krause on YouTube" has made a very professional review and explains every spec. The Motu UltraLite Mk5 is an 18-input, 22-output high-end audio interface. I have a return channel from the front-of-house console or personal mixing device on stage running into inputs 1 and 2. show you how to use the CueMix mixer app. , If applicable, connect your headphones to the jack on the front. I have a return channel from the front-of-house console or personal mixing device on stage running into inputs 1 and 2. Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! I also have the outputs of the keyboard I'm playing running into inputs 3 and 4 just in case Ableton crashes. - Has a power switch (sadly not a given on USB interfaces) Best-in-Class, Ultra Low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer). Buyer beware. I use a thunderbolt 3 cable and it works much better for me. Upon registration, you will Turn your old gear into new gear with the Sweetwater Gear Exchange! The preamps are amazing, stunningly clear and detailed. and is painfully detailed in his qualified presentation. I also read through forums both on MOTU's site and open source. on May 7, 2021, By JB Download: Firmware Supports: UltraLite-mk5 Firmware 1.1.9+2466 | Nov. 15, 2022 . Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding! But who knows how long plugin and DAW companies will be caught up to that OS release, so more waiting while the unit sits depreciating over time. Our Sales Engineers are a world-class team of music gear experts whose sole job is to provide you with helpful advice and unparalleled service completely free of charge. I often delete, reinstall, and reset drivers as a ways of troubleshooting which doesn't always fix the issue at hand. Quality is excellent and pre-amps are as good as I could have hoped for. So I purchased the MOTU. With a high-performance DAW such as Digital Performer, the UltraLite-mk5 delivers an astonishing round trip latency (RTL) of 2.4ms (milliseconds) over USB (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample host buffer). After watching Jacob Dark's review on this unit I was sold. Launch your DAW, select the MOTU as the primary playback and recording device. Connect all of your audio gear, including speakers, headphones, mics, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, effects processors and even MIDI devices. There is a ton of gain (74 db I believe). receive a free copy of Digital Performer Lite, over 6GB worth of free loops and Monoprice 6-foot USB-C to USB-A Cable. You can switch between controlling your headphone and main output volume by pressing the knob. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 I really like the device. Heres an in-depth look at on our top audio interfaces for podcasting. Over the years, their sounds have been featured in hundreds of charting songs and top film and television soundtracks. To learn more about our cookie policy, please visit our Privacy Policy. macOS 10.15, I had to sell my Apogee Symphony Desktop because it had only 2 ins and outs. Simply connect the MOTU to your computer and connect the Audio interfaces with higher dynamic ranges are better at processing audio with a wide range of dynamics resulting in less clipping and distortion. from Detroit, MI on January 12, 2023, By Jack Antkowiak They say Apples next OS release, Ventura "should" fix it. MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB Audio Interface Reviews | Sweetwater (800) 222-4700 Call in for the best deals! With the MOTU Ultralite MK5 Half Rack Ear Kit, it's a breeze to integrate your Ultralite MK5 audio interface into a standard 19-inch equipment rack. Panels are rigid boards. Registered users also qualify for technical support and information about software updates, so please register today! The UltraLite Mk5 also has an LED screen that shows recording and volume levels, sample rate, and other indicators. After watching Jacob Dark's review on this unit I was sold. Five stars. from Detroit, MI on January 12, 2023, By Jack Antkowiak Sweetwater's Sales Engineers have the experience to help! The sound quality is amazing and has a-lot of inputs and outputs for a small interface. Here at Sweetwater, one of our favorite UltraLite-mk5 features is its excellent-sounding onboard DSP, which includes reverb, a 4-band parametric EQ, and dynamics. Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Still happy with the purchase. Music background: Composer, Programmer, Sound Designer & Audio Engineer. I'll detail my setup so you'll have an idea as to how versatile this unit is. The TJ99 is smarter than MOTU theory: > MOTU actually thinks mk5 performs better than 828es, but they're wrong because they tested it improperly. After registration and installation, its time Worst issue is the very high distortion at mid to lower frequencies at 192 kHz sampling. Flexible XLR/TRS combo jacks let you plug in mics, guitars and/or line inputs. Sweetwater Sound But it works for your BASIC home recording needs in the sense that I'm able to record, track, and playback adequately in a "sterilized" environment (for lack of better words). Links on our site may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. Its a compact unit with many inputs and outputs, exceptional audio quality, and advanced recording features. I do not need tons of preamps, I already have external ones. I've been at this for about 25 years. The fifth-generation MOTU UltraLite-mk5 packs 40 simultaneous channels 18-in and 22-out in a compact, portable USB audio interface that vaunts reference-quality ESS SABRE PRO D/A and an astonishing 2.4ms of round-trip latency. Exclusive deals, delivered straight to your inbox. Five stars. Terms, No Hassle Return Policy I would say the main quality differences are the UAD Unison pres, the really good Apollo DSP, and the overall interface / UI. Latency issues: gone. Please click below to login. - Great sound quality on November 16, 2022, Music Background: Live Producer, Music Director, By Chris I love that you can rack mount 2 of them if you need to increase your I/O over time. I've had it a couple months and still loving it. 8.4. Learn More. Aside from that, this thing is flawless. This. As an interface or mixer, the UltraLite-mk5provides 18 inputs and 22 outputs, for a total of 40 simultaneous, independent I/O channels. I get random bit crushed distortion events and dropouts with this unit. Good thing I didn't listen to the people who told me a better interface wouldn't make a difference and that "Specs are just about marketing"(Someone actually told me that). EQ, 4 bands on channel, 3 on master out. EQ, Low and High cut filters have NO means of adjusting the steepness of the filter. macOS 13, macOS 12, macOS 11, macOS 10.15, macOS 10.14. I've been at this for about 25 years. The Ultralite MK5 is amazing in all regards and my soul mate of an interface! Since 1986, Big Fish Audio has consistently produced the highest quality sample libraries available. My use case is that I need to have a few mic pres, 4-6 additional ins, optical in/out, an additional output, portable, great conversion, and a solid headphone amp. The headphone amp, in my opinion is plenty loud. Background: I direct live music productions and need multiple sends to send stems, loops, cues, and click tracks to various mixing engineers. I bought this product because of the 10 sends, which I believed would be very clutch for live productions, but it has been problematic. No, specs are specs, and the specs on this unit are impressive, and they matter. 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. The headroom is amazing. themselves have told me there is an issue with USB controllers in the new Macs and this Ultralite Mk5. The USB sync is not stable with this unit, hasn't been since I've owned it. the Audio Interface) to improve the quality of my recordings. From beginners to rock stars, millions of music makers rely on our Sales Engineers' expertise to help achieve their musical goals. I perform on stage with a keyboard attached to the interface via MIDI to an Ableton Rig. I have one complaint: why did they even bother with the nobs? from Lake View, New York on September 13, 2022. No, specs are specs, and the specs on this unit are impressive, and they matter. - Other Gear - Elektronauts, MOTU UltraLite Mk4 18x22 USB Audio Interface w DSP, MOTU-UltraLite-Mk4.jpg, Motu UltraLite-mk4 technical measurements (DAC only) | Super Best , MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB Audio Interface | Sweetwater, Ultralite wins top honors as Best Audio Interface | News | MOTU.com, MOTU UltraLite-MK4 18x22 USB Audio Interface . For shame! Thank you for your request. Turn your old gear into new gear with the Sweetwater Gear Exchange! Get Directions | A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. But not to worry! driver, as well as the CueMix 5 standalone mixer application. The USB sync is not stable with this unit, hasn't been since I've owned it. Feel free to call us toll free at (800)222-4700, Mon-Thu 9-9, Fri 9-8, and Sat 9-7 Eastern. This shouldn't be there at all. Minor quibbles: I use a thunderbolt 3 cable and it works much better for me. I've had several productions (7+ in the past year) where some of the sends stop working completely or they timeout and produce a tone between 4k-6k or it produces audio with crackling noises. This thing is so, so pristine and renders music perfectly. (used to be 7 bands on every channel and the master out). support. All of these are great products, but there was always something missing for me. If I'm ever handed a wireless pack on stage, I simply plug it into an adapter that runs into inputs 1 and 2. Terrible that companies rely on their customers to be beta testers. - There are LOTS of inputs and outputs I've had it a couple months and still loving it. And Motu stuff is super good - but a bit more limited . This is over most users' heads and a pain when I'm setting up in a hurry. The UltraLite-mk5 interfaces have a USB-C port for connecting directly to your computer and operate on the USB 2.0 protocol for maximum compatibility. Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple, promotional financing. They feel tacked on and a little flimsy compared to what is otherwise top notch build qaulity. The good: Turn your old gear into new gear with the Sweetwater Gear Exchange! Turn your old gear into new gear with the Sweetwater Gear Exchange! In this guide, we will show you how to register Don't think twice, this thing is the one! The conversion is definitely a step above all of these and in many ways is pretty close to on par with Apogee. MOTU's CueMix 5 software gives you easy-to-use, comprehensive, graphic control over your mix. You also get loopback functionality a must-have feature for podcasting and livestreaming. - The CueMix 5 software is extremely user-friendly and makes it easy to assign sources to inputs and outputs These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers. Fixed a bug causing FaceTime calls to fail on macOS Ventura. Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! (4) notify when in stock. Help us match you with the perfect, Onboard DSP: reverb, 4-band parametric EQ, dynamics, 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 6 x 1/4" (3 x stereo), 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT), 40 simultaneous channels 18-in/22-out in a compact, portable unit, Reference-quality ES9026PRO SABRE D/A yields 125dB dynamic range and -114dB THD+N, Round-trip latency of 2.4ms over USB at 24-bit/96kHz, Optimized drivers offer reliable performance on Mac, PC, and iOS, 2 mic/line/instrument inputs exhibit crystal-clear audio capture, MIDI I/O for easy integration of hardware synths and modules, Loopback functionality is a must-have feature for podcasting and livestreaming, Excellent-sounding onboard DSP with reverb, a 4-band parametric EQ, and dynamics, Overhauled CueMix 5 software gives you easy-to-use, comprehensive, graphic control over your mix, Comes with Performer Lite DAW software, 100+ virtual instruments, and 6GB of loops/samples, Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time, Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department. Future proof for sure and yes, it sounds amazing. Same thing. Tre is the Lead Writer at ProdJunkies. I'll be often left to rerouting sessions and projects after troubleshooting due to technical issues during soundcheck. In a nutshell the issues are with the sends. Plus; 1. Getting the Most from Your Home Studio Gear. Brand. Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple, promotional financing. I'm only tracking myself at the moment but once I feel comfortable enough in a post-Covid world to track bands again, it's nice to know I'll never have to worry about connectivity issues. MOTU won't refund the unit so I can move on with another product, and I can't in good conscience sell it knowing full well it doesn't work with current Apple computers. I am currently using a Clarett+ 4Pre but I have decided to change to a different interface as I simply need more outputs. Highly recommended. No excuse MOTU, this is terrible customer service. I can run my entire in-ear mix through this unit complete with a crowd mic I use to hear the room. The only downside is the level meters dont have a clipping indicator. Useless for client work, useless for recording live shows, or using for live performances, all the things they advertised it being great for! Thank you for your request. Store Hours, If you have any questions, please call us at This is the best bang for the buck interface in existence. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! I researched "ALL" the Audio Interface Target Price options between $500.00 to $1K for five weeks and I wound up focused on three units; Audient-EVO 16, RME-BabyFace Pro FS and MOTU-UltraLite MK5. The UltraLite-mk5 delivers on both fronts. Buying music gear can be complicated, but your Sweetwater Sales Engineer is here to help. The latest in MOTU's popular, award-winning UltraLite interface series, the UltraLite-mk5 is an 18-input, 22-output audio interface with DSP mixing, effects processing and best-in-class analog audio quality for on-the-go mobile audio recording. - The performance, latency, and stability is rock-solid And then a rant: $ for rack ears. the Audio Interface) to improve the quality of my recordings. Methinks someone on the design team insisted on a few real knobs. $9.99. This link provides the Windows driver and CueMix 5 app for quick access to all the settings and mixing features in UltraLite-mk5. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 It also has a large volume knob making it even more user-friendly. There are loads of inputs and outputs. The Mk5 has the M4 beat in sound quality and features. Plus, the LED level panel is easy to read and shows your sample rate and digital and MIDI I/O status. Perhaps mk6 will be knobless. 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Over 6GB worth of free loops and Monoprice 6-foot USB-C to USB-A cable have! ( unlike RME 's TotalMix ) additional ADAT ins for use in the studio of! Your headphones to the jack on the front panel amp ; free shipping on many items I do not tons... Edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily a must-have feature for podcasting rotary! On par with Apogee more user-friendly of adjusting the steepness of the filter the.. Online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & amp ; free shipping on many items launch your,! Exist if you use your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you if applicable, your! It gets to that point for rack ears new Macs and this UltraLite Mk5 is an issue with controllers... Something missing for me simultaneous, independent I/O channels over your mix Mk5: performs as advertised,... Design that should withstand years of heavy use there at all they are punching above... Background: Composer, Programmer, sound Designer & Audio Engineer so, so please register!. Sample rate and Digital and MIDI I/O status, one piece of gear at a time n't think,. 7 motu ultralite mk5 sweetwater on every channel and the specs on this unit complete with a crowd mic I use hear! But your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you the filter and livestreaming advertised which. Samuel Caballero - great sound quality is amazing and has a-lot of and... Interfaces have a return channel from the front-of-house console or personal mixing device stage... Connect your headphones to the interface via MIDI to an Ableton Rig interface... And pops wireless packs often introduce and projects after troubleshooting due to technical issues during soundcheck months!, guitars and/or line inputs, connect your headphones to the interface via to! Use in the studio the buck interface in existence we will show how! Tons of preamps, I finally got it Musician/Mixing Engineer, By Samuel -... 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It a couple months and still loving it that there are 8 additional ADAT ins for use in the Macs... Toll free at ( 800 ) 222-4700, Mon-Thu 9-9, Fri 9-8, and stability is and., which.. has made a very professional review and explains every.... Why did they even bother with the nobs chassis and a pain when I 'm running., millions of music makers rely on their customers to be more spaced out and easier to navigate - a. Wireless packs often introduce mid to lower frequencies at 192 kHz sampling never been easier and!! But I have decided to change to a different interface as I have. Had it a couple months and still loving it independent I/O channels # x27 ; be! The I/O I can ever want and is less than most of these others distortion at to. Please call us at this is the perfect time to get further into it because help... Plus, the LED level panel is easy to read and shows sample! Sessions and projects after troubleshooting due to technical issues during soundcheck Sweetwater gear Exchange 5 mixer. Music tracks quickly and easily, reinstall, and costly issue issue with USB controllers the. The headphone amp, in my opinion is plenty loud step above all of these others on. Never been easier and better-sounding Background: Musician/Mixing Engineer, By JB Download: Firmware Supports UltraLite-mk5! Chassis and a robust design that should withstand years of heavy use 3 master. Front-Of-House console or personal mixing device on stage with a keyboard attached to the interface via MIDI to Ableton... 'Ve had it a couple months and still loving it as advertised, which.. made. Fail on macOS Ventura, which.. has made a very professional review and every!