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MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB Audio Interface

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
24 Write review Item ID: Ultralite5
$649.95

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MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB Audio Interface
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The Only Thing "Lite" About This Impressive Interface Is Its Size

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. The UltraLite-mk5's dual microphone preamps offer crystal-clear audio capture, and with this much I/O at your disposal, you'll have no trouble integrating your favorite outboard hardware. This high-performance audio interface's loopback functionality makes podcasting and livestreaming a piece of cake. Likewise, thanks to excellent-sounding onboard DSP and overhauled CueMix 5 software, achieving spot-on monitor mixes is super simple. Compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS, the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 comes with Performer Lite DAW software, 100-plus virtual instruments, and 6GB of loops/samples.

Related Videos: UltraLite-mk5 18x22 USB Audio Interface

Reference-quality ESS SABRE PRO D/A and super-low latency

Whether you're onstage or in the studio, top-shelf sound and rock-solid operation are crucial. The UltraLite-mk5 delivers on both fronts. It boasts ESS Technology's reference-quality ES9026PRO SABRE D/A, which yields a 125dB dynamic range and -114dB THD+N. You'll benefit from round-trip latency of 2.4ms over USB at 24-bit/96kHz. And, thanks to optimized drivers, the UltraLite-mk5 offers reliable performance on Mac, PC, and iOS.

Jam-packed with comprehensive connectivity

The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 packs a lot of I/O into its portable half-rack enclosure — 40 simultaneous audio channels, if you add them up. 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. A superb-sounding headphones output, eight channels of digital optical I/O, and MIDI I/O round out the UltraLite-mk5's audio connections. You also get loopback functionality — a must-have feature for podcasting and livestreaming.

Onboard DSP and overhauled CueMix 5 software

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. This USB audio interface also includes a built-in, DSP-driven 22-in/6-out monitor mixer that provides a separate monitor mix for each analog output pair. MOTU's CueMix 5 software gives you easy-to-use, comprehensive, graphic control over your mix. Plus, CueMix 5 has been completely overhauled — its eye-grabbing graphic mixing, graphic editing of its parametric EQ, and convenient, touch-friendly interface are guaranteed to turbocharge your workflow.

MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Features:

  • 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

Additional Media

Audio Interface Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • Simultaneous I/O: 18 x 22
  • Number of Preamps: 2 x mic
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
  • Effects: Onboard DSP: reverb, 4-band parametric EQ, dynamics
  • Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 6 x 1/4" (3 x stereo)
  • Analog Outputs: 10 x 1/4" (5 x stereo)
  • Digital Inputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT)
  • Digital Outputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical Toslink (ADAT)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4" (stereo)
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Software: Motu CueMix
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.11 or later, iOS 13.5 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Power Supply: 12V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 8.6"
  • Depth: 6.9"
  • Weight: 2.87 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 8453

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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5

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"ROCK SOLID"

I was literally head spinning over what interface to buy with todays choice realm. After reading several hundred articles and YT video recommendations,
i decided to get some candid advice from my sales engineer Travis. Once again he had a wealth of information, which honestly created my final decision. With my I/O needs being greater than most and not wanting to totally break the bank, we narrowed down the choices to RME & MOTU. I've heard so many great things about using RME with a windows based system, but the MOTU specs I felt just couldn't be overlooked. I purchased the Ultralight MK5, then purched the rack mount, and to be totally honest I'm BLOWN AWAY with this product. Not "just because of the specs", but the sheer pro quality of clean, high output, easy to use device and software...It was a MUST for me to leave a review! In my past 40 years of buying studio recording & mastering gear, not only do I find this hardware exceeding my rather high expectations, but because of the simplicity to operate its digital patch bay software without a massive learing curve! Not only was I testing and smiling with ease, the words "ROCK SOLID" simply describes this interface. To say I'm extremely happy is a total understatement, but I also wanted to thank both Travis and several other associates in helping me make this truly fantastic purchase experience possible. Thank you Gents! Happiest of Holidays to everyone at Sweetwater!!!!
by Stephen Fenner from Lake Worth, FL on
Music background: Over 40 years in the music production world, including Live sound production, studio owner, recording - mixing - mastering engineer, musical artist and song writter.

The Link

I had purchased my previous interface back in 2007, so it's fair to say I was way overdue on replacing the 15 yo relic.
It was important for me to upgrade this technologically weakest piece of hardware in my recording system (I.e. the Audio Interface) to improve the quality of my recordings.
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.
As of this writing the EVO 16: is "still unavailable" for whatever "Reason" for purchase, so that stumble, scared me away.
The RME-Baby Face Pro FS: Great Spec's, Price was around $1K, limited I/O's, it can control 2 Monitors.
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.
So I purchased the MOTU. I'm not going to get further into it because...."Julian Krause on YouTube" has made a very professional review and explains every spec. and is painfully detailed in his qualified presentation.
MUTO-UltraLite MK5: performs as advertised, which.....has made me a happy man.
by Jack Antkowiak from Lake View, New York on
Music background: Composer, Programmer, Sound Designer & Audio Engineer.

Excellent in all regards

I am a very discerning customer. 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. 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.

All of these are great products, but there was always something missing for me. 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. Apollo). The Ultralite MK5 is amazing in all regards and my soul mate of an interface! The preamps are quite warm for a built pre and the DI is pretty good too. There is a ton of gain (74 db I believe). The software is incredibly powerful, yet so easy to use (unlike RME's TotalMix). The conversion is definitely a step above all of these and in many ways is pretty close to on par with Apogee. To top it all of this things has all the I/O I can ever want and is less than most of these others.

Don't think twice, this thing is the one!
by Chris Parkes from Massachusetts on
Music background: Musician/Mixing Engineer

Great Unit all around

For the price, this box brings you a fantastic deal, in a portable setup.
Good conversion as well as great pre-amps. Ready to expand, runs stand-alone, what else do you need from a box with that price? Get you one!
by Salar Ansari from Detroit, MI on
Music background: DJ/Producer

Excellent choice

Perfect solution for my needs. I upgraded from a Steinberg UR44c for more inputs and outputs. I use six analog ins and SPDIF on the rear, keeping the two combo/preamps on the front available for easy access if I need to add a mic or instrument. I stopped using my desktop mixer but plan to add a monitor controller. Wish I could use a midi remote to control the Cuemix software. SPDIF and USB work simultaneously no problem.
by William from Salisbury NC on
See also: USB Interfaces, MOTU, MOTU USB Audio Interfaces
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