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MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid USB / FireWire Audio Interface

10-in/14-out USB 2.0 and FireWire Hybrid Audio Interface with 2 Microphone Preamplifiers, DSP Mixer and Built-in Reverb, EQ, and Compression Effects - Mac/PC
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid USB / FireWire Audio Interface image 1
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid USB / FireWire Audio Interface image 1
$549.00
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MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid USB / FireWire Audio Interface
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Handy Interface Connects Via USB or FireWire!

When you pick the Ultralite-mk3 Hybrid, you won't have to be worried about limiting yourself to just one connection type. This audio interface is the first ever to feature two types of connectors: USB 2.0 and FireWire. These two connection types are available on nearly every new Mac or PC laptop or desktop computer, so you'll be set wherever you decide to record! When you use FireWire, your Ultralite-mk3 Hybrid will get all the power it needs right from your computer - including the phantom power needed for your condenser microphones. When connected via USB, you can use the included power adapter to get full functionality.

As far as connectivity goes, the MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid features 24-bit/192kHz operation with a generous complement of inputs and outputs. It has two microphone preamplifiers plus six balanced line-level 1/4" (TRS) inputs (a total of eight analog ins) and 10 analog TRS outputs. Also included are stereo S/PDIF digital I/O, a dedicated stereo headphone output, and MIDI I/O for a controller keyboard and other gear. That makes way for serious versatility in your studio. It gets better, though.

MOTU Ultralite-mk3 Hybrid FireWire and USB 2.0 Audio Interface at a Glance:
  • Powerful built-in effects and routing
  • Control CueMix with your iPad
  • It's a great standalone mixer too
Powerful built-in effects and routing

With built-in effects and DSP routing, the MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid lets you dial in great headphone mixes, without taxing your computer. The effects include reverb, parametric EQ and compression/limiting. Of special note, you'll appreciate the built-in accurate model of the legendary LA-2A optical compressor which provides vintage, musical automatic gain control. These aren't just ho-hum effects - these are great-sounding tools you can use to create wet headphone mixes while you keep a dry monitor mix. But if you want, you can record your signals wet, so you don't have to waste CPU on effects later down the line.

Control CueMix with your iPad

MOTU's CueMix FX software, the mixing software that drives the powerful routing of the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid, can be controlled from your iPad. MOTU created CueMix templates for the TouchOSC controller app, giving you complete control over your UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid's mixing and effects processing over a Wi-Fi network. This means that when you're recording in your studio, you don't need to keep going back to your computer to adjust gain levels, change monitoring effects, or virtually anything else you rely on CueMix for.

It's a great standalone mixer too

You can take charge of the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid's DSP mixer and effects 100% free of a computer, so you can use it as a standalone mixer when you're just jamming around and don't have time to go find your laptop. It also makes a great stage companion. You can make all the adjustments you need to make straight from the front panel menu, so you can bring it to the gig and use it as a regular mixer - complete with effects.

MOTU Ultralite-mk3 Hybrid FireWire and USB 2.0 Audio Interface Features:
  • Hybrid FireWire and USB 2.0 audio interface
  • 10-input, 14-output audio interface with FireWire bus power
  • Included power adapter for when connected via USB 2.0
  • Two microphone preamplifiers with 48V phantom power
  • Six balanced line-level TRS inputs
  • Ten analog TRS outputs
  • Stereo 96kHz S/PDIF I/O
  • Latency-free monitoring with four monitor mixes
  • Onboard 14-bus digital mixer with effects
  • Can operate as a standalone mixer with effects
  • Program with CueMix Console software or computer-free via front panel
  • Slaves to SMPTE time code
  • Compatible with Mac and PC computers
MOTU makes mobile recording even easier with the Ultralite-mk3 Hybrid USB 2.0 and FireWire audio interface!

Additional Media

Audio Interface Buying Guide
UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid User Manual for Mac
UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid User Manual for Windows

Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: FireWire/USB 2.0
  • Form Factor: Desktop
  • Simultaneous I/O: 10 x 14
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
  • Effects: Yes
  • Analog Outputs: 8 x TRS, 2 x TRS (Main), 1 x TRS (Headphones)
  • Digital Inputs: 1 x S/PDIF (Coax)
  • Digital Outputs: 1 x S/PDIF (Coax)
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out
  • Bus Powered: Yes
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 9.5"
  • Depth: 7"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 8450

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Customer Reviews

Rated 4/5
Based on 43 reviews
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Rated 5/5

Top Drawer

Best in customer service and knowledgeable sales staff. Ryan Thorpe has given me excellent advice on purchasing strategies and unsurpassed follow through in helping me resolve an install issue.

Having a designated sales rep enhances the experience, reduces the amount of time spent locating and ordering what you need, and keeps you connected to someone who understands your long term game. Every time you buy a new piece of gear you need to be looking down the road at your build-out objectives. Longevity and flexibility save you money long term. Good advice saves you money today.

I buy from all the players, but I keep coming back to Sweetwater for that personal connection with the whole company radiating outward from the boss.
Music background: Writer
Rated 5/5

Recording gear

Had know idea what I was buying for my husband as a present and they went above and beyond making sure I was ordering the right thing and that it made it on time. Not only did they get my product on time but they personally called to confirm!

Amazing service!
Rated 5/5

Sweetness!

This little box does everything I need it to do, easily and musically. It's really a steal at it's price point.
Music background: About 40 years of gigging, 15+ running a recording studio, live sound.
Rated 5/5

Awesome!

We upgraded from Scarlett 2i2 and the audio quality difference is night and day!! The sound coming out of this little box is massive and we are very pleased with this addition to our home studio.
Thank you!
Music background: Sound Engineer ( FOH/Monitors)
Rated 5/5

Rock solid

It was time to replace my MOTU 2408mk3 I/O system. I use Digital Performer, so an audio interface is simply a matter of ins and outs to me. I have a surround monitoring system, so I needed at least 6 analog outs and a few analog ins. The dual mic pre's allowed me to retire my old analog mixer. The UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid is the perfect solution for me with the perfect amount of options and I/O. It was fast and easy to install and built just as tough as every other MOTU product I've ever owned. My only complaint is that there is no half rack blank panel included. Well worth the money.
Music background: Composer/Sound Designer

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