MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Review
Hybrid USB/FireWire Audio Interface
- 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
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 53 Reviews
Works great for PC users
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Audio Interface
Reviewed by Don Belisle on Guitar Center
I have had mine a little over a year now. Under Win XP pro SP2, it has performed without any issues. The audio clairty is excellent. I have no problem using ANY firewire type of interface. It has been one of my favorite GC purchases. I have run up to as many as 72 audio tracks synced to 16 midi tracks, with no timing errors what so ever. I recommend this unit to anyone running a PC with XP pro, Service pack 2, 32 bit version. I am currently testing out 32 bit Win 7, So far the unit works like it did under XP 32 bit. I skipped Vista and the 64 bit thing, because of driver support is still questionable for 64 bit compatability. I expect soon, the 64 bit drivers will be solid, for now stick to 32 bit, the unit seems to be rock solid for me. Even at 192Khz recordings. I would replace it in a heartbeat if something went down. The Motu web site is hard to get thru to real people for issues, but they eventually responded to my driver bug I logged in their system, they fixed the bug with their lastest driver release and I was notified in a few weeks of my reporting it. I love my MK III, no problems at all, exceeds my expectations. ... More
Fantastic Interface
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Audio Interface
Reviewed by Rox on Guitar Center
This unit works great. I have tested it on 32 and 64 bit Windows (XP and Vista) based machines. Firewire and USB work well and have no issues. The sound is fantastic. The onboard effects and hardware monitoring realy help and take a big load off of the CPU. Latencies are very low. I would buy this again. WOW!!!
Nice Audio Interface
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Shane on B&H Photo Video
After much searching, and with a recommendation from the folks at B&H, I purchased this unit and have been very pleased with it thus far. I got it to be able to connect my Sound Devices 302 mixer to for input from my mics, and to drive 5.1 surround monitors (which I don't yet have). The CueMix FX SW is really cool and well done, and works well to control the unit. It is not needed, however, since all settings can be done from the front of the device through a clever use of the available buttons and knobs. I was new to audio interfaces, so I had a bit of trouble understanding the functionality at first, but the folks at MOTU were VERY responsive to my emails, quick and detailed responses to get me on my way. I'll be doing some voice over recording for a short film this weekend using the device directly into Premiere Pro CS6 (and Audition, both of which work great with the MOTU), and can't wait until I get my surround monitors (if I could just decide which ones to get!). This unit gives me all the capability I needed at a very reasonable price. ... More
Great interface, same trouble with PC
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by jackoutofthebox on B&H Photo Video
I use this interface to record music in my studio. I run it via USB with CUBASE 5 on a quadrucore 2,7 Ghz intel 2 PC that mounts windows 7. The quality of the sound is great, dynamic response is optimal both for phantom powered mics and for analog input instruments. It's precise and powerful. Its software interface (CUEMIX) is versatile and allows you an incredible range of adjustements and control both on input and output, even before reaching your computer. There's a BUT though. As I had read in other reviews it still tends to create some conflicts with the PC sometimes making it sluggish, other times making it crash altogether. I guess if I were MOTU I'd spend a little extra resources to create drivers that are flawless for all those unfortunate users (probably millions) that have a PC and don't have the resources or the will to shift to MAC. ... More
Amazing sound
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jeremy on Guitar Center
The sound of MOTU is amazing. Compared to other audio interfaces I've heard, the UltraLite-mk3 lands right in the sweet spot of aural transparency and the uniquely appealing sound that is signature MOTU. As a stand-alone unit with all the onboard mixing features and effects/dynamics processing, it's pretty awesome. Combined with your favorite DAW, it's indispensable. I will be ordering another one soon to double my I/O's and fill the other half of the rack space. If possible, definitely conduct an A/B comparison between the UltraLite and another interface in the same class and price range, using the same audio source and monitor setup. You'll hear the difference and see just how much the UltraLite-mk3 stands above the rest. ... More
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Tough Decision made simple
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Christophere on B&H Photo Video
I already have one and needed more channels so picking up another Ultralite mk3 was an easy choice. 10in 14 out up to 192 kHz sample rate on all 10 analog inputs, MIDI interface and that means with 2 units at under $1200 I am able to record 20 channels simultaneously. I connect them direct to my laptop or use 2 of the USB in the Akai Force and USB to my laptop. The advantage over ADAT channels is the sample rate drop. The advantage over AVB is price point, so its a good place to get stuck in. Might be confusing to less experienced because there are so many ways to route internally , but there is no compromise on quality. Beautiful sounding compressor/limiter, 60 seconds of warm reverb, wave form generator, superb eq per channel. DSP meter and if you have limited real estate, I have yet to find so much in such a small form factor. B&H rock the best pricesand they are straight shooters, it difficult for me to shop elsewhere because the service and communication is superior. ... More
Great Product
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Hank G HP HOP on B&H Photo Video
I only gave 4 stars because if I gave 5, then no one would believe me. The Motu Interface is a great tool for audio recording because the Ins and Outs are exactly as the Company explained them to be. If the motu interface is used with an Apple or mac computer( windows is okay), you get the most performance out of the Interface. The midi, audio ports, firewire, etc are all fully functional, firewire works better than the usb, the sound quality is great, the Audio desk software is a great starting tool for recording mixing mastering, or simply dumping audio and exporting to a better software. Overall you want this device, it is everything you need to get started as far as recording and mixing goes. ... More
Ready to DJ out of the box
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I rcv'd my Ultralite 1 hour before I had to leave for a gig. I was able to install the software/drivers to my laptop without issue (Dell XPS Studio 16 on Win 7) and tested as far as seeing the click from Ableton Live registering on the MOTU display. In the spirit of winging it, I took it with me to my gig and was able to perform. The sound was clean and my system ran very smoothly throughout a long set. I was not able to plug and play using the headphones queue, but I did not have time to mess with it nor did I need queuing so not biggie there. I'm impressed that I was able to do this without cracking open CueMix or messing with much routing. Looking forward to many more adventures with my MK3. ... More
So incredibly frustrated!! BUZZKILL
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Gene on B&H Photo Video
Using with PC, WIn7 Pro, has been nothing but problems ... two different machines (one admittedly much more healthy than the other) but same issues. ProTools 11 with this interface works fine, for days, then suddenly does not, and if I leave music production for a week or two and come back, more often than not I have to start PT over and over, reinstall the MSE software/drivers, over and over, ad infinitum, and nothing really actually works, but then it suddenly starts working again. There is no rational reason to buy this if you have a PC. Sounds great, love having onboard DSP (mainly EQ) on the way in, but other than that it is BUZZKILL. Stay away! ... More
Great sound quality, solid build.
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Mykul on B&H Photo Video
I use the interface with Ableton live for audio production and DJing. The build quality stood out immediately and it sounds great. A definate step up from my old NI interface. Driver installation is a bit tricky, just make sure to follow the instructions to the letter. I haven't tried programming the unit via the buttons on the front panel but I could see this being a little time consuming. Overall I am very happy, the ins and outs on the unit are sufficient for my current needs with room to grow, the sound is great and the build quality is sound. The reputation of MOTU seems to be well deserved. ... More
connectivity flexibility
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Dan_63 on B&H Photo Video
Evaluated unit with Grado SR 60 headphones. Nice preamps, reverb is good, once set up properly. Most of the range of the decay adjustment is overkill. This adjustment could be rescaled. I found the limiting and frequency adjustment useful for vocals. I like the fact the company is based in MA, close to home.
Not much support from MOTU, consider it an obsolete product
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Firewire / USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Thomas D. on Reverb
I've owned a MK3 for years and it works fine, but MOTU's Apple software for this device hasn't be updated since 2013 and there is no good reason that the newer and much better versions of MOTU's CueMix and drivers couldn't include the MK3 instead of just the MK5. MOTU did, finally, decide to provide minimal support for OS11 and OS12 in October of 2021, but they'd ignored Mac users for 8 years before that. I've had a lot of audio interfaces and MOTU is probably the worst customer support I've experienced.
USB Dirver Problems w/ OSX 10.6
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by BdB a Musician on B&H Photo Video
Mac OS X 10.6 USB Drivers never loaded. Several attempts failed and Downloaded Updates failed to resoulve the problem. Even removing the Software and Drivers and clean install failed. This is my move to Mac as Microsoft support and programing was buggy and virus ridden. Most certainly it must be the UltraLite mk3 Hybrid programing not the Mac OS. Now I'm puzzled, huh.
Does not work
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Gene on B&H Photo Video
I've had this for over a year. Sounds fine. Unfortunately it does not work randomly every other time I fire it up, using either computer, both Win 7, hi specs, using USB3. Now trying to register it with MOTU so I can actually get some support (not that I hear they are very good at supporting people with problems) and the serial number does not seem to be working so I can't register it. Lovely. I'd recommend staying away from this. I'd eschew MOTU altogether.
Buzzkill
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Gene on B&H Photo Video
Pretty cool - and sounds great. When it works. The rest of the time, it's a useless, buggy, clicky blob. Had it for a year, and most of the time I spend with it is trying to get it to work (again) when I left my computer it worked (with ProTools 11, Win 7 Pro) and when I start up the next day .. an hour or more of guff, fights, and random clicks, pops, crashes .. I wanted to like it .. I really did.
Easy to use interface
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video
Setup is easy and simple on a Macbook Pro. I'm not looking for anything fancy.... just to record tracks using Logic and Sure Beta horn mic. I don't want to go through a lot of techie setup. I bought this model because of the extra inputs which maybe I'll use someday. I'm up and running. B&H also got it to me before Christmas when all others were going to take a lot longer to ship. And the price was good.
Only for a Mac
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Audio Interface
Reviewed by Shawn on Guitar Center
The technical capabilities of this unit are great but I would never recommend it to some one using a PC. The unit only works with Firewire cards featuring the Texas Instruments chip, meaning only Mac users and very lucky high-end PC's if any exist. Unit will glitch and drop out causing strange noises and mess up tempos and midi signals when this happens. This makes the unit unreliable and unusable for live performance. Customer service is a joke! Completely useless responses to my questions often taking weeks to get a response. I cannot recommend this unit. Though it sounds great on paper the glitches make this unit unusable. Maybe if you have a Mac you will have better luck. ... More
Great product
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by BillyMystic on B&H Photo Video
Easy-to-use, high quality sound card. Nice preamps. Well-thought signal routing possibilities (with the Cuemix application) which makes most mixing tables useless when recording with it! Compact and strong, can be carried anywhere since bus-powered (via firewire).
Solid!
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Tim on B&H Photo Video
This is my third pro-level soundcard and it rocks! It was an easy install (on Windows 7) and it has been a rock-solid performer! The DSP is great and the effects are pro all the way. CueMix is way cool. This is one of those solid, well-thought-out, pro-level products that has so much jammed into it that it's hard for the manufacturer to describe it in detail.
Unstable
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 Audio & MIDI Interface
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Only writing to provide potential users with my experience. When it worked, it gave a nice sound, but at times there were pops in the signal and then all of a sudden it would just send loud white noise to the speakers. Not good. Nothing against BH.. long time customer in pro video/audio. This was with a current iMac and LogicX, so others systems may work better.
