MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Review
USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
- Musicians, Podcasters, and Producers
- USB Type-C Connectivity
- 2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps, 6 Line In
- 1 Headphone Out, 10 1/4" Line Outs
- High-Performance 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA
- External PSU / Mac, Windows, iOS
- Phantom Power, Pads, and OLED Screen
- ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI I/O
- Virtual Loopback for Live Streaming
- DAW, VIs, Loops, and Samples
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,371 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. For example, 74% of 72 users who have commented on the Tech Support of the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 13 of 13 Reviews
Cuemix 5 needs a lot of work
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I like the hardware. The interface comes in a metal casing that feels sturdy. I appreciate they added the ability to house this in a rack with the optional 1U rack ears. The sound is very clean and the ASIO latency is a lot less than my old Microbook II. It just works. I will say though that Cuemix 5 seems lacking. The feature set is lacking from previous Ultralite and Cuemix versions. Now you only get 4 nodes of EQ on channels and 3 on the master out. The compressor is missing Knee and Trim controls now too. And the compressor is entirely missing from the master out! Previous versions of Cuemix came with 7 band EQ and the extra compressor features as well as having this on the Master out. That was handy when listening to youtube interviews or tutorials as well as podcasts where the audio wasn't treated properly. There is also no way to hold a text parameter value on the EQ display and drag it to whatever value you want. You have to click on it and type in your value or drag the node in the above graph. And the only way to control Q is through typing the value. Also, Q is fixed on the HPF at what appears to be 12 db. Old Cuemix gave you options from 6-30db! And a LPF (which is also missing). They also removed the Instrument Tuner, audio analysis tools, O-scope, and the sound generator (if you used those). Therefore, I hope MOTU is planning on working on the software features of Cuemix 5 more. It needs a lot of work imo. ... More
Yes
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Timothy on B&H Photo Video
MOTU strikes again with this solid little interface. I'm the proud owner of not one but TWO MOTU 828's. I was looking for an interface that could do two things: 1. Give me SIMULTANEOUS MULTI TRACK INPUTS into my iPad which is running Cubasis3 for live recording. 2. Give me an interface to my iPad so that I can use LOOPY and TC Helicon's Voice Jam Studio when I play out live. The UltraLite MK5 does it all. NOTE! I don't use LOOPY or VOICE JAM when doing multi-track recording in Cubasis3. Likewise, I don't use Cubasis3 when playing out using LOOPY and VOICE JAM. I also use a Behringer Ultra Gain Pro-8 and it's light pipe (fiber optic) output to add the hardware for an additional 8 channels of input to the MK5. One last thing... my only disappointment with this unit... when playing out live and running LOOPY and VOICE JAM, the ONLY inputs that get signal into (and out of) the iPad are the two Mic/Line/Instrument jacks on the front. The other line inputs just don't work for doing live looping. Oh well. Buy one. You won't be disappointed. ... More
Amazing performance in a tiny box
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
This is an impressive recorder: It has a ton of inputs, the sound quality is stellar, the software is easy to use*, most of the important controls are right in front. The monochrome design is pretty spiffy There is a printed manual(!), and it's actually useful(!). Small nitpicks: -downside of monochrome design: you can't see if the input is clipping on the front screen, and the vu meter isn't super useful; a grayscale screen would be much better IMO! -speaking of, the front screen developed a stuck line after a week of use -_- -there is a slight pop when you shut down the unit; the downside of not using relays I guess? -there's no way to dim the screen -a balanced headphone output would have been nice? (* at least on a trashcan Mac Pro running Catalina) ... More
Every bit as good as advertised
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Peter on B&H Photo Video
I was looking for a solid audio interface to go along with my Mac. I use it with Cubase but also to mix external audio with application audio into an output (I use CASTER for that). My choice fell on the Ultralite based on the mix of audio performance, physical controls on the unit and the software it comes with. And really it fully delivers. Installation was very easy. Recording via the mic input works great, the loopback function to record application output into Cubase works great. I love the fact that i can set the level of the mic input right on the interface using a level meter (my old interface just had an overload warning). And last but not least the headphone output works great. It sounds good and delivers enough power for my needs. ... More
M1 Connection Issues / Sample Rate Issues
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by David on Guitar Center
I have two of these with the same issues! I've had many issues with this interface with my M1 Max MacBook Pro. The stock cables that come with the unit don't actually work through standard USB-C, they will immediately present sample rate issues. The only workaround I found is that using a 3rd party cable sometimes works, or if you use their stock cable into a dock/hub of sorts. Second, I've experienced many dropouts with this interface. It will literally drop audio in the middle of a show even though the hardware panel keeps showing audio. They really just need to make it M1 compatible. Otherwise the features on this are so promising, but was a total letdown. ... More
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Nice Unit
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Jack on B&H Photo Video
New recording interface unit. Typical solid MOTU hardware but latency, at 64 samples not as good as some other MOTU's I've had. I had to go down to 32 samples to get equal/slightly better recording latency. Better than other similar brands in both preamp fidelity and latency. I don't have a designated USB C port, but I have a Thunderbolt III and it works perfectly with the Thunderbolt III port.
Powerhouse
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
Very versatile, great sounding and compact. Definitely my favorite portable audio interface. Comes with Performer lite - a pro level but very straight-ahead sequencing program. Really nice sounding converters, essentially zero latency, and a lot of options for input. One of my favorite aspects about the way the new MOTU interfaces work is that they can be networked and routed. It can be connected directly to an iOS device (and of course computer - mac or PC), and can output audio while recording for studio or live use. I could not be happier with this unit.
Cheap 7.1 interface, works well
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Kevin on B&H Photo Video
I needed something compact & portable that could handle 7.1 output monitoring for Pro Tools, and this is pretty much the only thing in this price point that will do it. You have to spend at least 3x as much for the next viable option, so while I'm still not the biggest fan of MOTU's converters or overall sound quality, for the price it can't be beat. Drivers are solid on Mac OS Monterey and CueMix 5 is much better than prior versions for I/O setup.
Very good DAC with lots of I/o
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Doug on Guitar Center
I am using this for active 5-way stereo setup. I needed 10 analog outputs and multichannel USB input from my computer running Roon. Sounds clear and very flexible. I do wish the eq offered a low pass. Quemix5 is an easy to use interface. The led meters on the front make it easy to see the output levels. I haven't experienced any drop outs. I use it at 96k rate.
solid piece of kit!
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Kenneth on B&H Photo Video
you don't even need to download a driver for the interface to operate! Preamps and latency all within acceptable range for traveling recording capable of professional quality results. using with mac m1 laptop without issue! considering purchasing a second.
Good quality, easy to use
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I got this primarily to drive my studio monitors on a video editing setup, the quality is good, and the interface is easy enough to dial in your settings
terribly confusing audio interface
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by ron on B&H Photo Video
absolutely hate this device. the cuemix software that comes with this is beyond confusing... good luck if you mess up the settings too, will take hours to get back to normal. not worth the hassle.
Great from the start
MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Cheryl on B&H Photo Video
Easy to use, amazing quality and versatility!
