MOTU Ultralite mk3 Firewire & USB Hybrid Audio Interface

Full Description

The UltraLite-mk3 is two devices in one, an audio interface and a 14-bus digital mixer, complete with EQ, compression and reverb, giving you twice the functionality in half the rack space.

Operating as either a computer interface or stand-alone, the UltraLite-mk3 provides DSP-driven digital mixing with effects processing (reverb, EQ and compression) for all 10 inputs and 14 outputs. You can connect all your gear and then mix, process and monitor everything from the UltraLite-mk3's main outs or headphone jacks.

The UltraLite-mk3 provides flexible and mobile bus-powered operation, professional audio quality at sample rates up to 192 kHz and plenty of I/O, including two mic/instrument inputs, six line-level analog inputs, ten channels of analog output, stereo S/PDIF and a discrete stereo headphone output.

Housed in a rugged, compact enclosure you can take anywhere, the mk3 is equally well-suited for studio and stage, with or without a computer. As an interface or standalone mixer, it provides 10 separate inputs and 14 separate outputs.

Connect all of your studio gear, including microphones, guitars, synths, keyboards, drum machines, effects processors and even MIDI devices. Record, monitor, route and process all of these live inputs using the professional on-board CueMix FX digital mixer with no latency and no processor strain on your computer. Apply hardware DSP-driven effects processing to inputs, outputs and busses independent of your host computer. Add Classic Reverb with lengths up to 60 seconds and further sculpt your sound with the 7-band parametric EQ featuring filter types carefully modeled after British analog console EQs. Choose between two forms of compression: a conventional compressor and the Leveler, an accurate model of the legendary LA-2A optical compressor that provides vintage, musical automatic gain control.

After programming the on-board mixer in the studio, unplug the UltraLite-mk3 from the computer and take it on the road for operation as a stand-alone mixer with effects. All mixing and effects parameters are adjustable using the front panel backlit LCD.

The UltraLite provides cross-platform compatibility with Mac and Windows and all of your favourite audio software and host-based effects via WDM/ASIO/Core Audio drivers. You can use the included AudioDesk workstation software for Mac, with 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit mixing/processing/mastering.

Two mic/guitar inputs are equipped with high quality preamps and all the features you need to record any mic or guitar with excellent sound quality. Each input is equipped with its own 48V phantom power switch and three-stage 0/-18/-36dB pad switch.

The preamps provide 24 dB of gain adjustment in precise 1 dB increments using the detented digital rotary encoder. As you turn the encoder, you see graphic and numeric feedback in the front panel LCD, so you know exactly how much gain you are applying. The gain adjustment itself is smooth because it is analog, but the digital control gives you both precision and the ability to save and recall trim settings. You get the best of both worlds: analog trim with digital precision and control.

Reviews

"The UltraLite mk3 manages to pack a staggering amount into a modestly-sized box and should appeal to those looking for a one-stop solution to both recorded and live work. In short, the UltraLite mk3 won't let you down." - Future Music

Features and Specifications