MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18×22 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface with mixing and effects

MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18×22 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface with mixing and effects

The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 is a powerful and versatile USB-C / USB-2.0 audio interface designed for musicians, producers, podcasters, and live performers who demand studio-grade sound quality, flexible I/O, ultra-low latency performance, and robust DSP processing — all in a compact, road-worthy half-rack enclosure. With 18 inputs and 22 outputs, pristine ESS Sabre32-based conversion, and an onboard DSP mixer with effects, the UltraLite-mk5 brings high-end recording, mixing, streaming, and live performance capabilities into a portable package.

Whether you’re tracking multiple instruments, routing hardware synths, running a podcast, or streaming live sessions, this interface offers the flexibility and performance to handle professional-level audio work. It also includes bundled software and drivers for Mac, Windows, and iOS — making it a truly universal solution for desktop studios and mobile rigs alike.

Key Features

• Massive I/O capacity: 40 simultaneous channels — 18 inputs and 22 outputs — giving unmatched flexibility for multi-track recording, routing external gear, and complex signal flow.
• Premium audio performance: High-quality conversion using ESS Sabre32™ DAC (ES9026PRO) delivers up to 125 dB dynamic range and ultra-clean output with low THD + noise.
• Ultra-low latency: Optimized drivers for Mac, PC, and iOS deliver round-trip latency as low as 2.4 ms (at 96 kHz, 32-sample buffer), ideal for real-time monitoring, re-amping, and software instruments.
• On-board DSP mixing & effects: Built-in DSP mixer with dedicated monitor mixes per output pair, plus effects such as reverb, 4-band parametric EQ, and dynamics — great for live monitoring, podcasting, and streaming without needing a DAW.
• Comprehensive connectivity:
• 2 × combo XLR/TRS (mic/line/Hi-Z) inputs (with phantom 48V) — perfect for vocal, instruments, DI boxes.
• 6 × balanced 1/4″ line inputs, 10 × balanced 1/4″ line outputs (DC-coupled) — for external gear, monitors, mixers.
• Digital I/O — ADAT (optical, 8-ch), S/PDIF (optical or coax) — for expanding I/O or integrating external converters.
• MIDI In / Out — integrates synths, controllers, drum machines and other MIDI gear.
• Headphones output with independent volume — for private monitoring.
• Loopback function: Enables routing of computer audio back into the interface — ideal for podcasting, livestreaming, online jamming, or content creation.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works on macOS, Windows 10+, and class-compliant for iOS devices — no driver needed on Mac/iOS; Windows uses optimized ASIO / WDM drivers.
• Convenient software bundle: Includes the intuitive CueMix 5 mixer/control software, and MOTU Performer Lite DAW along with 100+ virtual instruments and 6 GB of loops/samples — an ideal starting point for new studios.