All user reviews of 4/5 for the MOTU UltraLite mk3 Hybrid

I chose this interface for its excellent quality / price.

For a compact interface, it still has a number of inputs / outputs more than satisfactory and a lot of options are available. Note the ability to mount the 192KHz sampling.

I tested the firewire and USB. No differences of course but gained consciousness I would recommend firewire.
I use it mainly for listening, sound editing and occasionally Foley on Adam A5X.
It has happened to me to use it to record the stereo analog output table in a classical recording.

USE

I would note a few stability problems. Is not at all a computer whiz, I do not know what is the fact that, listen, this interface abruptly stops sending sound. I just need to restart the file to get everything in order, but it is a difficult problem ...

I use many Pro Tools and Ableton. Who had never worked on large sessions, I have not yet seen the limits of the number of lanes. The recording quality is correct without being exceptional ...

The updates do not seem very common and has high latency but at that price, I do not expect much better.

CueMix FX software, however, is very pleasant to use and has many useful tools to analyze a mix.
The reverb embraquée is a great selling point for this interface. However, I use reverb convolusions and find them obviously superior to it. From an algorithmic point of view, I'm more a fan of the Lexicon and TC reverb that this will probably satisfy a musician but not a sound editor.

Level preamp, we are in an amateur but good registry for what it is. With little budget, I usually used with a NT2A Rode for voices and sound effects. The couple works well but sounds a little cold ...

IMPLEMENTATION

Simple Installation and use.

Just plug and install the software and everything goes.

You just get used to press the knobs to access other functions of the card. Ultimately, not even need to read the manual.

NOTICE GLOBAL

I use it for 3 years and I have to say that despite some reservations about the stability of the beast, I'm pretty satisfied.

I find it superior to the MBox.

I especially like its modularity, the large number of inputs / outputs, good recording quality for the price and the CueMix FX software rather comprehensive and user-friendly as far as manipulating the mouse is not disconcerting.

For 500 €, I think it's proper case, but which calls for a future purchase more efficient as far as we seek something higher course.

I think I would do this choice if I was in the same financial conditions and with the same level of incompetence at the time of my purchase.
I think it fulfills its role card aspiring sound engineer but a greater mastery of the sound world calls for quick switching interfaces.

I intend to keep it and use it as analog / digital converter with a direct outs Revox table for a mobile control for the classic.

size (small)
production (solid),
very good quality of its inputs,
the number of entries,
virtual mix table (but very complicated "modular")
compressors, reverb, and EQ.
We can do without a computer map also operates autonomously.

Self-powered Firewire

I have a MOTU (large version).

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable,
MOTU but are not the strongest in terms of updating or support .. damage.

I use this card in Ableton Live 7, 8, 9. Latency very low (ten tracks with 6ms latency buffer ... Total 64 samples or 128 samples .. ca super password!), low CPU resource .

Warning sound card offers to use via its table mix CUE MIX .. it is sometimes complicated :-( some settings are another tool MOTU (MOTU SETUP).'s Manual does not explain much. However, we learn walking, live status, etc. ... so you get there

GETTING STARTED

"Easy" to use with the cue mix software virtual.
You can record different presets table mix and settings of the sound card. It reminds easily ... and that without computer on as the card also works without the USB or FW, standalone.

Installation of drivers okay.
Little explicit manual :-(
The usb does not feed the sound card.

OVERALL OPINION

I award this sound card for its size (small), manufacturing (solid), the quality of its inputs, the number, virtual mix table (but very complicated "modular"), compressors, reverb, and EQ. I also took as it is powered by Firewire

It can be used with or without a computer.

It is a sound card very good in terms of inputs and outputs, the mixing desk and manufacturing.

Update: I sold this card to keep only her big sister. Indeed, live, I prefer the larger version because I can put a machine on, I can put two headphones (we both play) and I go XLR what suits teams sound.

But that should not stop you:
It is a sound card very good in terms of inputs and outputs, the mixing desk and manufacturing.

Some take RME but it is more expensive. Here, the MOTU gives great results, it is very suitable for portable use (and the results are PRO).

I had chosen because it is compact and very versatile pm (I / O) / converters / preamps / SPDIF / DSP / full output bus.
But also fidelity to MOTU and fear of the unknown.

For a roaming registration and use as mixing at home. I took him various preamps variable quality (BlueTube, joemeek, audio TL ivory, spl GoldMike mk2) and a nice variety of microphones (again, no crap) and I've never been disappointed by the converters.
For monitoring, I used ADAM a7x + hifi + a crash test (computer speakers) + active PA speaker (mono), so 7 outputs used. Here it should be noted that the D / A converters are numerous AND quality, which is rare in this price range, it seems to me.

UTILIZATION

The drivers were stable under winXP, win7 and mac (I know what OS). That's the whole point of this machine, you can install the app super fast on the local computer (in a musicos example) and transform it into audio recording station in 5 minutes (well if when even already DAW software, which is what many musicos in their computer).

I have already recorded 8 tracks simultaneously using dsp (eq / comp / reverb), no problem.
Another important point is the low latency and direct monitoring can even say no latency. In any case if there are problems, it will probably because the PC because this card ensures that view.

The firmware has been updated correctly, I had a problem before or after the execution of the update.

GETTING STARTED

The installation is really quick and painless, the CueMix software, it's been a decade that I practice so it's tricky, but I say it's still easy to understand and intuitive. It is regrettable that it is impossible to have both the IN, OUT and Mix windows must often pass each other, but hey, it is logical.
The manual is clear and sufficient paper version + pdf.

In contrast direct commands on the machine, it is tedious and not ergonomic at all, at the same time it is true that claim condense a mixer on 4cm2 is hot. MOTU tells us we can use the card without the interface, it's bullshit. Here can only serve as troubleshooting, and more.
I would say that, given the quality of the knobs, it is better to leave the volume knob to a stereo or other not to damage the poor little one or two years of normal use, ie listen to music daily (as convertos, again, are very pleasant to listen to our favorite music in good condition).

OVERALL OPINION

I used it for 4 years (2009/2013), after a motu 828 mk2 who farted after 6 years (2003/2009). The ultralight, it has not sold but I sold it (in perfect condition) for a map Steinberg UR824 more preamps.

I also know RME, and I also attended more expensive systems, but only as a musician.

MOTU defended well because it is compact and all in one, but it can also be a default because if used at the end of its capabilities, it almost pitied her with all these cables and returning coming out of the little black and green thing in the middle. And in terms of handling, everything is tight, it was difficult to find a connection with your fingers. I also find that the controls are very fragile and do not inspire confidence. That said, if all the control mice who cares.

The power transformer is blown, I changed it and everything worked again.

The backlight is very fragile, something that applies to all MOTU cards, so we must think of the contrast down a few points from the factory setting (and you can see very well anyway).

Must engage the XLR straight and cleanly as it can stay a little stuck sometimes short, carefully manipulate the connectors.

Absolutely sure of the power from the PC, it is not reliable at all if we want to exploit its capabilities (pad, 48v, preamp, dsp). From this point of view, this is false advertising. Against by the transformer, everything is reliable. On the original model, the Tranfo too hot, disconnect it when not in use. The new model of transformer does not have the same characteristics, which is not, in my opinion, not a chance (1A instead of 800mA)

Frankly and finally, the machine is very pretentious but it provides good from every point of view, if it is treated like a diva and you have the patience to accept the weaknesses related to its small size, to be gentle with it, etc. ...

It has the defects of his qualities.

This is a good quality / price ratio in my opinion.

The UltraLite MK3 Hybrid is a 10 input and 14 output interface that connects to your computer through a USB cable or you can connect it to you computer through a firewire port if you PC or Mac has one. It has 2 very good preamps and has some on unit effects as well. The price is very affordable for all that this interface comes with. The UltraLite MK3 has a screen display on it, it is not a full color screen though. The screen display is great for choosing your effects and tweaking those effects to the desired amount you wish to use.

UTILIZATION

You can use this interface with either a Mac or a PC depending on which OS you are using. You will get very low latency recordings with this interface and you can also use it for the effects in a standalone mode. I have used this interface for both recording and for effects, the first time that I used it was last fall. I wanted to purchase it immediately after using it for the first time.

GETTING STARTED

It is simple to set up, and you can use it in almost any DAW that you choose. Both of the microphone amps have phantom power built in for your condenser microphones. You will have no issues installing the drivers on your computer, it is a plug and play type of interface. The MK3 is also built to last you a long time, it is built with some sort of a protective casting around it that will stand up strong if you happen to knock it off the desk or drop it. Because it can not be racked this is something to take into consideration when looking for an interface.

OVERALL OPINION

The MK3 has about 12 digital mixer effects that you have right at your finger tips. Even if you choose to not use this as your main interface you will still have some great effects that you can use stand alone.

I use the Ultralite MK3 Hybrid with (Version 1) to "DaisyChain" to route the audio outputs of my synthesizers to my sequencer so use home studio for sound recording only.

UTILIZATION

I'm running Windows 7 64 bit.
The card is plugged into a Firewire bus driven by a VIA controller.
The card works well with Sonar X1 (64 bit) and all is stable at 44.1 KHz / 24 bit (Buffer set to 256 samples).

GETTING STARTED

Installation: RAS
Configuration: The new console CueMix FX ergonomic and configuration of the card without the latter is no mean feat.

His side: No complaints, it is very clean, there is dynamic, not breathing audible, no alteration of the signal ...

OVERALL OPINION

This is a great card and that is why I have two.
But the price remains high for this product category.
Finally, it ergonomic for use in standalone mode

What motivated my choice, it is mainly two things, or rather three:
1) The Sample rate that goes up to 192Khz
2) The hybrid mode that allows my macbook to do without power supply.
3) The connection that allows me connecting with my whole set of instruments, which is composed without being monstrous when even if I also takes into account an EWI 4000, a microphone for the flute, a VL70 and, where applicable, a vocal mic.

As said just before, this interface is the core of my set of 'snow blower wind instrument'

UTILIZATION

I had once problems with an interface that has literally lost the ball. I did not know what to do. I extinguished and relit it was good. Must say I've done has just about anything with sets of effects which are located in the interface and frankly, I put the loop on itself or qqchose of this kind there.
Otherwise, no worries. I work almost every day and it is there, breathless annoying, neutral and clean.
I am not updating the drivers, but I will still give it a try in 64bit soon if the interface supports it.
I am roughly 6ms latency when I play, which is not bad at all.

GETTING STARTED

No surprise to install. It's super simple. I already had an old 828Mk2 and I installed, started and played. was the install and play.
As I do is little or no part of its software, I will not dwell on this subject.
the manual is adequate and frankly, I have consulted with the installation. since then, I even know where I put it ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it only for 6 months. what makes some of my views. it is the culmination of several attempts with other interfaces, cheaper, less obviously. I got tired of still having problems with noise, stability, and so on. Finally, I broke my piggy bank and I offered the MK3. Since I do not think about looking for something else.
I can not say what I like most or least. It suits me, it is in a price range that's still expensive. This is the only least at this time of crisis, but it is clear that this is important.

It is a USB or Firewire audio interface, equipped with 8 inputs (phantom power supply with 2XLR + 6 jacks) in a very compact, compared with a whisk. It can be used in stand alone, without a PC.

I bought it at the time to record vocals and guitars in a home studio for electro rock project. Since then, I also used to record 8 tracks in my rock band.
I use it on PC and Mac, Cubase, Logic and Reaper, mostly USB. Motu does not offer driver for Linux.

UTILIZATION

A black spot is its stability. I've had a few blue screens, but it is so exceptional it is not yet gone through the window (against, in a live, AC can be a problem).

Its ergonomics are not the top, but the defects of his qualities.
Optionally, it can be adjusted directly through the few front-panel buttons or PC via the supplied software.
The facade is laborious adjustment: 4 buttons to 8 inputs (with compressor, filters and reverb, ...) That's a lot of menus and submenus. Feasible, but the risk of tearing their hair.
For cons, the software is not too bad and, ultimately, is what I use all the time to adjust.

Finally, once adjustments are made and saved, it is very convenient. I use my home (in home studio) and repetition. It stores up to 8 tracks simultaneously with a relatively low latency.

GETTING STARTED

No problem with installation on various PC and Mac on which I use.
Only the grip is long enough, but the manual is dense.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using 2 / 3 years now.
I had a Lexicon Omega before the recording quality which left me on my hunger. With preamps and converters of this Motu is the day and night, and it is his main quality: excellent sound quality, good connectivity, and easily transportable.
on the other hand, it takes a little patience to learn and configure it properly.

As for the price, I found it a bit expensive to buy just to save his guitar and singing at home. But ultimately, it can replace a small mixer for a rock band, and there, it's worth it.

installed on a mac 2ghz 4gb ram leopard
I returned to the firewire drive through a pre amp lamps

I use it also in conjunction with a laptop as USB console.

UTILIZATION

core-simple to install drivers
I work on Digital Performer 6 02 and accessories on mac garage band
Maj regular imperceptible latency
I record 6 tracks simultaneously a8

GETTING STARTED

install without any problem
Manual in french


OVERALL OPINION

6 months since I love this interface
I also have a mbox 2 and I had ultralite aavant the first generation
effects are numerous and effective reverb, eq, compression, gain
I like the audio quality
the buttons are quite small and the screen is too small, wearing a strength, better work on the screen of the computer ......
no problem, I keep this interface, I hope it's not too fragile, the last I had (the first generation) had the screen brightness in loss of brilliance ... and that I deseperais it turns off ..... DEFINITIONS