Tell us how much you paid for the unit.
$550
How long have you had it?
A year and 4 months
Rate it on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best.
9
Things you like about it
Well, it works, and with no hassles! Driver installation was a breeze (OS X 10.3.9/10.4.7; PPC & Intel; Windows XP SP2, Intel P4). "Motu doesn't work on PC" is a LIE. As long as you have the right FireWire chipset (Texas Instruments), you will not have any problems. Call MOTU Tech support (617) 576-3066 if you are unsure about yours. I purchased the UltraLite as a replacement for my beloved 2408 (first-generation). I use the analog inputs regularly, and SPDIF once in awhile. I don’t need ADAT, TDIF, SMPTE, Word Clock, etc. - Just analog I/O!
The UltraLite is solidly built, and as its name implies, ultra light. Seriously, it weighs less than a block of cheddar cheese (mmmm). It comes with easy to install rack ears, and although the manual doesn’t recommend it, you can install it “half-rack” (using only the top and bottom left holes), and it holds itself perfectly.
Given the price and features of this unit, the preamps are a great value. They’re slightly better than what you’d get from an M-Audio DMP3 or Studio Projects VTB-8, and definitely better than the onboard preamps on the FireBox or 410. They are clean and quiet, but lacking the definition of the highs that you’d get from a dedicated $500+ preamp.
The A/D D/A is as good as MOTU’s other interfaces (which is quite good). I had been using my computers built-in audio output while waiting for the UltraLite to arrive – I purchased some music, and when I listened to it through the UltraLite, I heard instruments and details that I never knew were there when listening via the built-in soundcard.
The UltraLite is completely bus-powered. And by completely, I mean completely. You can run 48v phantom power on both mic inputs, record on all remaining inputs, monitor on all outputs, drive your headphones, use the CueMix DSP feature, and keep the LCD display backlit (the display is also intelligently designed and readable from several angles) using only the included FireWire cable! MOTU supplies a wall-wart power supply if you wish to use the UltraLite as a standalone mixer.
Speaking of a standalone mixer, the UltraLite lives up to it’s claim that you can route any input to any output for live use. The headphone output is independent of the “main” output; it has its own level control and routing matrix. The interface within the UltraLite itself was clearly laid out, and included all the functions that I’ll ever use in it. However, I won’t be trading in my hardware mixer anytime soon (see the next section).
The MIDI interface feature worked without a hitch in OS X & Windows XP SP2.
I must mention that I was also floored at the quality of the included AudioDesk software! This isn’t some half-baked “lite recording software.” It is Digital Performer, just without the MIDI features! It’s absolutely amazing – you can edit audio just as in-depth as in Digital Performer (the interface looks and feels identical to DP’s as well). You can also use MAS plugins. There is no track limitation, and you can record as many tracks simultaneously as your hardware supports! The fact that this software is included freely with the UltraLite is more than worth the price of admission! NOTE: AudioDesk does not support Virtual Instruments or AU Plugins.
Things you don't like about it.
Using the UltraLite as a standalone mixer is sort of a pain. It’s definitely doable, but if you already have a hardware mixer, don’t get rid of it. Routing is much easier to do within your host program or using the CueMix software than trying to do it with 2 knobs (each knob on the UltraLite can also be pushed like a button).
I also have minor quibbles with the CueMix DSP Console software itself, as it’s hard to tell which setting the UltraLite is actually using: what you see on your computer screen, or what you see on the UltraLite display. For example, I increased the “Trim” on a preamp via the CueMix software, but the UltraLite’s display still said the “Trim” was all the way down. When I manually turned the trim knob, the UltraLite’s setting instantly reverted to what I was physically twisting with my hand (and not the mouse). Conversely, when manually adjusting parameters on the UltraLite itself, the adjustments were visible on the LCD display, but not the CueMix console.
Another thing that will take some getting used to is the fact that all the controls are digital. Although the knobs are detented at a fairly high resolution, they are detented. This means if something is way too loud, you can just turn the knob down to “off,” you have to twist it continuously (like a jog wheel), and hope it goes down quickly enough. Having said that, the knobs are responsive and accurate, one “tick” of the knob equals one “unit” of adjustment (which is visible on the display).
Anything else you wish to add?
I bought this interface over similar ones from M-Audio and PreSonus because I’m a huge MOTU fanboy. I didn’t want to buy an interface that I’d outgrow in a couple years. I also didn’t want to have to hassle with half-baked drivers and support (and come on… those M-Audio interfaces are built like toys!).
Another reason I purchased the Ultralite was because of MOTU’s product longevity. My 2408 (first generation, not mkII or 3) lasted over ten years! The digital I/O on it were still perfectly functional, too. Now think about that: in 6 years, MOTU offered flawless support for Mac OS 8, 9, X (10.1,2, and 3!). MOTU is committed to their products no matter when you bought them. The MOTU products that I have purchased were investments that definitely paid off in the long run. I like the UltraLite so much that I am ordering a 2nd to round out my 16 i/o studio setup.
You can buy “similar” interfaces for less cash, but the difference is astounding: the UltraLite kills the FireBox, 410, and 1814. I assume it would also trump the Edirol interfaces, but I was not able to test them.
Quality D/A, rugged construction, nice preamps, hassle-free drivers, bus power, and AWESOME DAW software make the UltraLite an incredible deal. If you’ve been looking for an awesome compact yet powerful FireWire interface, buy yours today. Yes I would buy this again if it were stolen from me – I’m buying it again even though it wasn’t!
-- Alex Tsubota
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http://www.zzounds.com/a--3745/item--MTUULTRALITE
