Ultralite, how do you like yours, what mac you using?

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Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. for Mac OSX
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ArchivalAudio
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Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:50 am
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Ultralite, how do you like yours, what mac you using?

Post by ArchivalAudio »

after 2 + years struggling with
my Presonus Firebox and issues with it

I am considering "upgrading" to a
MOTU Ultralite

Do you use one?
what are you're thoughts?

What software do you use with it?
does it function properly every time?


I am running a iBook G4 1.2ghz 1.25GB Ram but often get poping and clicking and other digi noise with the firebox, I NEED reliability!

and record live shows in the field
There for I need a reliable unit that can function (by battery) with lack of "wall" power...

any insight would be very helpful

thanx
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995
Bjoillsing
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Post by Bjoillsing »

Hi!

I have used an Ultralite for about 8 months,
My general thought about it is that it is a really solid piece of equipment, works almost everytime I turn it on, some times the sync between computer and Ultralite fails but it is really rare.

I use DP 5, A lot of Native Intruments stuff Reason 3 and everything works perfect, ( I have tried Logic Express and Garageband and it works really nice there to)

When I decided to buy Ultralite I had had my eyes on presonus stuff but after testing some of their equippment and experienced a lot of softwareproblems I decided to try Ultralite wich have been a really good choice...

There have been some problems with Ultralite and Windows XP for a lot of people but I have never tried it on that platform and do not intend to...


Ultralite is a really good Sound interface for the money not the best and not the worst and it is really reliable!

Hope this helps

/Bjollsing
MacBook Core Duo 2.0 gHz 2 gb ram, Ultralite, DP 5
mlehmann
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Post by mlehmann »

Highly recommended. I use mine with a MacbookPro Core2Duo. I work mainly with Live, Logic and MaxMSP. The sound is very good, definitely better than my Mbox2.
MacBookPro, 10.64, MOTU Ultralite, DP7.2, Live Suite 8, Logic Studio 9, MaxMSP 5
ArchivalAudio
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Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:50 am
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Post by ArchivalAudio »

great
I am using
a non - intel
power-pc
iBook G4

I am glad ther are some positive replies
thanx
anyone else?
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995
prizmatic
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ultra lite

Post by prizmatic »

I have been using an ultra lite on stage for some time and had no problems with it. However the latest firmware update did fry it and it is now on its way back to MOTU at my expense. Something else quite interesting, I happened to A-B it with an 828 mk2 and it sounded horrible in comparison. For live though going through nasty monitors and beaten up pa systems I doubt you could hear the difference. I am actually looking at switching my live system to run on something else like the echo audiofire 4.
ArchivalAudio
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Re: ultra lite

Post by ArchivalAudio »

prizmatic wrote:I have been using an ultra lite on stage for some time and had no problems with it. However the latest firmware update did fry it and it is now on its way back to MOTU at my expense. .
How did the firmware upgrade fry the unit?
I have been reading and most have no issues with the firmware upgrade, while a few others have...
thats weird?
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995
artfarm1
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Post by artfarm1 »

Using my Ultralite with an 'old' Dual 867 G4 running DP 4.6.1 on OSX 10.4.9 ........ works beautifully.

Have taken it on location, moved it around, upgraded the firmware..... it's fine...... excellent MIDI, trims, pads, etc.

Makes outboard analog pre-amps coming into the 1/4 jacks sound great, too.. built in mic-pres are decent enough too!.......

Get one.... make music..... be happy!
conleycd
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Post by conleycd »

I have run my Ultralite on a dual G5 2.0 ghz. OS X 10.4.9 with DP 5.11. It works great. Never really had any problems. I have heard the firmware stuff was problematic with some but nothing that I experienced. There have been two firmware upgrades. I think the one was 1.10 and the other 1.15. Both worked fined for me. I have one the infamous AMD chipset G5s so at first the Ultralite used to crackle and spit on recording less than 96/24 but that has been totally eliminated with the fireware upgrades.

For the price you can't beat it. The only thing you may long for is Word Clock sync if you are bringing it into other studios with other gear (unlikely).

I will be replacing it as my main A/D convertor only because I need more inputs and I want to sync my gear with Word Clock but I am keeping it for portable no question!

CC
ArchivalAudio
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Post by ArchivalAudio »

anyone
using the UltraLite powered by a Sealed Lead Acid Battery, similar to (Or) the ecoCharge systems? (instead of just bus-powered firewire, for fiield use)

I know they make one for the traveller...

thanx for all the positive input so far
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995
ArchivalAudio
Posts: 29
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Post by ArchivalAudio »

well
I ordered a UltraLite
and it should be here this friday...
So I'll have to answer some of my own Questions

thanx for all the input..
I hope I won't have too many ?'s
but I may be posting here for them
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995
Daim
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Post by Daim »

my ultralite went back to the store because the display didn't work out of the box
terryoyama
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Post by terryoyama »

I have a Macbook Pro, 1 ghz 1GB ram. Running DP5. I just got my Ultralite a few weeks ago, and have only started to fool with it. Just running my Mac, the Ultralight, and Mackie 624 Monitors.

When I record my nylon string guitar directly into the Analog input and play it back, my family thinks it's me playing "live." I dig it.
ArchivalAudio
Posts: 29
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:50 am
Primary DAW OS: Unspecified

Post by ArchivalAudio »

so far I like
my Ultralite
it seems to connect easire then my firebox ever did
and I can run audiodesk in the background

and it doesn't glitch even in iTunes
were my firebox did

I am eagar to try it in the field soon

thanx for the input

battery power anyone?

peace
thru
music
~ Archival Audio ~
Archiving Worthy Music
since 1986 & digitally since 1995
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