ultralite impressions?

d50 · Post by **d50** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:55 am

Hi guys,
Please forgive me if this topic is already been done...but i'm a newbie.
Considering that i'd like to purchase a motu ultralite....i was wondering if you guys can tell me something about this soundcard.
Does it run well with macintosh?
Thanks

Sticky Fox · Post by **Sticky Fox** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:58 am

It works great with the Intel macs (I don't have a PPC mac). It sounds really nice. I haven't heard any anomalous pops or noises with my setup. There's no more latency than I'd expect from a digital setup. It also integrates with AMS so that you can use it as a surround output if you like. Being able to mix sources for monitoring is also really nice.

As you have probably read, the display is a little weak. Also, if you use TRS cables with fat connectors, you may have trouble fitting them next to each other, but I have not encountered this problem with regular switchcraft type connectors. My only complaint is that the knobs are tough to work because they are so tiny, but I use the CueMix controls to make adjustments, so I don't really need the knobs at all.

d50 · Post by **d50** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 8:31 am

Thanx Sticky.
Any other comments?

donaldm · Post by **donaldm** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:55 am

I've got nothing but nice things to say about the UL. It took me a couple of installs to get it recognized as a MIDI interface on my system but other than that everything is running perfectly (turned out i needed to throw out some old MIDI drivers in my directory.) I've not had a single problem with clocking or syncing and seems to run fine up at 96k (though i normally work at 44.1). The cpu seems to be about the same as my other interfaces when i run it with its power supply. The built in pres seem pretty neutral I've played with them a bit for quick recording. I actually really like the design of having one pre on the front and one on the back so as to have one cable hooked up to my patch bay and the one in front for connecting a bass or guitar or whatever for jotting down quick ideas. I really like it! more i/o in a smaller box than a firepod.

I agree that the buttons are close to annoyingly small, but CueMix makes everything a cinch.

I'm going to give it a go this weekend using it as a standalone mixer to send a custom signals to the drummer in my band and our recording setup. If I'm reading the manual right the UL will retain the mix bus settings from the last time it was connected to your computer.

chorga1 · Post by **chorga1** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 12:46 pm

I've had it for 2 weeks now. After a bit of a learning curve - my first Motu product - I am very happy.

The build quality is excellent. The A/D/A converters are two steps above the M-Audio FW 1814 and Echo Layla 24/96. The knobs are a little small, but still usable. For some reason MOTU's driver doesn't allow you to control the output via the computer - you either have to use your sequencers volume, an external device like a Mackie Big Knob, or the tiny knob on the front of the ultralite.

I just tested the Mic pres briefly. They were clean and seeme dof similar quality to those on my Presonus Digimax LT. Without further testing I cannot comment.

I did have a few lil bugs in Cubase SX, but I was able to get easy workarounds. The bugs did not affect stability or limit features... I imagine they will be fixed with driver updates...

All in all I think the design is excellent considering how many features are packed in such a tiny package. If you don't need all of the sync and digital options of the Traveler this guy'll do you right!

baanes · Post by **baanes** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:46 pm

I've been looking at the ultralite as well, but I have been wondering what is the actual range on the preamps? MOTU's site is a little unclear. they list 60db gain range but only 24db adjustable in 1db increments. does this mean that they only go up to +24? Or does the 3-way switch set fixed boost? Also, has anyone compared it to a traveler or 828 in terms of sound quality? It seems like it might use the same electronics but it would be nice to know. Thanks for the reports, everyone.

chorga1 · Post by **chorga1** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:59 pm

For preamp gain there is a switch that allows you 60db of gain range. You don't get 60 db of gain, but you do get 60 db of range.

It's function is explained very clearly in the manual.

I'd be interested to hear the comparison to the 828 and Traveler in terms of S/Q. I would imagine the guts are the same, but I'd like to hear this confirmed....

d50 · Post by **d50** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 12:50 am

Ok.
thanks for the comments guys.
I'm looking forward to have this product in europe.
bye

kraigmason · Post by **kraigmason** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:25 am

I currently have an 828MKII.
I am looking for more Inputs/Outputs, and the UltraLite seems like it will fit my needs perfectly. (i don't need all the features of another MKII).
Will the ULTRA-LITE work with an 828MKII?
also, where are people buying the ULTRA-LITE?
I have not found it at music123 or zzounds.

thanks,

kraig

DP4.6 * DUAL 1 GHZ G4 * 828MKII

Sticky Fox · Post by **Sticky Fox** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:25 am

kraigmason wrote:I currently have an 828MKII.
I am looking for more Inputs/Outputs, and the UltraLite seems like it will fit my needs perfectly. (i don't need all the features of another MKII).
Will the ULTRA-LITE work with an 828MKII?
also, where are people buying the ULTRA-LITE?
I have not found it at music123 or zzounds.

According to the MOTU manual, you can daisy chain interfaces; they do not need to be the same model. I haven't tried this myself.

As far as I know the UltraLite is pretty new and a lot of places still have to special-order it. I got mine at a local shop and they ordered it direct from MOTU, but they now have them in stock.