MOTUnation.com

Hey all, can you please do a quick test with your mk3´s:
When rotating MIC1 or MIC2 trim knobs, an audible "pop" is heard in every dB increment/decrease (only if trim gain is between 6 - 24dB). Same happens with the trim controls on the CueMix-software. It is also visible in LCD, channel meter is reaching almost half of the scale when turning either of the mic preamps. Reason why I am asking this is that UltraLite mk1 and mk2 does not do this, so it makes me wonder if this is normal behaviour in mk3...

Thanks,
Ari

I don't think that this is normal. I'm waiting for my tech reply and if they say it is broken I will give it back and will never buy anything MOTU related again. For anyone that is interested in the problem. I made video of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDcbu3HjYnM

MotU Techlink Answer to my question concerning this problem.

"State change from 'Unread' to 'In progress'
Hi Henry,

This is the expected behavior for the Ultralite-mk3. This behavior is due to the nature of digital rotary encoders, such as those found on the trim knobs of the Ultralite-mk3.

As these knobs are not voltage controlled, the volume curve more closely resembles a staircase. Therefore, each adjustment produces an instant increase in volume with an associated audible click."

1. Any Ultralite MK3 or Ultralite user with the same problem?
2. How should I trim the input on a bigger stage? The Audience will love the loud clicks coming out of the speakers...

I got a techlink answer from Motu (after waiting 2 months...). It says that:

"The Trim knobs move in 1 dB increments. Because this is a large increase in volume it is normal to hear a noise when you increase the input level".

and:

"This is a normal behavior for the Ultralite Mk3".

So something in the desing of mk3 has changed from mk1 and mk2, as they do not have this "problem" caused by huge 1 dB steps in preamps.
I had my mk3 replaced earlier by local importer, their opinion was that it should not behave like this. Unfortunately my replacement unit also has this same popping-feature. Their service department is now analysing this problem (or feature), I´ll probably know more about it on next week...

So, now we know that this input trim noise is a normal feature in UltraLite-mk3.

For people who need to trim inputs in live, just buy a separate mixer or preamp, or return your Motu an buy an other audio interface.
I will ask Motu to add TechNote on their pages about this issue, and to remove following text from UltraLite-mk3 product page:

" The gain adjustment itself is smooth because it is analog..."

A popping staircase is far from being smooth.

I´ll post a message about this in MOTU Hardware & Windows -forum too.

p.s. Are 828´s sharing this same feature..?