Audio drops out when moving the UltaLite-mk3

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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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ericcarl
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Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2009 4:11 pm
Primary DAW OS: Unspecified

Audio drops out when moving the UltaLite-mk3

Post by ericcarl »

My UltraLite-mk3 is only about 3 days old but today I noticed a strange problem. I was playing music through iTunes and I moved the UltraLite on my desk just slightly- only a slight a nudge, I didn't pick it up or jar it significantly. As soon as it moved the audio dropped out and I was unable to get it back without powering the UltraLite off and then back on. Anyone else have this problem? This happened on two different occasions.

- edit -

So it just happened again. This time I had Ableton Live open and I noticed at the bottom it now says "The audio engine is off. (etc...)". I checked OS X's sound settings and my MOTU is no longer listed as a device. It basically is acting like it got disconnected even though its connected just fine.
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mikehalloran
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Re: Audio drops out when moving the UltaLite-mk3

Post by mikehalloran »

> It basically is acting like it got disconnected even though its connected just fine.<

Uh... no, it's not "connected just fine". Your unit shouldn't do that.

This could be anything from a bad cable, bad power strip (I see this one a lot) to an internal connector not seated correctly when a piece of hardware was built (more common than you think even on new equipment). It could even be a cracked circuit board.

Bypass the power strip and plug directly into the wall. If that doesn't do it, swap out all your cables including power. If the problem persists, open the unit and re-seat any internal connectors - do it three times to burnish the connectors. If it has a fuse, change it - the elements can come loose or be defective but still look good. If it still persists, the unit needs a more serous repair.
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ericcarl
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2009 4:11 pm
Primary DAW OS: Unspecified

Re: Audio drops out when moving the UltaLite-mk3

Post by ericcarl »

Thanks Mike, I will do some tinkering and see what I can find.
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