MOTU UltraLite AVB Audio Interface Review (July 2024)

Name: MOTU UltraLite AVB Audio Interface Review ([month] [year])
SKU: 343
Price: 649.95 USD
Availability: InStock

$649.95

Last updated on July 27, 2024 6:01 am Details

Description

In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the MOTU UltraLite AVB Audio Interface, including an overview of its unique features.

Product Description

The latest in MOTU’s popular, award-winning UltraLite interface series, the UltraLite AVB is an 18-input, 18-output audio interface with DSP mixing, wi-fi control, AVB audio networking, and best-in-class analog audio quality for on-the-go mobile audio recording.

The most I/O ever offered in the UltraLite series. You get 2 mic inputs, 2 guitar inputs, 6 line inputs, 8 line outputs, headphone out, and 8-channel optical I/O for a total of 18 inputs and 18 outputs, simultaneously. The optical ports also support stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF).

The UltraLite AVB connects to your computer with audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS) for across-the-board compatibility now and in the future. Alternately, if you have a Mac running OS X Yosemite (10.10) or later, you can use a standard Ethernet cable for operation as an audio interface. Either way, the UltraLite AVB is compatible with all audio software.

The mixer in the UltraLite AVB is a complete departure from earlier models. In fact, it’s identical to the mixer found in MOTU’s flagship 1248 and 16A interfaces. If you know your way around a large-format mixing console, you’ll feel right at home. If you’ve ever wished to mix on a large console, the driver’s seat is now yours.

The software that you use to control the UltraLite AVB doesn’t reside on your hard drive. It’s a web app served by the hardware itself. This means you can control the UltraLite AVB on-board DSP, mixing, device settings, and network audio routing from your favorite web browser on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone connected by wire or Wi-Fi to your local area network. Use any web client on any platform – Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android – as long as it shares the same network.

The UltraLite AVB is so flexible, it can serve many roles — in the studio, on stage, and throughout an installation. The Quick Setup menu lets you instantly reconfigure the UltraLite AVB for many common situations, from operation as a standard audio interface to serving as a network “snake” from one location to another. Once a preset is chosen, you can easily customize the routing grid and mixer settings to further suit your specific needs — and then save your own custom presets.

Product Features

2 mic inputs, 2 guitar inputs, 6 line inputs, 8 line outputs, headphone out, and 8-channel optical I/O for 18 inputs and 18 outputs.
117 dB dynamic range on analog outputs represents best-in-class analog audio performance for mobile recording.
Flexible 48-input digital mixer with 7 stereo aux busses, 3 group sends access to eight network inputs, and DSP effects, including reverb, 4-band EQ, gate, and compression.
Classic reverb. Compression modeled after the legendary LA-2A compressor. EQ is modeled after British analog console EQs.
Send any input to any output, or multiple outputs. Includes routing to and from the computer, plus any devices on the AVB network.
Connect an Apple Airport or other Wi-Fi router with a standard Ethernet cable for wireless control of device settings, powerful 48-channel mixing, and DSP effects.
Connects to your computer with standard AVB Ethernet or audio class compliant hi-speed USB 2.0 (compatible with USB 3.0 and iOS). Compatible with all audio software.
Control everything from your favorite web browser on a laptop, tablet, and smartphone connected to your local Wi-Fi network.
Add a 2nd MOTU AVB interface (1248, 8M, 16A, 24Ai, 24Ao, etc.) with a simple CAT-5e ethernet cable. Connect up to five MOTU interfaces using a MOTU AVB Switch (sold separately).
Build a network with multiple interfaces and computers using standard AVB switches and network cabling, with ultra-low network latency, even over long cable runs (100 meters point to point). Stream hundreds of audio channels among devices and computers on the network.
The large backlit LCD lets you view all signal activity at a glance with detailed metering for all analog and digital I/O. Access hardware settings from a simple and convenient menu.
Includes AudioDesk workstation software for Mac and Windows with 24-bit recording, sample-accurate editing, and 32-bit mixing and mastering.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong build
Fantastic sound output
DAW is not needed
The Ultralite has MIDI ports
Can sync up to five MOTU interfaces
Support stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)
Matrix routing allows you split inputs to different destinations

Cons

Bulky in size
Limited power
Rather premium-priced
The USB connection cannot be used to power the device
The configuration of internal routing is not simple
It is only possible to upgrade the interface by connecting it to your computer via an Ethernet wire

MOTU UltraLite AVB Audio Interface Demo

Our Verdict

MOTU has released the UltraLite AVB, a portable audio interface that promises greater I/O and DSP than previous UltraLites while delivering “best in class” audio quality.

The MOTU UltraLite AVB is intended to give a straightforward method of connecting your devices. It doesn’t matter if it’s instruments, microphones, or other audio sources. This device will assist you in connecting them to your computer. The MOTU UltraLite AVB is intended to be incredibly user-friendly. It’s the ideal audio interface for singer-songwriters, podcasters, and artists who are just getting started with recording.

Where to Buy

The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.