MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Review (Audio Interface)

[Nspace]

I am though - I'll check it out later. Where do you access the filter choices in the 16A? In CueMix?

MOTU's Post 384 of the mentioned thread states that 16A's Firmware Update 2.2.1+ee90d03a2731:

• Added new ‘Advanced’ front panel menu item with two sub-menu items: ‘DAC Filter’ and ‘Panel Lockout’.
• Three new DAC Filter options include: Minimum Phase (Default), Linear Phase Fast, and Linear Phase Slow.

Note that:
1. The minimum phase filter is the one that was originally included before this firmware update.
2. 16A's CueMix Pro Driver Update 1.1.1 was released in tandem. Therefore, in this latest Ultralite mk5's latest driver release (without firmware accompaniment) there is quite little chance that the optional filters are included...
3. MOTU took only 15 days from publicly acknowledging the issue to firmware and driver release for this product. Therefore bringing this option to Ultralite mk5, that uses a very similar CUEmix implementation, shouldn't be much of a difference. More so when a proven solution has already been found and done.
4. MOTU's representative thanked for the existence of pointed null test AD/DA thread (cited at #839 post above), that brought the matter to light.

 

[jtwrace]

How are you updating it? Downloading the new file and installing from there? Mine keeps failing for some reason.

EDIT: I got it; needed to stop Roon Server.

 

[Pancreas]

I haven't noticed any improvement in sound quality

 

[Pancreas]

Probably, and most probably already a higher bitrate (32bit) interface as is show the signs in the industry. Like Neumann MT48 on the higher end, Steinberg UR22C on the lower end but Steinberg aso has a UR816C on which footstept could the motu make (used chips with own flavor preamps etc..)

To your question:

https://www.reddit.com/r/audioengineering/comments/1j8ttaf/are_there_any_rumors_of_a_new_motu_ultralite

mk5 is ~4 years old, mk4 is ~10 years old. So roughly time...

The Mk-5 represented a significant improvement over the prior generation. It employs converter and amplifier chips that offer very high performance for their price point. There's not really anything available, component-wise, that improves on that price/performance ratio. Meanwhile, MOTU has a large stable of other products that haven't yet been updated to the MK-5 performance standard. I imagine that's where their hardware engineers will be spending their time.

considering the current price for mk5 is $650. I paid $595

Even if mk6 offers some improvements, it wouldn't be worth it to upgrade unless your mk5 stops working, there would negligible real life sound improvements.

You could sell your mk5, even then is not worth it

The mk5 equivalent in RME is RME Fireface UCX ii at $1700.

Has anyone tried both to make a fair comparison in regard to sound quality?

Yes, maybe RME has better support and "quality", but I wouldn't be surprised if the actual real life sound quality is just as good as or extremely close to what the RME one produces

 

[antcollinet]

I haven't noticed any improvement in sound quality

Why would you? It is already transparent.

 

[Keith_W]

Has anyone tried both to make a fair comparison in regard to sound quality?

Yes, maybe RME has better support and "quality", but I wouldn't be surprised if the actual real life sound quality is just as good as or extremely close to what the RME one produces

The Motu is a quality product. In the past, RME had a better reputation for having flawless software and after-sales support, but Motu has closed that gap. When I bought my RME interface 10 years ago, I was strongly advised to choose RME because Motu was a bit flaky. That is no longer true, and these days I do not think there is any reason to choose an RME over a Motu given the price difference. In fact, I am glad that Motu is giving RME such a hard time, that will force them to lower their prices or come up with a good reason to choose RME.

Just FWIW the only reason DAC's sound different is because SOME DAC's are engineered to sound different. Absolute transparency was not a design goal in those DAC's, "different sound", audiophile mysticism, and pandering to audiophile anxieties was. These days, DAC's are a solved problem. If two companies have the same design goal for their DAC's - i.e. absolute transparency - you will get the same audible result.

 

[antcollinet]

If two companies have the same design goal for their DAC's - i.e. absolute transparency - you will get the same audible result.

Has anyone tried both to make a fair comparison in regard to sound quality?

And just to add to that. Both the RME and Motu measure perfect to way below the level human hearing can detect. There will be no audible difference between them just from the DAC.

Both of course can be set up with various sound shaping filters. If these are used then they - of course - can create differences. Just like tone controls can.

 

[Pancreas]

People swearing by RME over other brands is almost like a cult, similar to iphone vs androids.

Why not give other upcoming brands a chance rather than becoming a snob?

Many audiophile see Motu as the android of the music world.

Can everyone afford or justify a $1700 audio interface? especially if you are not making any money from music?

I only listen to music, watch videos, play video games, play guitar. I make zero money with my setup.

The only thing I invested in before is Genelec 8030c speakers as that's the most important aspect of sound. I didn't even pay full price.

The Motu is actually overkill for these speakers and the things I use this setup for.

Those $1700 could go towards better speakers or room treatment.

 

[andy-ray]

I'm trying to update my windows 10 machine to MOTU Ultrallite driver 4.2.0.430+bde94264f. The package and driver installs but after reboot the driver fails to load. Device Manager shows yellow triangle next to Ultralite.

Did MOTU completely break Win 10 compatibility in a new driver, or is it just me?

 

[levimax]

I'm trying to update my windows 10 machine to MOTU Ultrallite driver 4.2.0.430+bde94264f. The package and driver installs but after reboot the driver fails to load. Device Manager shows yellow triangle next to Ultralite.

Did MOTU completely break Win 10 compatibility in a new driver, or is it just me?

I installed the new driver on a windows 10 machine and it is working. I was going to install the new Cuemix 5 update but it said it was for Windows 11 so did not. Can anyone confirm if the new Cuemix 5 works on Windowns 11?

 

[andy-ray]

I installed the new driver on a windows 10 machine and it is working. I was going to install the new Cuemix 5 update but it said it was for Windows 11 so did not. Can anyone confirm if the new Cuemix 5 works on Windowns 11?

Actually new Cuemix5 worked fine, and actually could see and control my Ultralite. It is the driver itself that just did not, windows did not register it as a sound device.

 

[levimax]

Actually new Cuemix5 worked fine, and actually could see and control my Ultralite. It is the driver itself that just did not, windows did not register it as a sound device.

On my Windows 10 machine the 4.2.0.430+bde94264f driver update is installed and working. I will try the new Cue Mix now.... hopefully the combination is not what breaks things.

 

[jtwrace]

Can anyone confirm if the new Cuemix 5 works on Windowns 11?

Yes, no problem

 

[Pancreas]

So what are the best setting on icue mix? I will post photos of how I have it setup

 

[antcollinet]

So what are the best setting on icue mix?

I don't think there are "best" settings. you set it up appropriately for how you are using it.