
MOTU
MOTU ULTRALITE-MK3 HYBRID FireWire/USB Audio Interface
★★★★★
USB 2.0
Hybrid FireWire/USB2 audio interface with 10 inputs, 14 outputs, onboard DSP effects, and recording up to 192 kHz.
$549.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
10-in/14-out USB 2.0 FireWire Hybrid Audio Interface with 2 Microphone Preamplifiers
Compression Effects - macOS/Windows
DSP Mixer Built-in Reverb
EQ
Specifications
Brand
MOTU
Model
UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid
Connectivity
Hybrid FireWire 400 / USB 2.0
Inputs
10 (2 Mic/Instrument, 6 Line-Level Analog, Stereo S/PDIF)
Outputs
14 (10 Analog, Stereo S/PDIF, Stereo Headphone)
Mic Preamps
2
Max Sample Rate
192 kHz
DSP Effects
CueMix FX — Reverb, EQ, Compression
Compatibility
macOS / Windows
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Hybrid FireWire and USB2 connectivity ensures compatibility with a wide range of computers
- Onboard CueMix FX DSP provides latency-free monitoring with reverb, EQ, and compression
- 14 total outputs offer flexible routing for complex monitor mixes and multi-speaker setups
- Supports recording at sample rates up to 192 kHz for high-resolution audio production
- Compact form factor is portable enough for both studio and live performance use
👎 Cons
- Only two mic preamps limits simultaneous microphone recording without an external preamp
- FireWire and USB2 are legacy connections — no USB-C or Thunderbolt option available
- No built-in MIDI interface, requiring a separate MIDI device for hardware synths and controllers
- USB2 bandwidth may constrain total channel count at the highest sample rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the MOTU UltraLite-mk3 connect via both FireWire and USB at the same time?
No, it uses one connection at a time — either FireWire or USB2 — giving you flexibility to work with whichever port your computer provides.
What onboard DSP effects does the UltraLite-mk3 include?
It includes reverb, parametric EQ, and compression effects powered by its built-in CueMix FX DSP engine, all of which run without loading your computer's CPU.
How many microphones can I record simultaneously with this interface?
The UltraLite-mk3 has two mic/instrument preamp inputs on combo jacks, so you can record up to two microphones at once. An additional six line-level analog inputs are available for other sources.
Is the UltraLite-mk3 compatible with both Mac and Windows?
Yes, it supports both macOS and Windows, with drivers available for each platform.
What is the maximum supported sample rate?
The UltraLite-mk3 supports audio recording and playback at up to 192 kHz for high-resolution audio work.