MOTU UltraLite mk5chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple users experienced persistent audio glitches including clicks, pops, and zapping sounds that persisted through firmware updates, cable changes, and buffer size adjustments for some, though USB cable/port fixes resolved it for others.

@BMRStudio

Its a marketing USB C sound interface… just the connector is C, not the actual interface.\nActually horrific on driver level.\nIt’s only USB 2.0, with a dumb hub in it, making a USB 10/100 network interface, and a bunch of USB 1.0 single channel USB WDM audio stream interface.\nCrackling even on a M4 MAC, or Intel 14900, or HP Z8 Xeon monster.\nThe MIDI interface has swinging timing on output, with huge dependencies on the actual bit flow of other data on the USB streams.\nYou literally can crash any DAW with this garbage.\nThe control software a gimmicky, slow, unprofessional thing, with many limitations on DSP, lacking basic functions, and - or routing capabilities.\nMost hated interface in My studio.\nEnded up as a Optical to balanced converter for my TV.launch

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December 5, 2024

@YuriCauwerts

I bumped upon this after googling a similar issue, playing via Ableton had crackling noises, I got rid of this issue, the reason was I connected the Motu via slow USB-A (via a docking station, stupid mistake I know...) instead of USB-C directly to the (Intel) laptop (Win 11), so it must have been a USB Speed issue for me I guess... Maybe you did something similar? Maybe not... Just thought my experience could help others.launch

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July 23, 2024

@bassinblue

I know this video is 2 years, but I also faced a lot of issues with this audio interface. I just know now to take reviews with a grain...actually a bucket of salt. This audio interface clicked, popped, zapped all the damn time. Updated, reset, changed USB cables, changed buffer sizes constantly...nothing worked. If you're looking to invest in Motu, please be sceptical in your approach with reviews. Obviously this lady is one of the few better ones you can trust.launch

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June 29, 2023

@MatthewSwasta

Does anyone know what I am doing wrong to cause a high pitch tone that interrupts DAW recording, playback, and audio from Youtube and Spotify? \n\nThe piercing tone occurs frequently and cuts out the actual audio being played or recorded, but the audio doesn't stop. Just interrupts, making it impossible to track audio or Midi. \n\nI noticed when I switch the \"Enable Windows Audio Stream\" Main Out 1-2, and Phones Out 1-2 in CueMix5, this tone would also occur. \n\nI changed to a 3.0 USB input and that seemed to help some. I have read that getting a better quality USB-C to USB-A cable corrected the issue with some. I am also going to to a factory reset. If none of this works, tech support, here I come!!!\n\nMy Windows PC is much older with DDR3 RAM anda soon to be completely extinct motherboard, while running Cakewalk Sonar Professional DAW (outdated as well, much like myself when it comes to tech) \n\nI used to run an old Roland Quad-capture with Sonar which had very few problems. This new MOTU seems to have more clarity when it isn't interrupted. \n\nthanks...launch

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September 14, 2022

Users upgrading from the Mk4/AVB line found that CueMix 5 lacks the Routing Matrix present in earlier software, describing it as a feature downgrade despite the simpler interface, with MOTU giving little clarification.

@j.cnnrtv

I also think it is very strange that the MK4 has practically disappeared from the stores, while you can still buy some Mk3s.\n\nI have the Mk4 (previously I have had the MK3) And excited about the possibility of being able to upgrade to the MK5, but what a bad surprise I have, when discover that the new Cue Mix 5 does not have Routing Matrix.\nI have been asking this week on the YT channels (Motu and Sweetwater) and on the Motu facebook page, about whether routing will be possible on the MK5, and i only get silence as answer, while anyone who asks a question (especially the more obvious) they answer to them in a matter of a few hours (WTF!)\n\nIt seems that buying an MK5, means in a way, losing some important feaures, I also don't understand the move to Cue Mix again .... the Mk4 was part of the Pro / AVB range, and does it mean that the Mk5 is now for home cinemas or podcasters??? (WTF !!)\n\nBecause if there is a way to do the routing between inputs and outputs on the Mk5, they do not explain it, neither in their videos, nor in the questions that I ask myself.\n Only one user who asks in the comments of one of my posts (WTF!!!) has been answered that:\n\"There is no routing matrix in CueMix 5\"\n\nDue to their way of ignoring me, my conclusion is that they are possibly close to releasing a new AVB, with all the functions renewed and also based on \"Web App\" thus separating the paths between the Ultralite and the AVB, but at the moment they do not want to say it , and that's why my questions are uncomfortable for Motu's community manager.\nSo if you use the \"Routing Matrix\" a lot, you shouldn't buy the Mk5 until you know how the internal routing works.\n(if it will continue to be possible)launch

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April 17, 2021

@j.cnnrtv

I have the Ultralite Mk4 (previously I had the Mk3)\nI have gone from suffering with the Mk3 Cue Mix, to enjoying the Mk4 Web App, now in the renewed Mk5 and its new Cue Mix 5, i'm missing features such as the Routing Matrix among other features...... i don't understand what has happened, I see it all so simple in Cue Mix 5, that I have the impression that if I upgrade to the Mk5, i would be downgrading to a lower range. It may seem strange what I say to those of you who do not have an MK4, but it is something that you can easily verify by comparing the new Cue Mix 5 with the \"Web App\" that controls the MK4 and AVB \n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzI142WcEP4launch

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April 10, 2021

At least one user's brand-new unit froze completely during a firmware update, requiring a cable-type workaround to recover, and another commenter argued firmware bricking shouldn't be excluded from warranty coverage.

@asmrengineering3710

My Mk5 stopped functioning completely after freezing during a software update right after taking it out of the box. After a few hours of trying things I switched to a usb-c to a cable instead of a usb-c to c cable and that allowed the update to complete. It was very scary - The interface is absolutely phenomenal thoughlaunch

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February 23, 2023

@owlmostdead9492

Honestly I think for something like a firmware brick warranty shouldn’t play a role, they basically destroyed your equipment, so they should fix or replace it regardless of warranty.launch

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April 20, 2021

Users note the UltraLite line still lacks a built-in delay effect, and CueMix 5's EQ is only three-band rather than the expected four, limiting on-board processing options.

@dmc3489

Great review and thank you for confirming that I made a prudent purchase! After a few bumps in the initial installation of the interface, I have come to love the quality of sounds produced by the mk5. One item of mention: The EQ that appears on CueMix 5 is only three band and not four? Any idea as to why that is?  \n\nRegardless, thank you again for the review!launch

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July 5, 2021

@CornellPhillip

Still no built in delay effect. All that’s missing from the UL line is a delay. Is that to much to ask? Disappointed I am. \n\nI already own the mk4 and love everything about it but oh for heavens sake WHERE IS THE DELAY A A A A A A Alaunch

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April 8, 2021

One detailed technical complaint describes the USB implementation as only USB 2.0 with a hub causing crackling across multiple machines, and another user found MOTU's USB audio unreliable on Linux despite class-compliant claims.

@BMRStudio

Its a marketing USB C sound interface… just the connector is C, not the actual interface.\nActually horrific on driver level.\nIt’s only USB 2.0, with a dumb hub in it, making a USB 10/100 network interface, and a bunch of USB 1.0 single channel USB WDM audio stream interface.\nCrackling even on a M4 MAC, or Intel 14900, or HP Z8 Xeon monster.\nThe MIDI interface has swinging timing on output, with huge dependencies on the actual bit flow of other data on the USB streams.\nYou literally can crash any DAW with this garbage.\nThe control software a gimmicky, slow, unprofessional thing, with many limitations on DSP, lacking basic functions, and - or routing capabilities.\nMost hated interface in My studio.\nEnded up as a Optical to balanced converter for my TV.launch

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December 5, 2024

@magoostus

i think motu products are decent. ive got a stageB16 and a 624, but the USB audio is crap. its supposed to be “class compliant” but in Linux, I cant get it to work for 5minutes before the outputs start hopping around in banks of 8 as well as nasty “bit-crusher” distortion. i convert AVB to MADI and and now everything is fine, but dang, motu needs to fix their USB audio craplaunch

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July 28, 2022

One user disliked the small, centrally placed main volume knob as awkward for the most frequently used control, while another found MOTU's documentation on unbalanced TRS wiring inconsistent and confusing.

@BLASTLYNX

The only thing I absolutely hate on this device is that the main vol knob is small and in an odd place in the center of the front panel rather than off to the side -(what were they thinking?). As the most frequently adjusted knob during work sessions I anticipate that this will drive me nuts. It could also use a button that cycles between a pair of monitor outputs. Combine this level of i/o with the big knob design and an A/B switch like on the MOTU 6 and it would be my dream interface.launch

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September 8, 2023

@mettana7448

The most confusing thing about this interface for me has been MOTU's messaging around the wiring of 1/4\" plugs when it comes to UNBALANCED connections. They clearly state that, for unbalanced connections to the 1/4\" outputs, you must use TRS plugs with the rings disconnected/floating. For the inputs it's less clear. Apparently in older MOTU manuals they used to say the same thing about 1/4\" inputs (i.e. that you must use TRS plugs with the rings disconnected), but they have since edited that out. Except they've only partially edited it out, and even in the mk5's manual there is still a reference to using floated ring TRS plugs on inputs. No explanation was ever given as to why the recommendation changed.launch

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October 10, 2022

Several long-time users recount past MOTU units failing (burnt smell, freezing units, multiple defective replacements), leading to hesitation about repeat purchases despite wanting the mk5.

@kirkegodfrey414

Had MASSIVE problems with MOTU UL-mk4. went through 3 units. the firmware was flakey as Q#$&* constant crashes, audio dropping etc. I was able to video the problems and demonstrate that the problems were CLEARLY THEIR PROBLEMS. the support was totally unhelpful. So i feel your pain) Eventually handed it back and got refund. Sadly seems MOTU are a ClusterF…launch

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April 19, 2021

@xsv-

I'm so torn with Motu's products. I had an ultralite mk3 which I absolutely loved die on me (something burnt inside - strong smell of smoke), then last year I decided to give the M2 a go and it worked perfectly for 2 days before freezing up and not responding anymore. Tech support said it was a defective unit but a short search came up with a lot of other people with similar issues.\n\nI want the mk5... but I don't want to be hurt again.launch

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April 8, 2021

Some users reported the control panel software failing to communicate with the interface on M1 Macs, blocking firmware updates and normal operation.

@Rabiocop

Good morning,I have a big problem with this audio interface with the MacBook Pro M1 Sonoma. My computer recognised the audio interface but I can't use the control panel cause it does not communicate with motu mk5, and strangely, I can't update the firmware cause in the control panel I don't have the \"voice\" firmare, it's absurd... does anyone know what I can do?launch

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May 2, 2024