This review is superior to all others by far. Doesn't feel like a sales pitch. He gets right down to showing actually useful data instead of sales jargon. Good stuff.
Been eyeing this interface for a while. Now I'm convinced of its quality. That's the respect I have for your journalism. Keep it up! Love the quality of the rear line inputs.
Hi Julian, You don't need to use Loopback to add processing on recording. You can change the setting "To USB host" to "Post FX" on the Input tab and it will apply all effects before sending to the computer.
I think he was inferring if you wanted to add the Motu input fX to your entire mix. Using loopback to bring the whole mix through two inputs stereo linked.
Do you know if I can record a wet signal with one set of fx while monitoring with a different set of fx? (ex: recording wet with eq only while monitoring with eq, compression, and reverb)
LUCKY! lol. I'm really wanting to sell my M4 because my fav interface of all time has been the Ultralite line. But I have to be honest, I don't need the extras the UL gives me ( but I want it sooooo bad!)
I was so waiting for you to do this review. As always, top notch. You definitely are the best audio interface reviewer out there and I know I have to enjoy you now before one of these big companies comes and scoops you up. Keep up the awesome work Mr. Julian Krause!!
Great review! But I would still like to see a comparison to some RME interfaces, e.g. Babyface. Or are these above a certain price range and that's why you don't take them to the test bench? 🤔
I have this interface and its … just incredible. The only thing i miss is a second headphone output and I don’t love the headphone volume knob but theae are tiny drawbacks and otherwise its an unreal value at its price. The headroom on this interface is crazy.. i have not being able to make it clip and it sounds so good.
@@tuneunleashed latency has not been a issue - but I’ve had massive issues with the clock / stability when using this for a longer time .. I have jitters and dropouts on both intel and M1 MacBooks and a Windows HP desktop - so I’m actually not that happy with the stability of my device. I don’t have these issues with my SSL 2+ interface.
MOTU is superb. Even the carton box were they come in like the vast majority of products (if not all) seems to be highly designed. For example I purchased the Strymond Big Sky reverb pedal, wich is great, and it came practically inside an unprotected box. It looked like a sandwich. I bet a lot of products start malfunctioning due to a carton box that does not protect well the item during shipping. It can also fell in the store from the display etc. So my experience with MOTU is that right from the unboxing you can identify without being an expert the quality of MOTU products. Is like a diamond inside some fancy case. And like if that was not enough they cost a lot less than other products than can not even match the quality of MOTU. 👍👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿
What a great video - technically confident, nicely delivered and nice and short! Liked and subscribed. This looks like an excellent replacement for my RME Fireface which is sadly FireWire only and so won't work with my new Mac :(
Thank you for another excellent review, Julian. I listened to this one on my Motu 2, an interface which is excellent value for money (as your review of it showed).
Great review, as usual; it'd be interesting to see the results of your preamp testing methodology on classic mic preamps like a Neve 1073 or API 312 (or clones/repackaging thereof).
CueMix 5 definitely needs some feature enhancements on the EQ and Compressor side imo. And, for a portable device, should include the guitar tuner of the previous CueMix software too. I'm hoping MOTU will be working to enhance and build upon version 5 a lot more in the very near future.
Was waiting for this one, Julian. Good review, as we've come to expect. Wondering which of the interfaces you've reviewed is your best overall pick. Have a feeling this one would be near the top. The Motu is a finalist for me, along with the Antelope GO. However, the number of ins/outs on the Motu is key as I have external equipment to patch in and this will probably be the deciding point, since Julian's check of the audio specs paint it as a top choice.
Wow. Thanks Julian. Looking at your table, the MOTU seems to demonstrate the best performance with no pink or red cells. This is exactly the review I needed to see.
This is just an incredible product and another great review Julian! I'm glad I waited and didn't get the M4. Pretty sure this will be my next interface.
Awesome review, thank you for the detail. I had it for few weeks, and yes the EQ is very limited, DSP is lacking and I wish they had a 2nd headphone output on it. Great sounding unit.
Great videos, Julian, thank you! I’m curious about the headphone power of the MOTU UltraLight-mk5 versus the M2. At 300 ohms, you measured very close (0.3dB higher) to the MOTU spec of +14dBu, but for the M2, you got about 1.9dB under their +12.5dBu spec currently on their website for the M2, M4 and M6. I know manufacturer’s specs aren’t always perfect, but I noticed there was a small update to the M line since you tested the M2. It seems outside your approach to disassemble them, but I wonder if they made any changes to the power supplies in the M models, and if the UltraLight-mk5 is using a different headphone amp and/or higher voltage. How about testing the latest MOTU M2 and M6 (which has an extra power connector)? Just per the numbers, I think the M models will drive my 150 ohm 94dB sensitive headphones well enough at the moderate levels I prefer but since I’d like to do a lot of listening, not just recording, it’s a bit of a concern, as are some negative impressions some have posted regarding using budget audio interfaces such as the M2 as a headphone amp. I’m on the side of the fence of just getting it, but am also considering if I need more than two mic preamps.
MOTU is building outstanding sounding and performing interfaces. However, they seem to have completely forgotten how to design a meter. 15 years ago they had no such issues.
Just discovered your channel and was suprised at the professional and detailed reviews! I have a suggestion for an upcoming video. In you interface comparison table, you are missing the RTL and it would be interesting to see all the interfaces RTL performance side by side! Also, I noticed you have not yet tested any UAD products, which many consider the gold standard. It would be interesting to see how they compare given your test methodology. Finally, I have a question. Your headphone compairisons for pre-amp output is based on a model for dynamic speakers right? As planars are getting more and more popular, would the results translate 1-1 to them or are they to different and need other tests? The Audeze LCD-XC for instance, have an impedance of 20 Ohms, but recommended power level of >250mW. Looking at your comparison table, only the Rode AI-1 would provide enough current to power them, or am I reading the table incorrectly?
Hi Julian. Thank you for all these tests you do! After doing my due diligence, I have an Ultralite mk5 on the way, but now people on forums are telling me that Motu doesn't report RTL correctly, and I'll have to manually adjust for this in the DAW, or get an RME and not worry about it. I'm not sure what to think. Is there truth to this?
I so thought and thought about biting the bullet in getting this one. And seeing your review of it gave me all the missing information that kept me from going for it. It would have been my dream interface. But it’s so much money just for a hobby. 😳 I ended up buying the MOTU M4 instead. And judging by my measurement of the dynamic range (~108.5dB) it turns out to be roughly the same as the M2, you did. test before, not counting production variances. And listening back and forth between the noise 8:13 (Ultralite Mk 5)and 8:19 (M2) the noise monk in me is the only one to react. 🤣
@@eranddroory9987 owned a Babyface in the past but the new MOTU stuff has improved over the years that you longer need to over pay for an RME. They make the same stuff. I have a MOTU 828ES in my rack that I use for my Hybrid mixing rig. You can sort of see it in My profile aviator picture on here. And guess what? I use Windows 10 and it's the most rock solid interface I've used to date. Focusrite was the worst in terms of driver stability.
Thank you a lot for this review! I'm really searching for alternatives to the Focusrite Clarett line since they're out of stock almost everywhere, and this new product really caught my attention!
Do you think this is a step up from Audient ID14 MK2 when it comes to what I hear on the outputs, especially when we’re talking about mixing? Talking about Resolution, depth, stereo separation.
Very intriguing audio interface. If I don't want to use the DSP FX, do I still need to use the cuemix software to set levels etc or can it be controller from DAW's mixer? If not, I guess the M6 would be better for me.
Hello Julian, thank you for all the great reviews. I have a question, which interface you've measured so far to have the fastest round trip latency that's either USB or FireWire not TB. I'm still using an old and outdated M-Audio ProFire 610 and would like to upgrade but can't find anything new that has the same or less latency than my current interface. Thanks in advance!
Did you test how this intergace behave when using a keyboard controller playing a VST like Kontakt? How should be latency with MIDI? Can you play a grand piano without clicks, noises or delays playing notes? Audio latency is not the problem. But MIDI latency is more inconvenient when uing VSTs instruments. Excellent review!
@@dub-funkmusicnation7366 yes. I suppose that would be a goog solution. But I use MOTU MIDI EXPRESS with lots of stuffs plugged in. So using multiple midi to usb devices is not the best solution. Maybe in the future with the new MIDI 2 standard.
Hi Julian. Thanks so much for the video, very useful. There is one thing I need to know but I can't see from the video: what opamps are there on the analog outputs?Because I need to see their specification to know what is the minimum impedance that can be connected.
Really enjoying your channel. Without being an expert i feel like the most important thing is the peripheral build (like the analog stage-line in and output etc ect) and not the converters themselves. Having said that i was surprised by the noise on the Antelope interface. Jesus… Cant wait for 1) Spl Marc One, 2) Merging Technologies ANUBIS test
Nice. Thanks Julian. I have been using my MixPre 10 II as an interface and am switching it out for something that can handle surround channels. I would love to see how the headphone output of the MixPre compares.
AVB is not the same as Thunderbolt or USB that you connect to your computer. It's a Networking protocol for connecting multiple interfaces on a network similar to Dante. It's for large scale deployment applications which is only relevant to high enf gear. The Ultralite Mk5 also has nothing to do with the MOTU AVB Pro Audio line up. Different market.
@@eman0828 Not sure I understand your point. MOTU has interfaces with all three USB, Thunderbolt and AVB. Same as RME. Would be interesting to know how they compare in terms of latency and stability. RME is priced higher and I think a lot of people would like to know if there's a reason to pay more for RME.
@@cuba1956 I own a MOTU 828ES AVB myself so I should know. AVB wasn't meant to be a protocol as a computer interface connection. It's like Dante designed for interconnecting audio interfaces together on a Network with an Ethernet cable when deploying in large scalability. The Focusrite RedNet and Red Dante interfaces aren't all the different than MOTUs high end line of AVB Pro Audio interfaces.
@@cuba1956 MOTU offers better vaule. I personally don't think its worth paying 200% mark up on something that does the same thing. Both MOTU and RME support their drivers long term as well. If you look back at many of MOTUs hardware you will see that the original 828 firewire interface drivers were supported over a 17 year long period from the early 2000s.
Hi! thnx you for the incredible and professional review!!! My measured value of headphones crosstalk is -92dB (in RMAA) Why is that? Also you can get many more loopback channels if you connect the input and output ADAT (loopback for loopback )))
Hi, your reviews are terrific, thank you for all the hard work you put into them. Regarding the huge spike at 1000 KHZ shown at 10:30 of the video, is that something to be concerned about and can you hear it?
Hey, the huge spike is the 1 kHz test signal, that's supposed to be audible ;) The other peaks are harmonics caused by distortion but they are most definitely at an inaudible level.
Great video Julian. I am in the middle of shopping for a new interface coming from a Komplete Audio 2. I was looking to get either this MOTU Ultralight MK5 or the Arturia Audiofuse Rev2. They are both priced very similarly. Wanted to ask for your opinion between the 2 if you had experience with the Audiofuse before. My main concern is the input and output sound quality. Cheers
I just got this interface last week. Glad to hear the numbers are as good as it sounds. The motu is to much easier to use than my RME but I am curious how the numbers compare
Greetings, I can notice 2 ES9026pro DACs in the circuit and 10 analog outputs, do you know how the 2 8-channel DACs are assigned to the 10 output channels? I believe in the MOTU 828 1 DAC is working in Stereo mode (4 dacs per channel) to the main monitors and the other to the 8 additional outputs, Thank you.
Thank you for your reviews! I hope you reach 100k soon, earn more with this channel and review the top ones. Meanwhile you can review IK Multimedia I/O that was "made for guitarists". You could record a basic course about mixing! I would buy it!
Thank you for the in depth reviews. Very good work. Great interface. I miss a dedicated (bigger) Volume knob for the Monitors. I hate these tiny multifunction endless turning encoders. I prefer an analog Volume knob „with a start and an end of turning“ even if it means channel volume discrepancies. and am a bit dissapointed by the headphone amp values but you cant have it all. Still very good interface.
Short of a few idiosyncrasies, this interface is absolutely perfect. The numbers are ridiculous, from measured results to connectivity to price, even the size is perfect. MOTU really hit it out of the park here. RME and Apollo and Antelope and Prism Sound can go eat dycks. This is the interface to get.
I wouldn't say that. I had the option of choosing this and the Antelope Zen Q, which is $350 more. I went with the Zen Q. Why? Well the Zen Q current promotion has better AFX (over 90 real time effects for free), a free IMHO very nice mic (Edge Solo Large Condenser MIC $600), a free case and the full blown Bitwig Studio ($399) for free. In terms of value the Zen Q, if you're just getting into the game, is pretty unbeatable and really unbelievable. Now if you have a DAW and have no interest in Bitwig, don't need a mic and could care less about real time effects for live streaming then MOTU is the winner. For me the Zen Q was the clear winner.
Incredibly in-depth and objective as always. Still the best audio interface reviewer on UA-cam.
This review is superior to all others by far. Doesn't feel like a sales pitch. He gets right down to showing actually useful data instead of sales jargon. Good stuff.
The audio interface review king is back!
Been eyeing this interface for a while. Now I'm convinced of its quality. That's the respect I have for your journalism. Keep it up! Love the quality of the rear line inputs.
Great one Julian. Maybe it's time for some Apogees, Prisms or RMEs to see if their high price matches the performance.
+1
Agreed!
I agree, because I suspect that most of the more expensive interfaces sell their brand. 0 distortion is 0 distortion
I just commented the same thing essentially, lol
Agreed. Totally
Hi Julian, You don't need to use Loopback to add processing on recording. You can change the setting "To USB host" to "Post FX" on the Input tab and it will apply all effects before sending to the computer.
Wow thats good to know!
I think he was inferring if you wanted to add the Motu input fX to your entire mix. Using loopback to bring the whole mix through two inputs stereo linked.
Do you know if I can record a wet signal with one set of fx while monitoring with a different set of fx? (ex: recording wet with eq only while monitoring with eq, compression, and reverb)
@@CSVO138 the interface would be processing a stream for each so i doubt it'd have the overhead for that
Also, not to forget it has DC coupled outputs which allow you to run modulating signals from your pc into modular synths or similar hardware ..
I just ordered this interface, essentially based on this review. Thanks for your work. It's excellent.
May I ask where you ordered it from, how, and how it worked out? Can't find any in stock.
@@jonathanjacobs1525 They're now in stock
Damn the MOTU-Mxxx line seem to be killing it. Got M2 and I am very very happy.
MOTU has always been on it.
Watched this one with my Ultralite MK 5 providing audio, haha, love this thing
LUCKY! lol. I'm really wanting to sell my M4 because my fav interface of all time has been the Ultralite line. But I have to be honest, I don't need the extras the UL gives me ( but I want it sooooo bad!)
YESS been waiting for this!
I was so waiting for you to do this review. As always, top notch. You definitely are the best audio interface reviewer out there and I know I have to enjoy you now before one of these big companies comes and scoops you up. Keep up the awesome work Mr. Julian Krause!!
Loved this review from the Starship Enterprise! Looks like this puppy is killin it! Wow!
That safety offset tip at 5:48 saved me so much time, thank you.
I own the Ultralite Mk5. Happy to watch your review becasuse it gives me assurance in my decision to buy.
A thoroughly super in-depth review Julian!! You helped me make my decision on this device, hands down!! I'm getting it!!
Such a good review. All your videos are excellent man! Would love to see your review of the Apogee Symphony Desktop 🙏🏽
Probably the best audio interface for running backtracks live!
Excellent review. I'm still using an old MOTU 828 mk3 and love it. With the exception of channels of IO, it's probably all I'll ever need.
Great review! But I would still like to see a comparison to some RME interfaces, e.g. Babyface. Or are these above a certain price range and that's why you don't take them to the test bench? 🤔
I have this interface and its … just incredible. The only thing i miss is a second headphone output and I don’t love the headphone volume knob but theae are tiny drawbacks and otherwise its an unreal value at its price. The headroom on this interface is crazy.. i have not being able to make it clip and it sounds so good.
It's easily the best interface u can buy right now, short of a few personal idiosyncrasies.
How’s the latency though cause I’m the measurements they don’t look too good
@@tuneunleashed latency has not been a issue - but I’ve had massive issues with the clock / stability when using this for a longer time .. I have jitters and dropouts on both intel and M1 MacBooks and a Windows HP desktop - so I’m actually not that happy with the stability of my device. I don’t have these issues with my SSL 2+ interface.
Please review and compare the new Motu 828 (2024)
MOTU is superb. Even the carton box were they come in like the vast majority of products (if not all) seems to be highly designed. For example I purchased the Strymond Big Sky reverb pedal, wich is great, and it came practically inside an unprotected box. It looked like a sandwich. I bet a lot of products start malfunctioning due to a carton box that does not protect well the item during shipping. It can also fell in the store from the display etc.
So my experience with MOTU is that right from the unboxing you can identify without being an expert the quality of MOTU products. Is like a diamond inside some fancy case. And like if that was not enough they cost a lot less than other products than can not even match the quality of MOTU.
👍👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿
What a great video - technically confident, nicely delivered and nice and short! Liked and subscribed. This looks like an excellent replacement for my RME Fireface which is sadly FireWire only and so won't work with my new Mac :(
Thank you for another excellent review, Julian. I listened to this one on my Motu 2, an interface which is excellent value for money (as your review of it showed).
Great review, as usual; it'd be interesting to see the results of your preamp testing methodology on classic mic preamps like a Neve 1073 or API 312 (or clones/repackaging thereof).
Wow, what a refreshingly detailed review, thank you! subscribed!
i am *most* impressed with your reviews, as well as your coverage of rew. you have earned a new subscriber :)
lo mejor en análisis de interfaces!!! 🤘🤯
CueMix 5 definitely needs some feature enhancements on the EQ and Compressor side imo. And, for a portable device, should include the guitar tuner of the previous CueMix software too. I'm hoping MOTU will be working to enhance and build upon version 5 a lot more in the very near future.
And the ommision of a red clip light on the preamps is a real oversight.
@@joelonsdale you can see if it's clipping on the OLED display
@@ar_xiv No you can't.....you can't see it.
Any update so far?
Love your Videos Man, you're definitely the best audio interface reviewer on UA-cam
Hello,
Can you tell me what you think of the Arturia Audiofuze which seems to have similar specs?
thank you for your work friend
Was waiting for this one, Julian. Good review, as we've come to expect.
Wondering which of the interfaces you've reviewed is your best overall pick. Have a feeling this one would be near the top.
The Motu is a finalist for me, along with the Antelope GO. However, the number of ins/outs on the Motu is key as I have external equipment to patch in and this will probably be the deciding point, since Julian's check of the audio specs paint it as a top choice.
Wow. Thanks Julian. Looking at your table, the MOTU seems to demonstrate the best performance with no pink or red cells. This is exactly the review I needed to see.
Another outstanding review... Keep up the good work my friend.
This is just an incredible product and another great review Julian! I'm glad I waited and didn't get the M4. Pretty sure this will be my next interface.
Did you get it? I want to upgrade my interface and I was thinking about the M4 or ID14. Now I think this is what I have been looking for
Thank you so much for this. Superb analyses. My favourite is the headphones comparison table. Nothing speaks louder than facts and figures! Well done!
especially since the manufacturers always HIDE their true stats on HP outs!
Mega geil danke für dieses Review und einen schönen Dezember gewünscht ❤
Awesome review, thank you for the detail. I had it for few weeks, and yes the EQ is very limited, DSP is lacking and I wish they had a 2nd headphone output on it. Great sounding unit.
This is for me the best audio interface for a home studio amazing preamp quality
I really thank you for amazing reviews you make, I always learn a lot from your videos, thank you so much again and good luck
Great videos, Julian, thank you! I’m curious about the headphone power of the MOTU UltraLight-mk5 versus the M2. At 300 ohms, you measured very close (0.3dB higher) to the MOTU spec of +14dBu, but for the M2, you got about 1.9dB under their +12.5dBu spec currently on their website for the M2, M4 and M6. I know manufacturer’s specs aren’t always perfect, but I noticed there was a small update to the M line since you tested the M2. It seems outside your approach to disassemble them, but I wonder if they made any changes to the power supplies in the M models, and if the UltraLight-mk5 is using a different headphone amp and/or higher voltage. How about testing the latest MOTU M2 and M6 (which has an extra power connector)? Just per the numbers, I think the M models will drive my 150 ohm 94dB sensitive headphones well enough at the moderate levels I prefer but since I’d like to do a lot of listening, not just recording, it’s a bit of a concern, as are some negative impressions some have posted regarding using budget audio interfaces such as the M2 as a headphone amp. I’m on the side of the fence of just getting it, but am also considering if I need more than two mic preamps.
This Ultralite Mk5 with the DSP of the Antelope ZenGo along with the mixing capabilities of RME‘s TotalMix would be endgame audio interface level.
you mean Versus or OR? no point in having 3...lol...
@@massivebeatzz combined.....
Love the dry humour and delivery!
That's what I want to see ,,a close up look of inside the interface, thanks bro ,I love to see, actual chips and so on,. Great video
MOTU is building outstanding sounding and performing interfaces. However, they seem to have completely forgotten how to design a meter. 15 years ago they had no such issues.
Thank you , this interface looks great !! What alternative interface would be a good contender for it?
This is a great review of what looks like a great device. Thanks again, Julian! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Very helpful as always. Please do Apollo Twin MkII!
Hi Julian, love your videos. Would you consider testing the inbuild interfaces on analog mixers like Tascam, Zoom, SSL...
wow thank you for rhis review ...amazing man !
Just discovered your channel and was suprised at the professional and detailed reviews! I have a suggestion for an upcoming video. In you interface comparison table, you are missing the RTL and it would be interesting to see all the interfaces RTL performance side by side! Also, I noticed you have not yet tested any UAD products, which many consider the gold standard. It would be interesting to see how they compare given your test methodology. Finally, I have a question. Your headphone compairisons for pre-amp output is based on a model for dynamic speakers right? As planars are getting more and more popular, would the results translate 1-1 to them or are they to different and need other tests? The Audeze LCD-XC for instance, have an impedance of 20 Ohms, but recommended power level of >250mW. Looking at your comparison table, only the Rode AI-1 would provide enough current to power them, or am I reading the table incorrectly?
Hi Julian. Thank you for all these tests you do! After doing my due diligence, I have an Ultralite mk5 on the way, but now people on forums are telling me that Motu doesn't report RTL correctly, and I'll have to manually adjust for this in the DAW, or get an RME and not worry about it. I'm not sure what to think. Is there truth to this?
I was waiting for your review since it came out
watched all your stuff and it's great and really precise work! could you tell what's the fastest RTL you measured and with which interface?
Best channel for making good buying decisions!
Julian, have you looked at the apogee duet 3 which has recently came out? or RME babyface Pro FS?
Cuemix5 updated. You don't need to loopback to have the fx printed on the way in. You just press a button on the mixer. Cool🎉
I so thought and thought about biting the bullet in getting this one. And seeing your review of it gave me all the missing information that kept me from going for it. It would have been my dream interface. But it’s so much money just for a hobby. 😳 I ended up buying the MOTU M4 instead. And judging by my measurement of the dynamic range (~108.5dB) it turns out to be roughly the same as the M2, you did. test before, not counting production variances. And listening back and forth between the noise 8:13 (Ultralite Mk 5)and 8:19 (M2) the noise monk in me is the only one to react. 🤣
Nice, enjoy your M4!
Julian great video....how would you choose / compare the ultralite with the Focusrite 18i20 3rd gen ?
I love all the numbers :-)
Great to see another review Julian.
Also when AXR4?
32/384
Rupert Neve Designs preamp simulations
Hybrid Micpres (found in Yamaha RIVAGE series)
Thanks a lot Julian! could you please review the new “RME UCX 2 “which in some ways is comparabel to Motu mk 5 .just a lot more expensive
also I'd like to see one for the Babyface Pro FS
@@ACDevastation I have it.. Awesome little interface :-)
The RME is very over priced by today's standards.
@@eman0828 in terms of stability and low latency its unrivaled. Did you ever own any rme stuff?
@@eranddroory9987 owned a Babyface in the past but the new MOTU stuff has improved over the years that you longer need to over pay for an RME. They make the same stuff. I have a MOTU 828ES in my rack that I use for my Hybrid mixing rig. You can sort of see it in My profile aviator picture on here. And guess what? I use Windows 10 and it's the most rock solid interface I've used to date. Focusrite was the worst in terms of driver stability.
Thank you a lot for this review! I'm really searching for alternatives to the Focusrite Clarett line since they're out of stock almost everywhere, and this new product really caught my attention!
the back of this device is insane
Hello, thank you for review! Is the sound quality, preamplifiers and transmission of the Ultralite mk5 comparable to the quality of the 828-ES?
Do you think this is a step up from Audient ID14 MK2 when it comes to what I hear on the outputs, especially when we’re talking about mixing? Talking about Resolution, depth, stereo separation.
As always Good job my friend! Waht speaker arre you using in the background on your pc?
Very intriguing audio interface.
If I don't want to use the DSP FX, do I still need to use the cuemix software to set levels etc or can it be controller from DAW's mixer? If not, I guess the M6 would be better for me.
Hello Julian, thank you for all the great reviews. I have a question, which interface you've measured so far to have the fastest round trip latency that's either USB or FireWire not TB. I'm still using an old and outdated M-Audio ProFire 610 and would like to upgrade but can't find anything new that has the same or less latency than my current interface. Thanks in advance!
FW has lower latency than USB, either check RME or try a thunderbolt interface
This is so helpful thank you!
Objective and perfect as always! This should be a nice upgrade from Motu M4, can't wait for a mid tier audio interface shootout!
I’d like to see a review of the IK multimedia AXE I/O. It’s an interface with input ohm controls and a built in reamp box!
Did you test how this intergace behave when using a keyboard controller playing a VST like Kontakt? How should be latency with MIDI? Can you play a grand piano without clicks, noises or delays playing notes?
Audio latency is not the problem. But MIDI latency is more inconvenient when uing VSTs instruments. Excellent review!
I find that using usb midi is better when using my drum module over cable midi hook up. It maybe a option for u 👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾
@@dub-funkmusicnation7366 yes. I suppose that would be a goog solution. But I use MOTU MIDI EXPRESS with lots of stuffs plugged in. So using multiple midi to usb devices is not the best solution. Maybe in the future with the new MIDI 2 standard.
Hi Julian. Thanks so much for the video, very useful. There is one thing I need to know but I can't see from the video: what opamps are there on the analog outputs?Because I need to see their specification to know what is the minimum impedance that can be connected.
Will you do the Tascam 208i? Great vids!
Excellent review as usual
Really enjoying your channel. Without being an expert i feel like the most important thing is the peripheral build (like the analog stage-line in and output etc ect) and not the converters themselves.
Having said that i was surprised by the noise on the Antelope interface. Jesus… Cant wait for 1) Spl Marc One, 2) Merging Technologies ANUBIS test
Thank you, Julian for your wonderful review. But you don't comment on the drivers. What is your feedback and experience with Windows about them?
Great review! Just wondering what the best latency unit you have tried is. Thanks!
Nice. Thanks Julian. I have been using my MixPre 10 II as an interface and am switching it out for something that can handle surround channels. I would love to see how the headphone output of the MixPre compares.
I'd love to see some RME reviews. Also, comparing AVB connection to USB would be very interesting to see.
I second this
AVB is not the same as Thunderbolt or USB that you connect to your computer. It's a Networking protocol for connecting multiple interfaces on a network similar to Dante. It's for large scale deployment applications which is only relevant to high enf gear. The Ultralite Mk5 also has nothing to do with the MOTU AVB Pro Audio line up. Different market.
@@eman0828 Not sure I understand your point.
MOTU has interfaces with all three USB, Thunderbolt and AVB. Same as RME. Would be interesting to know how they compare in terms of latency and stability. RME is priced higher and I think a lot of people would like to know if there's a reason to pay more for RME.
@@cuba1956 I own a MOTU 828ES AVB myself so I should know. AVB wasn't meant to be a protocol as a computer interface connection. It's like Dante designed for interconnecting audio interfaces together on a Network with an Ethernet cable when deploying in large scalability. The Focusrite RedNet and Red Dante interfaces aren't all the different than MOTUs high end line of AVB Pro Audio interfaces.
@@cuba1956 MOTU offers better vaule. I personally don't think its worth paying 200% mark up on something that does the same thing. Both MOTU and RME support their drivers long term as well. If you look back at many of MOTUs hardware you will see that the original 828 firewire interface drivers were supported over a 17 year long period from the early 2000s.
Hi! thnx you for the incredible and professional review!!! My measured value of headphones crosstalk is -92dB (in RMAA) Why is that? Also you can get many more loopback channels if you connect the input and output ADAT (loopback for loopback )))
Hi, your reviews are terrific, thank you for all the hard work you put into them. Regarding the huge spike at 1000 KHZ shown at 10:30 of the video, is that something to be concerned about and can you hear it?
Hey, the huge spike is the 1 kHz test signal, that's supposed to be audible ;) The other peaks are harmonics caused by distortion but they are most definitely at an inaudible level.
@@JulianKrause Hi, thanks for the quick answer. :-)
Great video Julian. I am in the middle of shopping for a new interface coming from a Komplete Audio 2. I was looking to get either this MOTU Ultralight MK5 or the Arturia Audiofuse Rev2. They are both priced very similarly. Wanted to ask for your opinion between the 2 if you had experience with the Audiofuse before. My main concern is the input and output sound quality. Cheers
I just got this interface last week. Glad to hear the numbers are as good as it sounds. The motu is to much easier to use than my RME but I am curious how the numbers compare
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/rme-babyface-pro-fs RME is beating the Motu even at higher sample rate. Motu is really good though.
@@damithrijenkins8999 beating an old Motu maybe. This just came out, so you might have posted false info!
Greetings, I can notice 2 ES9026pro DACs in the circuit and 10 analog outputs, do you know how the 2 8-channel DACs are assigned to the 10 output channels? I believe in the MOTU 828 1 DAC is working in Stereo mode (4 dacs per channel) to the main monitors and the other to the 8 additional outputs, Thank you.
Thank you for your reviews! I hope you reach 100k soon, earn more with this channel and review the top ones. Meanwhile you can review IK Multimedia I/O that was "made for guitarists".
You could record a basic course about mixing! I would buy it!
A desktop version would be nice (and certainly a bit of a departure for MOTU).
Thank you for another excellent review.
Can this unit be powered by an external battery pack for portable field recording?
yes! over PD cable 12-15V and powerbank
Thanks Julian we wanted to see some rme products please.
Best review ever
Thank you!!!
now we need a review of the scarlett 18i8
please!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you for the in depth reviews. Very good work. Great interface. I miss a dedicated (bigger) Volume knob for the Monitors. I hate these tiny multifunction endless turning encoders. I prefer an analog Volume knob „with a start and an end of turning“ even if it means channel volume discrepancies. and am a bit dissapointed by the headphone amp values but you cant have it all. Still very good interface.
Ps: The Mk5 you cant buy in Germany right now. Not for 10+ weeks. I guess it is cause of the Chip shortage crisis ?
Does it work with an iad pro 12? no M1, I would like to use it for IEM for my band, use a personal mix for monitoring...what do you think? great video
Short of a few idiosyncrasies, this interface is absolutely perfect. The numbers are ridiculous, from measured results to connectivity to price, even the size is perfect. MOTU really hit it out of the park here. RME and Apollo and Antelope and Prism Sound can go eat dycks. This is the interface to get.
I wouldn't say that. I had the option of choosing this and the Antelope Zen Q, which is $350 more. I went with the Zen Q. Why? Well the Zen Q current promotion has better AFX (over 90 real time effects for free), a free IMHO very nice mic (Edge Solo Large Condenser MIC $600), a free case and the full blown Bitwig Studio ($399) for free. In terms of value the Zen Q, if you're just getting into the game, is pretty unbeatable and really unbelievable. Now if you have a DAW and have no interest in Bitwig, don't need a mic and could care less about real time effects for live streaming then MOTU is the winner. For me the Zen Q was the clear winner.
Great Review!!! When to review the Apollo Solo?????
Does,it have class compliment drivers for Apple iPad/iPhone? Great job!
Please review Apogee Symphony Desktop and Merging Anubis Pro, thank you
I would spend a bit more for an RME UCX II over this. Nice review!