MOTU’s new UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid is said to be the world’s first hybrid FireWire/USB 2 audio interface for Mac and Windows. The UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid provides flexible and mobile operation via FireWire or high-speed USB 2 connectivity to a Mac or PC, with professional audio quality at samples rates up to 192 kHz and I/O that includes two mic/instrument inputs, six line-level analog inputs, 10 channels of analog output, stereo S/PDIF and a stereo headphone output.
The rear panel of the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid provides both a FireWire A (400 Mbps) and high-speed USB 2 (480 Mbps) port. Users can connect the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid to a computer using either port for full-featured operation and ultra-low bus latency. Using FireWire provides the added benefit of fully mobile bus-powered operation, with enough power through the FireWire cable connection from the computer to support all features, including 48-volt phantom power to both mic inputs. An included power adapter can be used for USB 2 connectivity, or operation as a stand-alone mixer.
Other updates include computer-controllable pad and 48V phantom power switches for the two mic inputs, simplified two-way pad switch (-20 dB or off), and an increased mic trim range (0-60 dB).
MOTU states that it will ship the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid in the fourth quarter of 2009 at the same price as the original award-winning UltraLite-mk3. For more information, go to MOTU’s UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid overview page.
