NEW MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB-Audio-Interface

MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB Audio Interface

Are you looking for a compact USB audio interface that can double as an optical expander, a DSP mixer, and a mobile recording hub? The MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB Audio Interface offers 16 inputs, 12 outputs, eight combo XLR/jack microphone/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs, 8-channel optical I/O, DSP-powered monitoring, and built-in effects for studio, stage, and mobile recording.

The OctaLite™ was designed for users who need a flexible interface with high-quality analog audio, direct control, and versatile routing. It connects to a computer via High-Speed USB 2.0, is USB 3.0- and iOS-compatible, and supports sample rates up to 192 kHz. This makes the MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface ideal for recording, monitoring, live mixing, podcasting, streaming, and as an expansion for existing audio setups.

16 x 12 USB Audio Interface and Optical Expander

The MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface combines the functions of a USB audio interface with those of an optical expander. At 44.1 or 48 kHz, a total of 28 simultaneous audio channels are available. This provides ample connectivity options for microphones, guitars, synthesizers, keyboards, speakers, and headphones.

The eight combo XLR/jack inputs can be used for microphone, line, and Hi-Z guitar signals, allowing you to connect a variety of sources directly. As an optical expander, the OctaLite can expand a MOTU UltraLite-mk5 or another audio interface by eight microphone/line/instrument inputs via a single optical cable.

Outstanding analog quality with ultra-low latency

The MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface is designed for high-quality analog audio and low latency. The analog outputs offer a dynamic range of 125 dB, while the microphone inputs achieve a measured noise floor of -129 dB ON.

The optimized drivers enable use in popular DAWs with very low latency. Under Windows, a round-trip latency of 2 ms is specified at a 32-sample buffer and 96 kHz. For Mac, an optional driver is available that supports 2 ms round-trip latency at 32 samples and 96 kHz, as well as loopback functions.

DSP Mixer with Direct Monitoring

A key feature of the MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface is the built-in DSP-powered multi-bus mixer. This allows live inputs to be recorded, routed, processed, and mixed directly to the outputs without taxing the computer’s processor.

Separate, customizable monitor mixes can be created for headphone and monitor outputs. Additionally, three virtual mix buses are available for mixing and routing within the computer. This allows the OctaLite to be used flexibly as either an interface or a standalone mixer, both in the studio and in live settings.

Built-in Effects for Inputs and Mix Buses

The MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface offers hardware-based, DSP-powered effects processing. The built-in effects include reverb, a 4-band parametric EQ, compression, and gate functions.

These effects can be applied to inputs and bus mixes. This allows you to shape monitor signals musically during recording or live mixing without placing an additional load on the DAW or computer.

Optical Expansion and Versatile Digital Connections

The OctaLite features optical digital I/O that can be used as an 8-channel optical connection or as a 2-channel TOSLink connection. Additionally, an optical SMUX output is available for channels 5 through 8 at 88.2 or 96 kHz.

These features make the MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface particularly appealing for setups where existing audio interfaces need to be expanded. It can be mounted as a standalone unit or side-by-side with an UltraLite-mk5 or another OctaLite in a single rack unit; the mounting kits required for this are not included in the package described here.

CueMix 5 App and Modern Control

The mixer and its settings are controlled via the CueMix™ 5 app. This app can be used on Mac, PC, or iOS devices. Control via multiple mobile devices is also possible when a USB-connected computer on the same network is used.

In addition, the system offers network management functions, device detection for multiple devices on the network, and password protection for each device. This makes the OctaLite suitable even for more complex setups involving multiple interfaces or mobile control devices.

OLED Display and Precise Level Indicators

The high-resolution OLED display on the MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface shows all important signal activity at a glance. The front-panel level meters monitor all analog inputs and outputs.

This allows you to quickly check levels without having to rely solely on software meters. Precise control of all analog inputs, as well as trim for analog outputs, is available in 1-dB increments.

Loopback, Streaming, and Re-Amping

For live streaming and podcasting, the MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface offers USB loopback channels. This allows live inputs to be mixed with the computer signal and used directly in streaming or recording applications.

In addition, the interface supports guitar re-amping with a near-zero-latency loopback path. This allows a direct guitar signal to be recorded simultaneously with a mic’d amplifier. This feature significantly expands creative possibilities in the studio.

Software Bundle with Performer Lite

The MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface comes with MOTU Performer Lite workstation software. It includes over 100 instruments, numerous effects, and more than 6 GB of loops, samples, and one-shots.

This allows you to start recording, producing, and creating music immediately after connecting the device. The combination of the interface, DSP mixer, effects, and software makes the OctaLite a versatile all-in-one solution for the studio and the stage.

Recommendation

The MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and versatile interface with eight high-quality combo inputs, optical I/O, a DSP mixer, effects, and modern app control. In particular, the combination of mobile USB connectivity, standalone mixer functionality, optical expansion, and extensive routing makes this device appealing for a wide range of applications.

Whether you need an interface for studio recording, live mixing, mobile production, podcasting, streaming, or as an optical expander for an existing setup, the MOTU OctaLite 16 x 12 USB audio interface offers a robust technical foundation with high sound quality and flexible operation.

Features:

• 16 x 12 USB audio interface with DSP, mixer, and effects
• Optical 8-channel microphone/line/instrument expander up to 96 kHz
• 16 inputs and 12 outputs for 28 simultaneous audio channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz
• Eight combo XLR/jack microphone/line/Hi-Z guitar inputs
• Two balanced 6.3-mm analog outputs
• 8-channel optical I/O with support for 2-channel TOSLink
• Additional optical SMUX output for channels 5 through 8 at 88.2 or 96 kHz
• Headphone output with independent volume control
• DSP-based direct monitoring for live inputs
• Separate monitor mixes for headphone and monitor outputs
• Three virtual mix buses for mixing and routing on the computer
• Built-in effects including reverb, 4-band parametric EQ, and dynamics processing
• Loopback channels for live streaming and podcasting
• Can be used as a standalone mixing console
• Can be used as an optical expander for the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 or other audio interfaces
• ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC technology
• Burr Brown™ operational amplifiers on the microphone inputs
• High-resolution OLED display with level meters
• CueMix™ 5 app for Mac, PC, and iOS devices
• USB Audio Class Compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac
• iOS-compatible
• Rugged steel enclosure
• MOTU Performer Lite workstation software included
• Over 100 virtual instruments in Performer Lite
• Over 6 GB of loops, samples, and one-shots included

Technical Specifications:

• Product type: USB audio interface and optical expander
• Model: MOTU OctaLite
• Inputs and outputs:
  • Total: 16 inputs and 12 outputs
  • Simultaneous audio channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz: 28
  • Analog Inputs: 8 x combo XLR/jack
  • Input types: Microphone, line, and Hi-Z guitar
  • Analog outputs: 2 x balanced 6.3-mm jack
  • Headphone output: 1 x with independent volume control
  • Optical digital I/O: 8-channel optical or 2-channel TOSLink
  • Optical SMUX output: Channels 5 through 8 at 88.2 or 96 kHz
• Audio quality:
  • Sampling rates: 44.1 to 192 kHz
  • Dynamic range of analog outputs: 125 dB
  • Noise performance of microphone inputs: -129 dB ON
  • Microphone input gain: +74 dB
  • ESS converter for headphone output
  • DC-coupled jack outputs for CV control of modular synthesizers
• USB and drivers:
  • Connection: High-Speed USB 2.0
  • USB 3.0 compatible: yes
  • USB Audio Class Compliant: Yes
  • Mac: Plug-and-play operation without drivers
  • Windows driver: 2 ms round-trip latency with a 32-sample buffer and 96 kHz
  • Optional Mac driver: 2 ms round-trip latency with a 32-sample buffer and 96 kHz, plus loopback function
  • iOS-compatible: yes
• Mixing console and monitoring:
  • Hardware-based direct monitoring: Yes
  • DSP-based monitor mixer: Yes
  • Separate mixes for headphone and monitor outputs: yes
  • Virtual mix buses: 3
  • Computer channels can be integrated into mixes: yes
  • Standalone mixer operation: yes
• Effects:
  • Reverb: built-in
  • 4-band parametric EQ: built-in
  • Dynamics processing: built-in
  • Compressor: built-in
  • Gate: built-in
  • Application: Inputs and bus mixes
• Controls and display:
  • App: CueMix™ 5
  • Control via Mac, PC, or iOS device
  • Wi-Fi control via the CueMix 5 app when a computer is connected to the same network
  • Network management: Device discovery and password protection
  • Display: High-resolution OLED display
  • Level meters: all analog inputs and outputs
  • Analog inputs: precise control in 1-dB steps
  • Analog Outputs: Trim in 1-dB steps
• Expansion and rack mounting:
  • Operation as an optical expander: yes
  • Can be used to expand a MOTU UltraLite-mk5 or other audio interface by 8 inputs
  • Rack mounting as a standalone unit is possible
  • Side-by-side mounting with UltraLite-mk5 or a second OctaLite is possible
  • Mounting kits: sold separately
• Additional features:
  • Loopback for live streaming and podcasting
  • Guitar re-amping with near-zero-latency loopback path
  • Simultaneous recording of direct guitar signal and mic'd amp is possible
  • Compatible with all audio software
• Enclosure:
  • Rugged steel housing
  • Suitable for studio, stage, and mobile recording
• Software:
  • MOTU Performer Lite included
  • Over 100 virtual instruments included
  • Numerous effects included
  • Over 6 GB of loops, samples, and one-shots included

Specs:

• Color: Black
• Headphone Out: no
• Number of headphone outputs: 0
• Theme: Recording and Studio

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