MOTU UltraLite User Manual

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 1 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

™

UltraLite

User’s Guide for Macintosh

1280 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

Business voice: [phone]

Business fax: [phone]

Te chnical support: [phone]

Te ch support fax: [phone]

Te c h supp o r t e m ai l : [e-mail]

Web s ite: www.motu.com

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 2 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software

TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS PRODUCT: carefully read all the
terms and conditions of the “click-wrap” license agreement presented to you when
you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation.
Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright,
trademark, and trade-secret laws. Your right to use the program and the
documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license
agreement.

Reminder of the terms of your license

This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms. The actual
license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the software.
That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and MOTU to
all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is
incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement, the terms of the
click-wrap agreement prevail.

YOU MAY: (a) use the enclosed program on a single computer ; (b) physically transfer
the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only
one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the
computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the
program solely for backup purposes. You must reproduce and include the copyright
notice on a label on any backup copy.

YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others;
(b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c) provide use of
the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or
multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of MOTU; (d) translate,
adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or
related documentation without the prior written consent of MOTU.

MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is
recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a
period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your
receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the
product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to replace the disk(s) under this
Limited Warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF,
AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH
EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE
LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO
EVENT SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR
DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD
PA R TIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Update Policy

In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and return
the attached Mark of the Unicorn Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2005 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means
whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.

Limited Warranty on Hardware

Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this equipment
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of NINETY (90) DAYS
from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty applies only to hardware
products; MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written
statements.

If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number. No service will be performed on
any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty
period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138. You must use the product’s original packing
material for in shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the product. Please
include your name, address, telephone number, a description of the problem, and
the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise
Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.

This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident,
abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written permission
of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE
AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty.

MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH
MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from state to state.

MOTU, Digital Performer, AudioDesk, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette
logo are registered trademarks of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio
or television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the following measures:

• Relocate or reorient the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver

• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

If necessary, you can consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional
assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface
cables in order to comply with the Class B FCC limits on RF emissions.

WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Contents

5

Quick Reference: UltraLite Front Panel

6

Quick Reference: UltraLite Rear Panel

7

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup

9

About the UltraLite

13

Packing List & Mac System Requirements

15

Installing the UltraLite Hardware

25

Installing the UltraLite Mac OS X Software

29

MOTU Audio Setup

33

UltraLite Front Panel Operation

39

Digital Performer

43

AudioDesk

47

Other Mac OS X Software

53

Reducing Monitoring Latency

59

MOTU CueMix Console

67

Troubleshooting

III

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IV

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67

From the factor y, its output matches the main outs on

the rear panel. But it can be programmed to mirror any

other output pair (digital or analog). It can even be

programmed to serve as its own independent output.

Use the volume knob above to control its level.

power for condenser microphones. D own is off; up is on.

The PAD switches are three-way switches: down turns

off the pad; the middle position provides an 18dB pad;

the up position provides a 36dB pad.

7. This is a standard quarter-inch stereo headphone jack.

8. The 48V phantom power switches provide phantom

Quick Reference: UltraLite Front Panel

0

shows each UltraLite input (XLR/combo, TRS, and SPDIF),

along with the current mix parameter setting for each

input. To change a setting, scroll to it with the CURSOR

knob and change it with the VALUE knob. The labels

above and below the LCD refer to all of the UltraLite’s

inputs and outputs (both analog and digital).

switch. The UltraLite is powered by its FireWire connec-

tion to the computer. Push this knob to turn the UltraLite

on; push and hold to turn it off. It is recommended that

you always power off the UltraLite before unplugging

the FireWire cable.

parameters and other UltraLite settings in the LCD.

5. This knob doubles as the main volume and the power

3 5

8

1 2 4

feedback for the headphone volume setting as you turn

the knob.

3. Controls the headphone volume. The LCD provides visual

of the UltraLite’s inputs and outputs. It also gives you

access to the UltraLite’s built-in mixer and other settings.

4. The multi-purpose backlit LCD provides metering for all

There are four independent mix busses: MIX1 through

MIX4. Each mixes all inputs (or any subset you wish) to a

stereo output of your choice. To edit a mix, push the PAGE

knob to enter mixer mode. Use the CURSROR knob to

6. Use the CURSOR and VALUE knobs to edit CueMix DSP

scroll to the Mix1 setting until it flashes and then turn

the VALUE knob to choose the desired mix, or push it to

cycle through the four mixes. Each mix has parameters

(volume, pan, etc.) for each input: choose the parameter

you wish to edit by turning the PAGE knob. The LCD

cable with a quarter-inch plug. Both the low-impedance

XLR jack and the high-impedance TRS jack are equipped

with 24dB of front-panel trim control. The XLR (mic)

input can be supplied with 48V phantom power via the

Mic 1 front-panel switch. The Mic 1 three-way pad

switch provides zero (down), 18dB (middle) and 36dB

1. This XLR/TRS combo jack accepts either a mic cable or a

(up) pad settings for the XLR (mic) input as well.

gain in 1dB increments for the front and rear panel Mic/

Instrument inputs. Both have preamps, so you can plug

2. These two Precision Digital Trim™ knobs provide 24dB of

in just about anything: a microphone, a guitar, a synth,

or even a +4 signal. Use the trim knob, three-way pad

switch and input level meter in the LCD to calibrate the

input signal level.

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4

single FireWire bus. You can also connect other FireWire

devices. For details, see “Connecting multiple MOTU

FireWire interfaces” on page 21.

with either tip-positive or tip-negative polarity.

8. This jack accepts any standard 10-24V DC power supply

57 6

Quick Reference: UltraLite Rear Panel

0

Use the second FireWire port to daisy-

Important note: it is best to turn off the

balanced TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors

that can also accept an unbalanced plug. The front panel

LCD and MOTU CueMix Console software let you adjust

them for either +4dB or -10dB input signals. They have

24-bit, 64x oversampling converters. These inputs do not

have microphone preamps, so they are best used for

synthesizers, drum machines, effects processors, and

other instruments with line level signals.

standard 1394 FireWire A cable provided with your

UltraLite.

UltraLite when plugging in the FireWire cable, as this

6. These six analog inputs (3 through 8) are gold-plated,

cable with a quarter-inch plug. Both the low-impedance

XLR jack and the high-impedance TRS jack are equipped

with 24dB of front-panel trim control. The XLR (mic)

input can be supplied with 48V phantom power via the

Mic 2 front-panel switch. The Mic 2 three-way pad switch

provides zero (down), 18dB (middle) and 36dB (up) pad

4. This XLR/TRS combo jack accepts either a mic cable or a

1 2 3

8

7. Connect the UltraLite to the computer here using the

settings for the XLR (mic) input as well.

UltraLite’s main outputs. You can connect them to a set of

powered studio monitors and then control the volume

from the front panel volume knob. To hear disk tracks in

your audio software on these main outs, assign the disk

5. These two balanced, quar ter-inch jacks serve as the

chain up to four MOTU FireWire audio interfaces to a

avoids the possibility of static discharge, which can

harm the electrical components in the UltraLite or

your computer.

Main Out

). You can also use CueMix DSP to monitor live

tracks (and master fader) to these main outs (

1-2

UltraLite inputs here as well.

Connect the UltraLite’s MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN port

on the other device. Conversely, connect the UltraLite’s

MIDI IN port to the MIDI OUT port on the other device.

You can connect different devices to each port, such as a

controller device to the IN port and a sound module to

the OUT port. You can also daisy-chain MIDI devices, but

be sure to manage their MIDI channels (so that they

don’t receive or transmit on the same channel).

and output at any sample rate up to 96kHz.

balanced +4dB TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch

connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug.

They are equipped with 24-bit, 128x oversampling

converters.

1. Connect a MIDI device here using standard MIDI cables.

2. These jacks provide stereo, 24-bit S/PDIF digital input

3. The UltraLite’s eight analog outputs are gold-plated,

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 7 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:22 AM

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup

CHAPTER

Determines the clock source for your UltraLite.
If you’re just using the analog ins and outs, set
this to ‘Internal’. The other settings are for
digital transfers via S/PDIF or synchronization
to other audio devices.

This menu lets you choose what you will hear
from the headphone jack. To mirror the main
outs, choose Main Out 1-2. Or yo u can mirror
any other output pair. To hear the phones as
their own independent output, choose
Phones 1-2.

Click the tabs to access general
MOTU FireWire interface settings
or settings specific to the UltraLite
(or other connected interface.)

Choose the sample rate for the
UltraLite here.

Specifies the stereo input and
output pair when the UltraLite is
chosen for Mac OS X audio I/O.

Lets you choose what to control
with the MAIN VOL knob on the
front panel. You can control the
stereo Main Outs on the rear
panel, the S/PDIF stereo output,
or analog outputs 1-6 or 1-8 for

5.1 or 7.1 surround output, respe­cively.

Click the General tab to access these settings.

Check this option if you would like the MOTU
Audio Setup icon to appear in the application
dock as soon as a MOTU FireWire interface is
detected (switched on, plugged in, etc.)

In the standard Mac OS X fashion, the setup
software appears in the dock when you
launch it. If the Launch console automatically
option is checked (as shown above), the icon
appears as soon as you switch on your
UltraLite interface. If you click and hold on
the dock icon (instead of clicking it) or
control-click, a menu of hardware settings
appears as shown to the right. You can view
and configure any hardware settings from
this menu, without opening the setup
software window.

If you have a foot switch
connected to another MOTU
FireWire interface, these settings
let you map the foot switch to
any computer keyboard key for
both the up and down position.
This setting does not apply to the
UltraLite, which does not have a
foot switch input.

This button opens another
dialog that lets you assign your
own customized names to each
UltraLite input and output. For
example, if you have a lead
vocal mic p lugged into input 1,
you could name it “Lead Vox”.
You r c us tomized names then
appear in your host audio
application (if it supports
CoreAu dio input naming).

7

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8

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CHAPTER

1

About the UltraLite

OVERVIEW

The UltraLite is a computer-based hard disk
recording system for Mac OS X and Windows that
offers 10 inputs and 14 outputs. Analog recording
and playback is offered at any standard sample rate
up to 96kHz. All inputs and outputs, both analog
and digital, can be accessed simultaneously. The
UltraLite is housed in a sturdy, compact enclosure
that connects directly to a computer via a standard
IEEE 1394 FireWire™ cable. The UltraLite offers
the following:

Bus-powered operation

■

Two combo XLR/TRS mic/guitar inputs with

■

preamps and 48V phantom power

Digital Precision Trim™ preamp gain

■

adjustment

THE ULTRALITE REAR PANEL

The UltraLite rear panel has the following
connectors:

Te n gold- p lated , ba lanced +4dB quarter-inch

■

(TRS) analog outputs (with 24-bit 96kHz
converters)

One combo XLR/TRS mic/instrument input

■

Six gold-plated, balanced -10/+4 dB quarter-

■

inch (TRS) analog inputs (with 24-bit 96kHz
converters)

RCA S/PDIF in/out

■

Tw o 1394 FireWire jacks

■

DC power jack

■

MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks

■

Six 24-bit analog TRS inputs

■

Te n 24-bit analog TRS outputs

■

S/PDIF digital I/O

■

MIDI I/O

■

Headphone jack with volume control

■

Main Out volume knob

■

CueMix™ DSP no-latency mixing & monitoring

■

Front-panel programming

■

Stand-alone mixing

■

With a variety of I/O formats, mic preamps and
no-latency monitoring of live input, the UltraLite is

a complete, portable “studio in a box” when used
with a Macintosh or Windows computer. The
UltraLite system includes AudioDesk™, full­featured audio workstation software for Mac OS
that supports both 16-bit and 24-bit recording.

10 inputs and 14 outputs

All UltraLite inputs and outputs can be used simul­taneously, for a total of 10 inputs and 14 outputs:

Connection Input Output

Analog 24-bit 96kHz on bal/unbal TRS 6 10

Mic preamps 24-bit 96kHz on XLR/TRS combo 2 -

SPDIF 24-bit 96kHz digital 2 2

Headphone output - 2

Total 10 14

All inputs and outputs are discrete and can be
active simultaneously.

The headphone outputs can operate as an
independent output pair, or they can mirror any
other UltraLite output pair, such as the main outs.

9

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 10 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:22 AM

Mic/instrument input

The two mic/instrument inputs (front panel and
rear panel) are equipped with preamps and
“combo” XLR/TRS jacks, which accept low-Z XLR
microphone inputs or high-Z quarter-inch guitar/
instruments inputs. The total gain range for these
preamps, including the three-way pad and 24dB
trim, is 60dB. Preamp gain and pad can be
controlled from the front panel digital rotary
encoders/switches or the included MOTU CueMix
Console™ software.

Analog

All six quarter-inch analog inputs are equipped
with 24-bit 96kHz, 64x oversampling A/D
converters. All eight analog outputs have 24-bit
128x oversampling D/A converters. All audio is
carried to the computer in a 24-bit data stream. All
ten analog outputs and six quarter-inch inputs are
on balanced TRS +4dB quarter-inch jacks. All of
these jacks can also accept unbalanced plugs.

The quarter-inch analog inputs are equipped with
18dB of trim, which can be adjusted for each
channel individually via the CueMix Console
software application or via the front panel LCD
display.

MIDI I/O

The UltraLite’s standard MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
jacks supply 16 channels of MIDI I/O to and from
the computer via the UltraLite’s FireWire
connection. Timing accuracy can be sample­accurate with host software that supports it.

Power supply

If you do not want the UltraLite to draw power
from the computer, and AC power is available, you
can power the UltraLite from any standard 10-18V,
12 watt DC power supply with any polarity (tip
positive or negative).

THE ULTRALITE FRONT PANEL

Mic/instrument input

The two mic/instrument inputs (front panel and
rear panel) are equipped with preamps and
“combo” XLR/TRS jacks, which accept low-Z XLR
microphone inputs or high-Z quarter-inch guitar/
instruments inputs. The total gain range for these
preamps, including the three-way pad and 24dB
trim, is 60dB. Preamp gain and pad can be
controlled from the front panel digital rotary
encoders/switches or the included MOTU CueMix
Console™ software.

S/PDIF

The UltraLite rear panel provides RCA “coax”
S/PDIF input and output.

1394 FireWire

The two 1394 FireWire jacks accept a standard
IEEE 1394 FireWire cable to connect the UltraLite
to a FireWire-equipped Macintosh or Windows
computer. The second jack can be used to daisy
chain multiple interfaces — up to four MOTU
FireWire interfaces — on a single FireWire bus. It
can also be used to connect other FireWire devices
without the need for a FireWire hub. The UltraLite
has the ability to power itself from its FireWire
connection to the computer.

10

Phantom power

Individual 48V phantom power can be enabled for
each preamp with the two front panel switches.

Three-way pad

An individual three-way pad can be enabled for
each preamp with the two front panel switches.
The independent three-way pad switch for each
input provides zero (down), 18dB (middle) and
36dB (up) pad settings for the XLR jack. (The pad
is not available on the TRS input.)

Digital Precision Trim™ rotary encoders

The two Digital Precision Trim™ detented rotary
encoders provide preamp gain adjustment. When
you turn these trim knobs, input gain can be

ABOUT THE ULTRALITE

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 11 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:22 AM

adjusted in 1dB increments, and the LCD display
provides active numeric feedback as the
adjustment is made.

Headphone output and main volume control

The UltraLite front panel includes a quarter-inch
stereo headphone output jack and volume knob.
The LCD display provides feedback. The MAIN
VOL kn ob ca n b e used to control the volume of the
main out jacks on the rear panel. It can alternately
be configured to control the S/PDIF outputs or
TRS analog outputs 1-6 or 1-8 for 5.1 or 7.1
surround.

CueMix™ DSP no-latency on-board mixing

The CueMix DSP section of the front-panel
provides access to the UltraLite’s on-board mixing
features, as well as global system settings. Together,
these features provide complete stand-alone
operation, without a computer. The UltraLite can
mix all inputs to any output pair, and up to four
such mixes can be independently programmed
and simultaneously operated.

Backlit LCD display

Any UltraLite setting can be accessed directly from
the front panel using the four rotary encoders and
the 2x16 backlit LCD display. CueMix DSP settings
such as input gain, panning, input level trim, phase
invert, stereo pair grouping, mix output
assignment and others are quickly accessed, clearly
marked and easy to adjust. Sixteen presets can be
created, saved, recalled and duplicated.

The LCD also provides activity metering for all
UltraLite inputs and outputs.

16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING

The UltraLite system handles all data with a 24-bit
signal path, regardless of the I/O format. You can
record and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files at
any supported sample rate via any of the UltraLite’s

analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio
files can be recorded with any compatible host
application that supports 24-bit recording.

AUDIODESK

AudioDesk is a full-featured, 24-bit audio
workstation software package included with the
UltraLite system (for Macintosh only). AudioDesk
provides multi-channel waveform editing,
automated virtual mixing, graphic editing of ramp
automation, real-time effects plug-ins with 32-bit
floating point processing, crossfades, support for
many third-party audio plug-ins, background
processing of file-based operations, sample­accurate editing and placement of audio, and more.

DIGITAL PERFORMER

The UltraLite system is fully integrated with
MOTU’s award-winning Digital Performer audio
sequencer software package.

OTHER HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE

The UltraLite system includes a standard
Mac OS X Core Audio driver for multichannel I/O
with any audio application that supports Core
Aud io.

A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM

Regardless of what software you use with the
UltraLite, the host computer determines the
number of tracks the software can record and play
simultaneously, as well as the amount of real-time
effects processing you can apply to your mix. A
faster computer with more RAM and faster hard
drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and
real-time effects than a slower computer with less
RAM and slower hard drives. Today’s fastest
computers can typically play as many as 72 tracks
or more.

ABOUT THE ULTRALITE

11

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12

ABOUT THE ULTRALITE

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 13 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

CHAPTER

2

Packing List & Mac System
Requirements

PACKING LIST

The UltraLite ships with the items listed below. If
any of these items are not present in your UltraLite
box when you first open it, please immediately
contact your dealer or MOTU.

■

One UltraLite I/O rack unit

■

One set of removable rack ears

■

One 1394 “FireWire” cable

■

One UltraLite Mac/Windows manual

■

One AudioDesk Manual

■

One cross-platform CD-ROM

■

Product registration card

MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The UltraLite system requires the following
Macintosh system:

■

A G3/300MHz Power Macintosh or faster

equipped with at least one FireWire port

■

At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM (512 MB

or more is recommended)

■

Mac OS X (version 10.3 or later)

■

A large hard drive (preferably at least 20 GB)

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!

Please register your UltraLite today. There are two
ways to register.

Visit www.motu.com to register online

■

OR

■

Fill out and mail the included product

registration card

As a registered user, you will be eligible to receive
on-line technical support email and
announcements about product enhancements as
soon as they become available. Only registered
users receive these special update notices, so
please, complete and mail this registration card!

Be sure to do the same for the included AudioDesk
software, which must be registered separately. You
can do so online or by filling out and mailing the
included software registration card found at the
beginning of your AudioDesk manual. Please be
sure to register AudioDesk as well, so that you will
be eligible to receive online technical support email
and announcements about AudioDesk software
enhancements as soon as they become available.

Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!

13

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14

PACKING LIST & MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 15 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

CHAPTER

3

Installing the UltraLite Hardware

OVERVIEW

Here’s an overview for installing the UltraLite:

Important note before you begin! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Ta ke t h e se precautions t o prevent damage to your
computer, the UltraLite and other equipment.

Connect the UltraLite interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connect the UltraLite to the computer.

Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Make analog and digital connections as desired.

Connect MIDI gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connect a controller, synth or control surface.

Power options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Choose from among several convenient options.

A typical UltraLite setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.

Connecting and syncing S/PDIF devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Connect a DAT deck, effects processor or other
device with digital I/O, but be sure to make the
correct clock source settings.

IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE YOU BEGIN!

Before you begin installing the UltraLite (or any
bus-powered device), take these important
precautionary measures to avoid damaging the
sensitive electrical components in your computer,
the UltraLite or other devices being connected:

■

Tur n off th e c om p uter.

■

Tur n o ff the UltraLite (push and hold the MAIN

VOL knob.

■

Tur n off th e power of any other devices.

■

Tou c h the m e tal casing of the UltraLite to
discharge any static electricity that you may be
carrying just before the installation.

After you have made all of the necessary
connections, as described in this chapter, turn on
the devices in this sequence:

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Turn on the UltraLite.

3. Turn on other devices connected to the
UltraLite.

Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces . . . . . 21

Connect additional UltraLites or other audio
interfaces.

15

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 16 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

CONNECT THE ULTRALITE INTERFACE

1

Make sure your computer and the UltraLite are

switched off.

2

Plug one end of the UltraLite FireWire cable
(included) into the FireWire socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 3-1.

Yo u can connect the UltraLite to an 800Mbit

☛

“FireWire B” port using a 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire B
cable (not shown). However, the UltraLite will still
operate at its specified 400Mbit (FireWire A) data
rate.

3

Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
UltraLite I/O as shown below in Figure 3-1.

CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The UltraLite audio interface has the following
audio input and output connectors:

10 balanced quarter-inch analog outputs

■

■

6 balanced quarter-inch analog inputs

■

2 XLR/quarter-inch “combo” analog inputs with

preamps

■

1 pair of RCA S/PDIF in and out

Here are a few things you should keep in mind as
you are making these connections to other devices.

Mic/instrument inputs

Connect a microphone, guitar, instrument or other
analog input to the XLR/TRS combo jack with
either a standard mic cable or a cable with a
balanced quarter-inch plug.

Phantom power

If you are connecting a condenser microphone or
other device that requires phantom power, move
the 48V phantom power switch on the front panel
to the up position (enabled).

Figur e 3-1: Connecting the UltraLite to the computer.

16

Tr i m

Both the low-impedance XLR jack and the high­impedance TRS jack are equipped with 24dB of
trim control. Use the digital trim knobs on the
front panel to adjust the input level as needed for
each input. The LCD provides visual feedback as
you turn the trim knob. The UltraLite’s input trims
are digital controlled, so they allow you to make
fine-tuned adjustments in precise 1dB increments.
Yo u c an al so ad j us t t r im in the MOTU CueMix
Console software. See “Input trim” on page 62.

Three-way pad

The XLR jack is equipped with a three-way pad, so
“hot” signals are best connected via an XLR cable
so that you can use the pad switch. Since the pad is
not available on the TRS jack, hot signals
connected via the TRS jack will probably overdrive

INSTALLING THE ULTRALITE HARDWARE

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 17 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

the input. The independent three-way pad switch
for each input provides zero (down), 18dB
(middle) and 36dB (up) pad settings for the XLR
jack. When combined with the 24dB digital trim,
the full gain range is 60dB. This is the difference
between the minimum (trim at zero + pad at 36dB)
and maximum (trim at 24dB + pad at zero) gain
settings.

Combo jack summary

Use these general guidelines for the 48V phantom
power, pad and trim settings on the two combo
input jacks:

Input 48V Pad Trim

Condenser mic On As needed As needed

Dynamic mic Off As needed As needed

Guitar Off n/a As needed

-10dB Line level via TRS Off n/a As needed

-10dB Line level via XLR Off 36dB +12dB

+4dB line level (XLR only) Off 36dB Zero

Quarter-inch analog

The quarter-inch analog inputs (3-8) and outputs
(1-8 plus main out) are balanced TRS connectors
that can also accept an unbalanced plug.

The outputs are all referenced to +4dBu.

The reference level for the inputs can be adjusted
over an 18dB range with the same general trim
guidelines as shown earlier for the mic/instrument
inputs. Trims for each input (or input pair) can be
adjusted from the MOTU CueMix Console or the
front panel. To learn how to adjust trim from
CueMix Console, see “Input trim and phase invert”
on page 61. To learn how to adjust trim from the
font panel, see “PAGE” on page 37.

Separate main outs

The main outputs operate as an independent pair
(they don’t share signal with any other output
pair). In a standard studio configuration, the main
outs are intended for a pair of studio monitors, but
they can also be used as regular outputs for any
purpose. Their reference level is +4dB. Main out
volume is controlled by the MAIN VOL knob on
the front panel, although this knob can be
configured to control other outputs instead.

S/PDIF

If you make a S/PDIF digital audio connection to
another device, be sure to review the digital audio
clocking issues, as explained in “Connecting and
syncing S/PDIF devices” on page 21.

The UltraLite on-board mixer also supplies 12dB
of digital trim for the S/PDIF input pair, which can
be adjusted from CueMix Console or the front
panel. To learn how to adjust S/PDIF input trim
from CueMix Console, see “Input trim and phase
invert” on page 61. To learn how to do it from the
font panel, see “PAGE” on page 37.

CONNECT MIDI GEAR

Connect your MIDI device’s MIDI IN jack to the
UltraLite’s MIDI OUT jack (Connection A below).
Conversely, connect the MIDI device’s MIDI OUT
jack to the UltraLite’s MIDI IN jack (Connection
B).

UltraLite

rear panel

Connection A

MIDI Device

MIDI

OUT

MIDI

cables

MIDI INMIDI

OUT

MIDI

IN

Connection B

INSTALLING THE ULTRALITE HARDWARE

Figur e 3-2: Connecting a MIDI device to the UltraLite.

17

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 18 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

One-way MIDI connections

MIDI devices that do not receive MIDI data, such
as a dedicated keyboard controller, guitar
controller, or drum pad, only need Connection B
shown in Figure 3-2. Similarly, devices that never
send data, such as a sound module, only need
Connection A. Make both connections for any
device that needs to both send and receive MIDI
data.

Connecting additional gear with MIDI THRUs

If you need to connect several pieces of MIDI gear,
run a MIDI cable from the MIDI THRU of a device
already connected to the UltraLite to the MIDI IN
on the additional device as shown below in
Figure 3-3. The two devices then share the
UltraLite’s MIDI OUT port. This means that they
share the same set of 16 MIDI channels, too, so try
to do this with devices that receive on only one
MIDI channel (such as effects modules) so their
receive channels don’t conflict with one another.

Bus power requirements

The UltraLite draws all the power it needs from the
FireWire bus connection to the computer.
However, the FireWire connection to the computer
must meet all of the requirements discussed below.

6-pin FireWire connectors

The UltraLite can only draw power over the
FireWire bus from a 6-pin to 6-pin cable, or a 6-pin
to 9-pin (FireWire B) cable. It cannot draw power
from a FireWire cable with a 4-pin connector, as
shown below:

YES

✓

NO

✗

6-pin FireWire

Figur e 3-4: 4-pin FireWire connectors cannot be used for bus power.

4-pin FireWire

UltraLite

rear panel

MIDI

OUT

MIDI

MIDI Device

Figur e 3-3: Connecting additional devices with MIDI THRU ports.

IN

MIDI

THRU

Additional device

MIDI

cable

MIDI IN

POWER OPTIONS

The UltraLite can draw power from two possible
sources: the computer (via FireWire) or a DC
power supply.

When operating under bus power, daisy-chaining
is not recommended

The UltraLite can be daisy-chained with other
FireWire devices from a single FireWire
connection to the computer. However, if the
UltraLite is operating under bus power, this is not
recommended. If you need to daisy chain the
UltraLite with other devices on the same FireWire
bus, power the UltraLite with a DC power supply
(or battery). The other devices on the chain should
also have their own power supply. In general, bus­powered FireWire devices should not be daisy­chained.

FireWire adapter products must be powered

If you are using a FireWire adapter (a third-party
product that supplies one or more FireWire ports
to your computer), it must have direct access to a
power supply:

■ PCI FireWire cards — If you plan to connect the

UltraLite to a PCI card and run the UltraLite under
bus power, the PCI card must have a direct

18

INSTALLING THE ULTRALITE HARDWARE

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 19 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

connection to the power supply harness inside
your computer. This is the same power supply
harness to which you connect internal hard drives,
CD/DVD drives, etc.

■ PCMCIA slot adapters — If you plan to connect

the UltraLite to a PC card FireWire adapter
(inserted in the PC card slot in your laptop), it
must provide a 6-pin connection and it must also
have its own power supply. Most commonly, these
types of products have a DC power adapter. As you
can see, however, this situation does not allow for
remote battery operation, as the PC card adapter
requires AC.

Examples of bus- powered operation

Here are a few typical examples of bus-powered
UltraLite operation:

Bus power from a desktop computer

Yo u r d e s kt op c om p uter is running off of its usual
AC power connection, and the UltraLite draws
power from the FireWire cable connected to the
computer. There are no limits to running time.

Bus power from an AC-powered laptop

This scenario is identical to the desktop situation
described above: the laptop is powered by AC, the
UltraLite is powered via the FireWire bus and there
are no limits to running time.

Bus power from a battery-powered laptop

The laptop is being powered by its own battery, and
the UltraLite is being powered by its FireWire
connection to the computer. So the laptop battery
is supplying power to both the laptop and the
UltraLite. This is the most compact and portable
operating scenario. Running time is determined by
the capacity of the laptop battery. For extended
recording sessions, bring extra, fully charged
laptop batteries.

DC power supply

If you do not want the UltraLite to draw power
from the computer, and AC power is available, you
can power the UltraLite from any standard
8-18 volt, 12 watt DC power supply with any
polarity (tip positive or negative), and amperage as
shown below.

Voltage Amperage

9 volts 1.33 amps

12 volts 1 amp

18 volts 0.66 amps

Bus power versus DC power

When you connect a DC power supply, the
UltraLite could draw power from either FireWire
or the DC power supply. So which source does it
use? The answer is: the source that is currently
supplying the greatest voltage. But in practice, it
doesn’t really matter because the only situation in
which you need to be concerned about the
UltraLite’s power draw is when you are operating it
with a battery-powered laptop. And in this
situation, the only available power is from
FireWire. In all other situations, the computer has
its own power, so it doesn’t matter if the UltraLite is
drawing power from FireWire or not.

Tur nin g off the UltraLite

To t urn o n the UltraLite, push the MAIN VOL
knob. To turn it off, push and hold the MAIN VOL
knob. When the UltraLite is turned off, it is really
in a sort of “sleep” mode, where it still draws just
enough power to detect the power switch (a digital
encoder) when the UltraLite is turned back on. But
the amount of power that the UltraLite draws when
it is turned off is so small that it has very little
practical impact. If you are running a laptop under
battery power, and you are in a situation where you
are not using the UltraLite and you need every last
bit of laptop battery power, unplug the UltraLite
entirely from the computer.

INSTALLING THE ULTRALITE HARDWARE

19

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 20 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

A TYPICAL ULTRALITE SETUP

Here is a typical UltraLite studio setup. This rig can
be operated without an external mixer. All mixing
and processing can be done in the computer with
audio software. During recording, you can use the
UltraLite’s CueMix™ DSP no-latency monitoring

mic

synthesizer

MIDI IN

MIDI OUT

quarter-inch

analog outs

Analog outputs (sends, stage

monitors, surround monitors, etc.)

to listen to what you are recording via the main
outs, headphone outs, or any other output pair. You
can control monitoring either from the front panel
or from the included MOTU CueMix Console
software.

headphones

guitars (with or
without an amp)

20

UltraLite

rear panel

Mac

FireWire

S/PDIF

DAT deck

Figur e 3-5: A typical UltraLite studio setup.

Compre ssor, reverb or other

analog outboard gear

Analog
returns

monitors

INSTALLING THE ULTRALITE HARDWARE

!UltraLite Manual/Mac Page 21 Monday, September 12, 2005 6:52 PM

CONNECTING AND SYNCING S/PDIF
DEVICES

DAT decks and other devices with S/PDIF digital
I/O will sync to the UltraLite in via the S/PDIF
connection itself. Just connect it to the UltraLite via
the S/PDIF connectors. When the device records a
digital audio signal (from the UltraLite), it will
simply synchronize to the clock provided by the
digital audio input.

On the other hand, when you transfer audio from
the S/PDIF device into the UltraLite, you’ll have to
slave the UltraLite to its S/PDIF input.

UltraLite

S/PDIF

S/PDIF

CONNECTING MULTIPLE MOTU FIREWIRE
INTERFACES

Yo u c an da i s y - c h ain up to four MOTU FireWire
interfaces on a single FireWire bus, with the
restrictions described in the following sections.
Most computers have only one built-in FireWire
bus (even if it supplies multiple FireWire sockets).
Connect them as follows:

Mac

FireWire

FireWire

S/PDIF device

UltraLite

Clock Source setting =

S/PDIF (when transferring from the

other device to the UltraLite)

Figur e 3-6: The setup for synchronizing a S/PDIF device with the
UltraLite. Sync is achieved via the digital I/O connection itself. In this
case, you have to choose S/PDIF as the UltraLite’s clock source when
recording from the other device.

Internal (when transferring from the

UltraLite

Clock Source setting =

UltraLite to the other device)

FireWire

FireWire

FireWire

FireWire

FireWire

FireWire

Figur e 3-7: Connecting multiple UltraLite’s (or other MOTU Audio
interfaces) to a computer.

INSTALLING THE ULTRALITE HARDWARE

21