Continuing with their numerically themed interface updates, the MOTU UltraLite-mk3 gets with the times, providing on-board effects and mixing in addition to its day job as a FireWire interface. Boasting a total of 10 inputs and 14 outputs, which include two XLR / TRS inputs and a true Hi-Z guitar input, all built into a lightweight alloy chassis.

All of the I/O section routes to a brand spanking new 14-bus digital mixer -- just enough busses for a motorcycle jump to be considered impressive -- which is driven by hardware-based DSP with 32-bit floating point precision. The mixer can add no-latency effects by processing to ins, outs or busses from within the UltraLite-mk3 hardware instead of your computer, and input signals can be recorded wet, dry or dry with a wet monitor mix for a closer sonic experience while recording. It includes a reverb return stream, and aside from an incredibly accommodating reverb, provides seven-band parametric EQ and compression / limiting.

While you can access all of the settings of the UltraLite-mk3 from the backlit LCD on the front panel, you might find it more convenient to use MOTU's included CueMix FX control software. The CueMix FX software has been completely revamped with control options presented in more streamlined tabs with graphic thumbnails for increased accessibility.

Like some of its MOTU brethren, the UltraLite-mk3 is stocked with Digital Direct Synthesis, a DSP-driven phase lock engine / low jitter internal clock source. It also supports MIDI, and MIDI I/O make the UltraLite-mk3 a MIDI interface as well. I'd like to see them call it a MIDI outerface, too, since I just coined that term.