With the MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid (Mac / Win), you are no longer tied to the confines of FireWire connectivity. Now you can choose to connect the audio interface to your computer via either FireWire or USB2. The UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid is the world’s first audio interface of its kind, according to the manufacturer.

In addition to flexible and mobile operation, the unit offers sample rates up to 192 kHz and a lots of I/O: two mic / instrument inputs, six line-level analog inputs, ten channels of analog output, stereo S/PDIF, and a stereo headphone output.

Using FireWire provides the added benefit of mobile bus-powered operation, with enough power through the FireWire cable connection from the computer to support all features, including 48V phantom power to both mic inputs. Using USB2, on the other hand, benefits users whose computers and laptops have USB2 ports but don't have a FireWire port. Everybody wins. Use the included power adapter for connecting via USB2 or for using the interface as a standalone mixer.

Other new features include computer-controllable pad and 48V phantom power switches for the two mic inputs, a simplified two-way pad switch (-20 dB or off), and an increased mic trim range (0-60 dB). The audio interface still has the original UltraLite-mk3's features, including CueMix FX mixing software, the bus mixer with onboard DSP; effects like reverb, compression, and modeled EQ; front-panel controls; and more. For a complete list of features, visit the official MOTU Web site.

MOTU expects to ship the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid in the 4th quarter of 2009 at the same price as the original UltraLite-mk3.