MOTU OctaLite 16x12 USB Audio Interface with DSP, Mixing and Effects

The MOTU OctaLite is a compact 16 x 12 USB audio interface and optical expander that packs eight ultra-quiet mic preamps, onboard DSP mixing and studio-grade effects into a rugged half-rack unit. Whether you are tracking a full band, streaming, podcasting or expanding an existing interface via ADAT, the OctaLite delivers pristine sound quality, ultra-low latency and flexible routing for studio, stage and mobile rigs alike.

Armed with ESS Sabre32 DAC technology on the outputs and Burr-Brown op-amps on every mic input, the OctaLite offers a measured 125 dB of dynamic range and super-clean, neutral preamp performance with up to +74 dB of gain. USB class compliance and MOTU’s renowned drivers keep latency down to as little as 2 ms, while the CueMix 5 software gives you full control of DSP-powered monitor mixes and effects from Mac, Windows or iOS devices.

Use the OctaLite as a main interface, a stand-alone digital mixer or an 8-channel optical front end for another MOTU interface. With loopback channels for streaming, iPad compatibility, and included Performer Lite DAW software plus 6 GB of loops and samples, it is a powerful all-in-one solution for modern creators who need great sound and serious flexibility in a portable format.

Studio-grade Sound in a Half-rack Format

The OctaLite’s analogue outputs are driven by ESS Sabre32 DAC technology with an ES9026PRO converter, delivering a measured 125 dB of dynamic range and -114 dB THD+N. Combined with Burr-Brown op-amps on the eight mic inputs, you get a clean, neutral sound that faithfully captures every detail of your performance. The compact steel half-rack chassis makes it easy to slot into any studio or live rig without sacrificing audio quality.

Eight Ultra-quiet Mic Preamps

Each of the eight combo inputs offers mic, line and hi-Z instrument connectivity with up to +74 dB of preamp gain. The ultra-quiet design and -129 dBu EIN ensure low-noise recordings even with gain pushed high for dynamic mics and quiet sources. Hi-Z quarter-inch inputs are ideal for direct guitar and bass, so you can plug straight in and capture polished DI tracks without extra boxes.

Flexible USB, Optical and iOS Connectivity

With USB-C class-compliant connectivity, the OctaLite works seamlessly with Mac, Windows and iOS devices. Use it as a USB interface in the studio, connect it to an iPad for mobile recording, or run it as an 8-channel ADAT expander for units like the UltraLite-mk5, 828 or 16A. Dual optical outputs even support SMUX at higher sample rates, so you can keep all eight mic channels available at 88.2 or 96 kHz.

Onboard DSP Mixing, Effects and Loopback

The built-in DSP mixer and effects are controlled via the CueMix 5 app, giving you low-latency monitor mixes with EQ and processing for performers, headphones, main outputs and loopback channels. Dedicated loopback buses let you combine computer audio with live inputs for streaming, podcasting or content creation, all without complicated routing. You can create separate mixes for speakers, headphones and online audiences quickly and intuitively.

Built for Studio, Stage and Mobile Creators

Housed in a robust steel enclosure, the OctaLite is ready for life in the studio, on stage or on the road. Optional half-rack mounting and coupler kits let you rack one or two units side by side, giving you up to sixteen mic inputs in a single rack space when you pair two OctaLites. With Performer Lite DAW software and a generous library of loops and samples included, you can start recording, arranging and mixing straight away.

• Eight Mic/Line/Hi-Z Inputs in a Compact Half-rack - The OctaLite gives you eight versatile combo inputs in a portable half-rack chassis, so you can connect multiple microphones, line sources and guitars without a bulky interface. It is ideal for band recordings, multi-mic setups and mobile rigs where space is at a premium.
• ESS Sabre32 DAC and Burr-Brown Mic Preamps - ESS Sabre32 conversion with 125 dB dynamic range and Burr-Brown op-amps on every mic channel deliver clean, detailed audio with ultra-low distortion and noise. Your recordings benefit from a neutral, professional sound that stands up in any mix or production.
• Onboard DSP, CueMix 5 and Loopback for Streaming - The built-in DSP mixer and CueMix 5 software let you create multiple monitor mixes with EQ and effects for performers, headphones and loopback channels. Dedicated loopback buses make it simple to blend system audio with live inputs for streaming, podcasting and content creation without extra hardware.
• USB Class-compliant with Optical Expansion - Class-compliant USB-C connectivity ensures plug-and-play operation with Mac, Windows and iOS devices, while ADAT optical I/O lets you expand existing interfaces with eight additional mic channels. Dual optical outputs support SMUX at higher sample rates, keeping your full channel count available even at 88.2 or 96 kHz.

I/O Configuration

• Total I/O: 16 x 12
• Analogue Inputs: 8 x mic/line/hi-Z combo inputs
• Analogue Outputs: 2 x balanced 1/4 inch TRS line outputs (L/R)
• Headphone Output: 1 x stereo headphone with volume control
• Digital Inputs: 1 x optical in (ADAT or TOSLink optical S/PDIF)
• Digital Outputs: 1 x optical out (ADAT or TOSLink optical S/PDIF)
• Additional Optical Output: 1 x optical out (SMUX channels 5 to 8)

Connectivity

• USB-C audio class compliant
• Compatible with USB Type A (with appropriate cable or adapter)
• Low-latency Windows ASIO driver
• Low-latency Windows WAVE driver
• Optional low-latency Mac driver
• iOS / USB-C support
• iOS / Lightning support (with adapter kit)

Audio Performance

• Output Dynamic Range: 125 dB
• Mic Input EIN: -129 dBu
• Mic Preamp Gain: up to +74 dB
• THD+N: -114 dB (output, measured)
• Round Trip Latency: 2 ms over USB (at 96 kHz with 32-sample host buffer)

Preamps and Conversion

• Mic Preamp Technology: Burr-Brown op-amps
• DAC Technology: ESS Sabre32 with ES9026PRO DAC
• Input Types: Mic, line, hi-Z instrument

Operation Modes

• USB audio interface
• Stand-alone mixer
• 8-channel optical expander for compatible interfaces

Software and DSP

• Onboard DSP mixing and effects
• CueMix 5 console app for macOS, Windows and iOS
• Performer Lite workstation software included
• Over 100 virtual instruments included with Performer Lite
• 6 GB of free loops and sample packs from MOTU, Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters

System Requirements

• macOS 12 or later
• Windows 11
• iOS 13.5 or later

Hardware and Mounting

• Form Factor: Half-rack, steel enclosure
• Optional half-rack mounting kit (sold separately)
• Optional half-rack coupler kit for side-by-side mounting (sold separately)
• Two OctaLites side by side provide sixteen mic inputs in a single rack space