MOTU OctaLite 16x12 USB Audio Interface and Optical Expander

MOTU OctaLite 16x12 USB Audio Interface and Optical Expander

The MOTU OctaLite is a compact 16x12 USB audio interface and optical expander designed for professional studio recording, live sound mixing, podcasting, and audio production. Featuring eight ultra-quiet mic preamps, onboard DSP mixing and effects, and ADAT optical connectivity, the OctaLite delivers high-quality audio performance in a portable half-rack enclosure.

Use the MOTU OctaLite as a USB audio interface for Mac or Windows, a standalone mixer for live performances, or an optical expander to add eight microphone inputs to a compatible audio interface. With low-latency drivers, flexible loopback routing, and iOS compatibility, it provides versatile connectivity for studio, stage, and mobile recording workflows.

MOTU OctaLite Key Features

• 16x12 USB audio interface: Flexible audio input and output connectivity for professional recording and production.
• Eight mic/line/Hi-Z inputs: Connect microphones, line-level sources, electric guitars, and other instruments.
• High-quality microphone preamps: Eight ultra-quiet preamps with up to +74 dB of gain and -129 dBu equivalent input noise (EIN).
• ESS Sabre32 DAC technology: Delivers up to 125 dB of measured output dynamic range.
• Onboard DSP mixing and effects: Manage monitor mixes, equalization, and routing using the CueMix 5 app.
• ADAT optical expansion: Add eight microphone inputs to a compatible interface or mixer using an optical connection.
• Low-latency USB performance: Optimized audio drivers support responsive recording and monitoring on Mac and Windows.
• Loopback for streaming and podcasting: Route computer audio and live inputs back into your recording or streaming software.
• Compact half-rack design: A durable steel enclosure suited to studio installations, touring racks, and mobile production.
• iOS compatibility: Connect to compatible iPad and iPhone setups for mobile recording and mixing.
• Included production software: Get started with Performer Lite workstation software, virtual instruments, and audio loops.

Professional Audio Quality in a Compact Interface

The MOTU OctaLite combines premium digital-to-analog conversion with clean, low-noise analog circuitry. Its ESS Sabre32 ES9026PRO DAC delivers a measured 125 dB dynamic range, while Burr-Brown op-amps support clear, neutral performance across its eight microphone inputs.

With up to +74 dB of preamp gain, the OctaLite accommodates a wide range of microphone sources. Its compact footprint makes it a practical choice for recording musicians, content creators, audio engineers, and production teams that need professional sound without a large interface.

Eight Microphone Inputs and Flexible Connectivity

The OctaLite provides eight analog mic, line, and Hi-Z instrument inputs, allowing you to connect multiple microphones, guitars, synthesizers, keyboards, and other audio sources. Balanced 1/4-inch TRS outputs connect to studio monitors or other audio equipment, while a dedicated headphone output supports personal monitoring.

ADAT optical input and output provide additional routing and expansion options. The optical connections can also support stereo TOSLink optical S/PDIF, offering flexibility for compatible digital audio equipment.

Audio I/O Specifications

• 8 mic/line/Hi-Z instrument inputs
• 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS line outputs
• 1 optical input supporting ADAT or TOSLink
• 1 optical output supporting ADAT or TOSLink
• Additional optical output for SMUX channels 5–8
• 1 stereo headphone output with dedicated volume control
• USB-C connectivity with USB Type-A compatibility

Use the MOTU OctaLite as an Optical Expander

Beyond USB audio interface operation, the MOTU OctaLite works as an eight-channel optical expander for compatible interfaces and mixers. Add microphone inputs to supported MOTU products, including the UltraLite-mk5, 828, and 16A, using a single optical cable.

The OctaLite's microphone input circuitry matches that of the UltraLite-mk5, helping maintain consistent audio performance across a combined setup. An additional optical output supports channels 5–8 when using four-channel SMUX optical operation at higher sample rates, including 88.2 and 96 kHz.

For larger recording sessions, two OctaLite units can be mounted side by side using the optional half-rack coupler kit, providing 16 microphone inputs in a single rack space.

Onboard DSP Mixing, Effects, and Monitor Control

The MOTU OctaLite includes onboard DSP mixing and effects, allowing you to manage audio routing and monitoring without relying entirely on your computer's processing resources.

The CueMix 5 app provides graphical control over mixing, parametric EQ, digitally controlled trims, and other interface settings. Create separate mixes for the rear-panel line outputs, front-panel headphone output, and loopback channels to support different monitoring and production needs.

CueMix 5 is available for macOS, Windows, and iOS, making it easy to control your mix from a compatible computer or mobile device.

Low-Latency Recording, Podcasting, and Live Streaming

Designed for responsive audio production, the OctaLite uses optimized drivers for Mac and Windows. Under specified test conditions—96 kHz sample rate and a 32-sample host buffer—it can achieve round-trip latency as low as 2 milliseconds over USB.

Built-in loopback channels make the OctaLite useful for podcasting, livestreaming, remote presentations, and content creation. Route computer playback alongside connected microphones and instruments back to your host computer or compatible iOS device. Three virtual mix buses support alternate loopback mixes, giving you flexibility to create different audio feeds for recording, monitoring, and streaming.

Built for Studio, Stage, and Mobile Recording

The OctaLite's compact, steel-encased half-rack design makes it easy to transport between a recording studio, rehearsal space, live venue, or mobile production setup.

Use it as a computer-based recording interface, a standalone mixer for live sound, or an optical expander within a larger audio system. USB audio class compliance also enables plug-and-play connectivity with compatible iPad and other Apple iOS devices, with the appropriate cable or adapter as required.

Optional half-rack mounting and coupler kits are available separately for rack installations and touring configurations.

Included Recording Software

The MOTU OctaLite includes Performer Lite production software, along with hundreds of loops, one-shots, virtual instruments, and sounds from MOTU, Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples, and Loopmasters. Connect the interface to a compatible Mac or PC and start recording, arranging, and producing music.

What Is the MOTU OctaLite Used For?

The MOTU OctaLite is designed for musicians, recording engineers, podcasters, content creators, and live sound professionals who need multiple microphone inputs in a compact audio interface. It is particularly useful for multitrack recording, adding inputs to an existing audio system, creating custom monitor mixes, and routing audio for livestreaming or podcast production.

Whether you are building a home recording studio, expanding a professional recording rig, or preparing a portable live mixing setup, the OctaLite combines eight microphone preamps, DSP mixing, USB connectivity, and optical expansion in one versatile unit.

Technical Specifications

• Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• Mic/line/guitar inputs
  • 8 x XLR/TRS "combo" jacks
  • 1 MΩ impedance on the line/instr inputs
• Digital I/O
  • 1 bank (channels 1-8) of ADAT optical at 1x sample rates
  • 1 bank (channels 5-8) of SMUX optical at 2x sample rates
  • Switchable to stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF)
• Computer I/O
  • 1 x USB-C 2.0 audio class compliant
  • Compatible with USB Type A (with adapter or C-to-A cable)
• Total audio I/O
  • 16 in / 12 out (28 total) at 1x sample rates
  • 12 in / 12 out (22 total) at 2x sample rates
  • 8 in / 4 out (12 total) at 4x sample rates
• Headphone: 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo phone
• Phantom power: 8 x individual +48V
• Front panel
  • 2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs
  • 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
  • 1 x potentiometer - phone/monitor vol
  • 1 x potentiometer - mic/instr input gain
  • 1 x potentiometer - mic channel select
  • 4 x switches - 48V, pad, back, menu
  • 1x high-resolution white OLED display for metering/status
• Power
  • Multi-blade international 15V DC power adapter
  • 2.0A max - tip positive
  • Supports 100-240V power sources (US/Japan, EU, UK, Australia)
• Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.9 x 1.75 inches (22 x 17.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Weight: 3.0 lbs / 1.36 kg

System Requirements

• Mac System Requirements
  • Apple silicon and Intel processors supported
  • 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance
  • macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant)
  • Available USB port
• Windows System Requirements
  • x86-64 (Intel, AMD) & ARM (Snapdragon) PCs supported
  • 8+ GB RAM recommended for optimal performance
  • Windows 11 23H2 or later (x86-64/ARM64)
  • Available USB port
• Class-Compliant Support: USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac or iOS (no driver required)
• Included Software
  • CueMix 5
  • MOTU Performer Lite
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • 6GB of loops and sounds from MOTU, Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, and LoopCloud

Compatible Mac Software

• The OctaLite ships with standard Core Audio drivers for macOS for compatibility with virtually all Core Audio-compatible apps, including:
• MOTU Performer Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Apple Logic Pro
• Apple Logic Express
• Apple Garage Band
• Apple SoundTrack Pro
• Ableton Live
• Presonus Studio One
• Propellerhead Record & Reason
• Steinberg Cubase
• Cockos Reaper
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

Compatible Windows Software

• The OctaLite ships with standard ASIO and Wave drivers for Windows 11 for compatibility with virtually all ASIO- and Wave-compatible audio apps, including:
• MOTU Performer Lite
• MOTU Digital Performer
• Avid Pro Tools (version 9 or later)
• Ableton Live
• Cakewalk Sonar
• Cockos Reaper
• Image Line FL Studio
• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Presonus Studio One
• Propellerhead Record & Reason
• Sony Vegas Pro
• Sony Sound Forge
• Sony Acid
• Steinberg Cubase
• Waves stand-alone apps (and plug-ins, via compatible host)

• MOTU OctaLite 16x12 USB Audio Interface and Optical Expander
• Warranty: 2-Years (Must register the product within 90 days of purchase for warranty term to begin)
• Included Software
  • CueMix 5
  • MOTU Performer Lite
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • 6GB of loops and sounds from MOTU, Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, and LoopCloud