MOTU OctaLite 16x12 USB Audio Interface with 8 Mic Preamps and DSP Mixing

The MOTU OctaLite is a professional 16-in/12-out USB audio interface that combines eight high-quality microphone preamps, advanced DSP mixing and flexible digital connectivity in a compact half-rack design. Built for musicians, producers, recording engineers and live performers, the OctaLite delivers exceptional audio quality with ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, up to 192kHz recording and ultra-low-latency performance.

With eight XLR/TRS combo inputs, ADAT optical expansion, built-in effects and comprehensive control through MOTU's CueMix 5 software, the OctaLite is equally capable as a studio recording interface, standalone digital mixer or eight-channel optical expander. Its portable steel enclosure makes it a practical solution for professional recording and live sound applications where space is limited.

Why Choose the MOTU OctaLite?

• Professional 16-in/12-out USB audio interface with up to 24-bit/192kHz recording.
• Eight XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphones, line-level equipment and instruments.
• Eight Burr-Brown microphone preamps with up to 74dB of gain.
• ESS Sabre32 DAC technology with 125dB dynamic range on the analogue outputs.
• Ultra-low round-trip latency of approximately 2ms with optimised drivers.
• Built-in DSP mixer with reverb, four-band EQ, compression and gating.
• ADAT optical connectivity for expanding your recording setup.
• Standalone mixer and eight-channel optical expander functionality.
• CueMix 5 software for detailed mixing, routing and device control.
• Compact half-rack design suitable for studio, mobile recording and live performance.

Eight Professional Microphone Preamps in a Compact Interface

One of the biggest advantages of the MOTU OctaLite is its eight integrated microphone preamps, all housed within a remarkably compact half-rack enclosure. Each input uses Burr-Brown operational amplifiers to deliver clean, transparent audio with exceptionally low noise, making the interface suitable for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, drums and complete live performances.

With up to 74dB of preamp gain and a measured equivalent input noise of -129dB, the OctaLite provides the sensitivity required for a wide range of microphones and recording applications.

Each microphone input offers individually controlled 48V phantom power, a -20dB pad and polarity inversion, allowing you to configure each channel to suit your recording equipment. You can also choose whether to record signals before or after the onboard DSP processing.

Eight XLR/TRS Inputs for Flexible Recording

The MOTU OctaLite features eight combination XLR/TRS inputs, with two conveniently positioned on the front panel and six located on the rear. This makes it easy to connect multiple microphones, keyboards, synthesisers, drum machines and other audio equipment without needing an additional preamp.

The quarter-inch inputs also support high-impedance instrument connections, allowing guitars and basses to be connected directly for recording. Whether you're tracking a full drum kit, recording a band or connecting several hardware instruments, the OctaLite provides plenty of input flexibility in a portable format.

Exceptional Audio Quality with ESS Sabre32 DAC Technology

The MOTU OctaLite uses renowned ESS Sabre32 DAC technology, featuring the ES9026PRO converter, to deliver excellent audio clarity and accurate sound reproduction. With a measured dynamic range of 125dB and THD+N of -114dB on the analogue outputs, the interface provides the detail and transparency required for professional recording, mixing and monitoring.

Supporting recording and playback at sample rates up to 192kHz, the OctaLite captures vocals, instruments and other audio sources with exceptional precision. Its high-quality conversion makes it a reliable choice for both demanding studio sessions and portable recording applications.

Ultra-Low Latency USB-C Recording

Designed for responsive recording and monitoring, the MOTU OctaLite connects to your computer using USB-C and supports optimised drivers for macOS and Windows. With round-trip latency as low as approximately 2ms at 96kHz with a 32-sample buffer, musicians can record and monitor through compatible audio software with minimal delay.

The interface also supports USB audio class-compliant operation, providing convenient connectivity with compatible Mac and iOS devices. Its USB 2.0 audio connection is compatible with USB 3 and USB4 ports, making it straightforward to integrate into modern recording setups.

Built-In DSP Mixing with Professional Effects

The MOTU OctaLite features a powerful onboard DSP mixer that allows you to create detailed monitor mixes without placing additional processing demands on your computer.

Built-in processing includes reverb, four-band parametric EQ, compression and gating, giving you the tools to shape vocals and instruments directly within the interface. Independent mixes can be created for the main monitor outputs and headphones, allowing performers and engineers to work with different monitoring arrangements.

Three additional virtual mix buses provide further flexibility for internal audio routing, making the OctaLite particularly useful for recording, live performance and complex production workflows.

ADAT Optical Expansion for Larger Recording Setups

Alongside its eight analogue inputs, the MOTU OctaLite provides ADAT optical connectivity for expanding your recording system with additional digital audio channels.

Connect compatible ADAT-equipped preamps and interfaces to increase your available inputs and outputs, or use the OctaLite itself as an eight-channel optical expander for an existing recording interface or digital mixer.

Optical expansion supports up to eight channels at standard sample rates, with SMUX functionality for higher sample-rate operation up to 96kHz. The optical connections can also support stereo TOSLink S/PDIF, providing additional flexibility when working with digital audio equipment.

Standalone Digital Mixer and Optical Expander

The MOTU OctaLite isn't limited to computer-based recording. Its onboard DSP processing and routing capabilities allow it to operate as a standalone digital mixer, making it useful for live performances, rehearsal rooms and hardware-based music setups.

Connect microphones, instruments and other audio sources directly to the interface and create independent mixes without requiring a computer during operation.

Alternatively, configure the OctaLite as an optical expander to add eight high-quality microphone and instrument inputs to another compatible ADAT-equipped audio interface. This makes it a flexible investment for studios that may need additional recording channels in the future.

Complete Mixing Control with MOTU CueMix 5

MOTU's CueMix 5 software provides detailed control over the OctaLite's mixer, effects, input settings and audio routing. Available for compatible Mac, Windows and iOS devices, CueMix 5 makes it easy to manage recording sessions and configure the interface for different applications.

Adjust microphone gain, phantom power, EQ, dynamics and monitor mixes from an intuitive software interface. When connected through a computer on the same network, CueMix 5 also supports wireless control from compatible mobile devices, allowing multiple users to adjust settings remotely.

This is particularly useful for live recording and performance environments where musicians need convenient access to their own monitor mixes.

Loopback Recording for Streaming and Podcasting

The MOTU OctaLite includes integrated loopback functionality, making it an excellent choice for podcasting, livestreaming, online content creation and broadcasting.

Loopback allows you to combine audio from your computer with live microphone and instrument inputs, then route the resulting mix back into your recording or streaming software.

With three virtual mix buses available for additional routing options, you can create separate audio mixes for different applications without requiring external audio routing hardware.

Professional Monitoring and Front-Panel Controls

The OctaLite provides two balanced quarter-inch TRS analogue outputs for connecting studio monitors, alongside a dedicated headphone output with independent volume control.

A high-resolution OLED display on the front panel provides precise metering for the analogue inputs and outputs, allowing you to monitor recording levels at a glance.

The balanced analogue outputs are also DC-coupled, enabling compatible music production software to send control voltage signals to modular synthesisers and other CV-equipped equipment.

Compact Half-Rack Design for Studio and Stage

Despite offering eight microphone preamps and extensive digital mixing capabilities, the MOTU OctaLite is housed in a compact, rugged steel enclosure that takes up just half a standard rack space in width.

Its portable design makes it ideal for desktop recording setups, mobile studios and live performances where space and transportability are important.

Optional mounting accessories allow the OctaLite to be installed in a standard 19-inch equipment rack, either individually or alongside another OctaLite or a compatible MOTU UltraLite interface.

Included Recording Software

The MOTU OctaLite includes MOTU Performer Lite music production software, providing a practical starting point for recording, editing and producing music.

The included software package also provides access to over 100 virtual instruments and more than 6GB of loops, samples and one-shots, allowing you to start creating music with a wide selection of sounds and production tools.

Ideal For

• Home and professional recording studios requiring eight microphone preamps.
• Musicians recording vocals, guitars, keyboards and acoustic instruments.
• Drummers and bands needing multiple simultaneous recording inputs.
• Producers using hardware synthesisers, drum machines and outboard equipment.
• Live performers requiring a compact standalone digital mixer.
• Recording engineers expanding an existing interface using ADAT optical connectivity.
• Podcasters, livestreamers and content creators requiring flexible audio routing.
• Mobile recording setups where professional sound quality and portability are essential.