I use an Ultralite in a live setting, and it is rock-solid. Besides the main stereo outs, we use it to route our drum machines/samplers/loops to our keyboard amp, and we route the bass synths to our bass gtr amp. Works beautifully.
The sound guys usually comment on the superb sound quality.
Motu Ultralite and E-MU 1616m
This forum is great, I really appreciate the information about 1616m and you critics are probably saving me from getting stressed. Great sound is one thing but those 3 returns story... which confirms what the fellow from the store told me, that is more then enough to forget about it.
BTW. I tested also Ultralight some time ago and it sounds as good (almost)as RME but is much flexible concept, really smart thing with attention to details, like the excellent display. I think Motu is the best value for money.
BTW. I tested also Ultralight some time ago and it sounds as good (almost)as RME but is much flexible concept, really smart thing with attention to details, like the excellent display. I think Motu is the best value for money.
You know I've just done pretty much the exact same thing...moved to Mac, sold my Emulator X Studio, which I liked a lot, replaced it with an Ultralite, and decided to dump my mixer once I realized I had all the routing I need in the box now, easily accessible.Tarekith wrote:I used to use an 1820m, but knowing I was going to a Mac this year, I bought an Ultralite to replace it. the Ulatrlite has 95% of the sound quality of the Emu convertors IMO, it's SOOOO close.
Having said that, I like the Motu better, easier to use, more portable, firewire (future proof), rock solid drivers, and it can be used as a standalone mixer. Oh, and it has dedicated knobs for headphone and master volume. I was able to ditch my mixer too after getting it.
If you're really serious about about quality, blacklionaudio.com is modding Ultralite (all motu card actually). Mine's lined up to be done in January.
And I agree with your assessment...it's 95% of the way there or more, and I like it better.
define "obvious"!
You MUST try yourself, hear, decide what suits your needs, since each is good in its own way, RME, Ultralight, 1616m each having distinct features that other dont,
What I really hate about 1616m is the bloody sound, I like it so much that despite reason ( and all I heard about the problems with it) might get one in the end. Well it has other advantages too, very usefull- double midi in/out, better latency. But it would mean giving up Mac and OS X and bearing Microsoft.
In any case the most important, where I would never compromise, is trying with your computer before buying, specially if it is non Mac. Taking at least hour or more with your own headphones and hopefully decent monitors if they have in a shop where you buy.
Luckily people in local store know I want fuck up anything and let me take my time- I prefere to spend 2-3 hours there then weeks or months dealing with problems, loosing time and money.
To conclude RME- (any), 1616m, Ultralight are all good, choice is yours.
You MUST try yourself, hear, decide what suits your needs, since each is good in its own way, RME, Ultralight, 1616m each having distinct features that other dont,
What I really hate about 1616m is the bloody sound, I like it so much that despite reason ( and all I heard about the problems with it) might get one in the end. Well it has other advantages too, very usefull- double midi in/out, better latency. But it would mean giving up Mac and OS X and bearing Microsoft.
In any case the most important, where I would never compromise, is trying with your computer before buying, specially if it is non Mac. Taking at least hour or more with your own headphones and hopefully decent monitors if they have in a shop where you buy.
Luckily people in local store know I want fuck up anything and let me take my time- I prefere to spend 2-3 hours there then weeks or months dealing with problems, loosing time and money.
To conclude RME- (any), 1616m, Ultralight are all good, choice is yours.