MOTU OCTALITE-8515 16x12 USB Audio Interface and Optical Expander

MOTU OctaLite 16x12 USB Audio Interface and Optical Expander

The MOTU OctaLite USB audio interface combines eight microphone, line and instrument inputs with optical expansion and onboard mixing in a half-rack enclosure. It records at sample rates up to 192kHz and also operates as a standalone mixer or eight-channel optical expander for compatible digital audio equipment.

Choose this compact recording interface for multichannel sessions, mobile production or adding microphone inputs to an existing studio. Two combo inputs sit on the front panel, with six more on the rear for connected sources. Each preamp provides individual phantom power and input controls. For performers building a portable recording setup, onboard digital signal processing (DSP) supplies monitor mixing and effects without relying entirely on recording software.

Optical connectivity supports ADAT expansion, with available channel counts changing at higher sample rates. Use the additional optical output for eight-channel expansion through 96kHz when the receiving equipment supports the required connections. CueMix 5 controls routing, processing and device settings. USB audio class compliance supports compatible Mac and iOS connections, while Windows operation requires MOTU drivers. Optional mounting hardware adapts the enclosure for a standard equipment rack.

Key Features

• Eight versatile inputs: Connect microphones, line-level equipment or high-impedance instruments through XLR/TRS combo sockets.
• Individual preamp controls: Apply phantom power, pad and gain adjustments separately for each input.
• Optical expansion: Add microphone and instrument channels to compatible ADAT-equipped systems.
• Onboard monitor mixing: Create headphone and output mixes using the internal DSP engine.
• Integrated effects: Shape monitoring with equalization, compression, gating and reverb.
• Streaming loopback: Combine computer playback and live sources for compatible streaming applications.
• Portable installation: Use the half-rack enclosure on a desktop or add separately available rack hardware.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: MOTU
• Model: OctaLite
• Connection: USB-C, high-speed USB 2.0
• Maximum I/O: 16 inputs and 12 outputs at 44.1/48kHz
• I/O at 88.2/96kHz: 12 inputs and 12 outputs
• I/O at 176.4/192kHz: Eight inputs and four outputs
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
• Analog Inputs: Eight XLR/TRS microphone/line/instrument combo connectors; two front and six rear
• Maximum Preamp Gain: +74dB
• Phantom Power: Individually switchable 48V
• Input Pad: Individually switchable -20dB
• Input Polarity: Phase inversion available through CueMix 5
• Analog Outputs: Two balanced 1/4" TRS line outputs
• Headphone Output: One 1/4" stereo TRS connection
• Optical Connections: One input and two outputs
• Optical Formats: ADAT/SMUX; primary ports alternatively support stereo optical S/PDIF
• Optical Availability: Disabled at 176.4/192kHz
• Optical Expander Output: Eight channels through 96kHz using the appropriate optical connections
• DSP Mixer: 28 x 12
• Processing: Four-band parametric EQ, compression, gate and reverb
• Control Software: CueMix 5
• Display: White OLED with metering and status information
• Operating Modes: USB interface, standalone mixer and optical expander
• Power Input: 15V DC, 2A, center-positive
• Operating Temperature: 50°F to 104°F
• Enclosure Format: Half-rack
• Rack Hardware: Mounting and coupler kits sold separately

What's In the Box

• 1 x OctaLite audio interface
• 1 x USB-C-to-C cable
• 1 x USB-C-to-A cable
• 1 x DC power adapter
• 1 x user guide