Solution to MOTU UltraLite random noises and crackling

I always had a very frustrating problem with my MOTU UltraLite, the first version (no “mk” stuff). At random times all channels would output crackles for a few seconds, and then stop. Once it stops it can be ok, or maybe no sound at all or even very strong sound – so it sounds like noise and I have to reduce the volume at the source to around -60 db to hear it properly.

It happened with 2 different computers, on 3 different operating systems (both 32 and 64 bit), using 2 different cables. It even happened on 2 different units (got the second one after the first died with the infamous firmware bug). I could never figure out what was the source of the problem and how to fix it.

Sometimes it happened every 5 minutes, sometimes it didn’t occur for days. That was the key to solving the problem. Today I was switching the unit back and forth between my desktop pc and laptop pc, and I noticed that it sometimes happened on either, and sometimes didn’t. Then it came to me – the only thing that was changing each time was the 1394 input I was using on the unit! I always used a random port, sometimes the first and then the second without thinking it about much – the manual is clear about it. It doesn’t matter where you plug it. Anyway, the second input is problematic (apparently on all units, since it happened me with 2). Since then I just use only the first one and the UltraLite is rock solid.

Funny to know it was so simple to fix, after all those years of struggling. Anyway – I wonder if there is any chance of fixing it with their next drivers or firmware, assuming the updating the drivers or firmware won’t kill the unit again.

MOTU UltraLite “1394 bandwidth not available”

For those of you who are using a MOTU UltraLite and Windows 7 64-bit edition, here is a fix for the “1394 bandwidth not available” problem.

• In Device Manager, double-click the ‘IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers’
• Right-click your FW 1394 controller and select ‘Update Driver Software…’
• Choose “Browse my Computer for driver software”
• Choose “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer”. A list pops up that shows three entries:

…………OHCI-compliant 1394 Host controller
…………OHCI-compliant 1394 Host controller (legacy)
…………OHCI-compliant Texas Instruments 1394-Host controller

• From these three select: ‘OHCI-compliant 1394 Host controller (legacy)’
• Proceed to install the latest FW drivers for your audio interface

Taken from: http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=1862515

Let’s hope MOTU fix their drivers so it will work out of the box.

MOTU UltraLite Firmware Update 1.1.5 – CPU Not Valid

Having problems with your MOTU UltraLite 1.1.5 firmware update? The LCD shows “cpu not valid”? Do you want to fix the unit yourself instead of sending it over to MOTU? Do you want an asteroid to fall on their offices? Click here to read my exciting “do it yourself” story (which doesn’t work by the way – check out the udpate in the bottom).
Continue reading MOTU UltraLite Firmware Update 1.1.5 – CPU Not Valid…