Thinking of finally upgrading my MOTU Ultralite Firewire interface, which has been great over the years, with a newer, USB-capable interface. I am wondering if I should get the Ultralite Mk4 or step up (in price, at least) to the RME UCX, which I know has been around a long time, but has always had a great reputation, too. Can anyone give me some information that might help me clarify if it's worth moving to RME, which I have seen for a bit over $1200, or sticking with MOTU and saving about $600 in the process? I will mention this is for my personal studio, which is undergoing some expansion. I'd like this to be more or less the last interface I buy for a long, long while, maybe for good (given my age). I would appreciate any feedback from those out there with some experience with either or both of these interfaces. Thanks.

i've owned the RME babyface pro for about 6 months now..
 
i've used the MOTU at another studio, the AVB model...
 
both sound excellent.
 
i can only attest that the RME drivers are rock solid, like gibraltar solid.

If the old MOTU worked well for you and you don't have any driver problems, I'd go for the new one.  RME is renown for their drivers and latency, but if you don't have a problem in that area ....  Soundwise, I can't imagine there is $600 difference.

I am leaning toward upgrading the MOTU with MOTU for the reasons of price differential. However, in my research I did look at the MOTU 1248, their flagship interface--for about the same money as the RME UCX, it gives you a whole lot more connectivity, with 4 mic pres instead of two--right now that is overkill, but as I expand my studio I may well have a need for the extra inputs. It may well be worth the investment, since it's part of an overall studio remodel/upgrade.

i can say that i think the preamps on the babyface sound 'cleaner' than the ones i heard on the MOTU,
but i'd still go with either.

When did the RME UCX launch?

UCX has been out for several years...

highlandermak
When did the RME UCX launch?

February 20, 2012

The MOTU 1248 AVB is an excellent performer (audio and low-latency).
Runs great connected via USB... and can also be connected via Thunderbolt.
 
RME units are also rock-solid
 
In short, pick the one that best fits your circumstances.
There's not a bad choice between the two.

Nice to have two superior choices, for sure. Like the extra inputs on the MOTU, plus I have owned a MOTU unit for so  many years and it's still a decent performer for it's age. Thanks.