Short answer: the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. It ranks #4 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $699.95; the RME Babyface Pro FS ranks #10, rated 3.6/5, and costs $849, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 does well: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
What the RME Babyface Pro FS does well: Audio Science Review measured 108 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs far more than the MOTU M2, which measured a higher SINAD and rates higher.
Buy the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. It is rated higher than the RME Babyface Pro FS and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU UltraLite-mk5 | RME Babyface Pro FS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.95 | $849.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #10 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 108 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 2 (6.35 mm and 3.5 mm) |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) | 4.3” x 1.4” x 7.1” (108 x 35 x 181 mm) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| DAC Chip | ESS | - |
| Inputs | - | 2 XLR mic/line, 2 6.35 mm line/instrument, optical ADAT/S/PDIF, USB |
| Outputs | - | 2 XLR line, 2 headphone |
| Balanced Output | - | Yes (XLR outs) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for MOTU UltraLite-mk5:
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M6 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M4 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU UltraLite-mk5 vs MOTU 624
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
MOTU UltraLite-mk5: $699.95 Amazon $699.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. A firmware update fixed the high distortion Audio Science Review first found at 192 kHz sampling, after which the reviewer recommended it. It has a 6.35 mm headphone output in a box 220 mm wide.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. Audio Science Review also measured intermodulation distortion rising at mid levels, a flaw desktop DACs have largely solved. The MOTU M6 rates the same and measures nearly as clean for less.
Full MOTU UltraLite-mk5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ESS |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
RME Babyface Pro FS: $849.00 Amazon $849.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 108 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. It is well equipped, with two XLR mic inputs, two instrument inputs, optical ADAT or S/PDIF input, balanced XLR monitor outputs and two headphone jacks (6.35 mm and 3.5 mm). Audio Science Review praised its compact hardware and noted it runs without an external power supply.
Cons: It costs far more than the MOTU M2, which measured a higher SINAD and rates higher. RME doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, and Audio Science Review found the headphone output fine for casual monitoring but short on power for difficult or low impedance headphones.
Full RME Babyface Pro FS review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 1.4” x 7.1” (108 x 35 x 181 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (6.35 mm and 3.5 mm) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR mic/line, 2 6.35 mm line/instrument, optical ADAT/S/PDIF, USB |
| Outputs | 2 XLR line, 2 headphone |
| SINAD | 108 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons