Metric Halo ULN8 Mobile Outboard Firewire Interface

Full Description

Exceptional Audio Fidelity

The Metric Halo ULN8 is designed to deliver optimal audio quality, perfect for both studio and live applications. The Halo ULN8 features sample rate support for up to 192kHz, ensuring you capture every nuance of the original sound as it was intended. The Mic Pres found in the Halo ULN8 builds on the power and quality of the ULN-2 preamp design, allowing you to capture high-quality vocal recordings. The new DC-coupled, zero phase distortion, servo balanced Line Inputs and Outputs also optimise audio performance when it comes to line instruments, delivering minimal distortion with high headroom. The 192K A/D Converter delivers exceptionally flat, low-distortion conversion on all 8 channels, while the Metric Halo Zero-Cross switching technology ensures a clickless operation when it comes to connecting microphones.

Versatile Connectivity

The Metric Halo ULN8 features a wide variety of digital and analog connectivity, allowing you to connect virtually any instrument and device available. The ULN8 features 8 channels of 192k capable AES inputs and outputs, available as computer I/O or direct routed I/O for use with converters. The professional interfacing configuration supports full channel count at all sample rates. The 2 channels of exceptional DI input are suitable for instrument or turntable inputs featuring Ultra-High-Z technology for no instrument loading. The 2 DI channels feature balanced or unbalanced operation for optimal versatility plus jumper configurable pre-trim gain. Also included is dedicated MIDI I/O for control surface interfacing, allowing you to transport MIDI data to computer via FireWire for use in connecting Mackie Control protocol Control Surfaces. The ULN8 also features an integrated surround monitor controller which provides switching between any set of user specified sources (AES, Analog, Mix, FW) and analog domain gain control for monitor output from the front panel or a computer.

Design & Construction

The compact yet lightweight construction of the Metric Halo ULN8 is highly durable and portable, making it easy to transport while on the move. The all-metal chassis is rack-mountable and takes up only a single unit of rack space, ideal for live applications. There is a comprehensive range of tactile controls included on the front panel including controls for Sample Rate selection, Clock Source selection, Phantom Power control and Input source selection. There is also controls for input and output gain, Control Cans level, Preset recall and more, allowing you to control every aspect of the ULN8 with ease. All the controls on the front-panel are presented in an ergonomic layout, giving you instant access to all your major functions and parameters. The high quality, custom designed formed powder-coated aluminium case is scratch and fingerprint resistant with smooth contours for snag-free transportation and comes complete with a rack-ear kit for mounting to a studio or live rack. Metering is handled by the high resoltuoion 15 segment precision front panel display with features a unique ‘Meter on Knob’ functionality with multi-colour level/presence metering for all AES inputs and outputs.

MIO Console Software

One of the most unique features of the Metric Halo ULN8 is the integrated software management system – MIO. The MIO Control software gives you everything you need to control, edit and add effects to your mixer in real time. The MIO Console software is designed to control all of the hardware, presenting you with a versatile digital mixer program. The visual representation can help newer users, giving them something familiar and flexible, allowing you to do everything from add effects such as EQ, Delay, Reverb and more to routing inputs and outputs with ease.

Features

• 8 Channels of Archival Quality, zero-phase distortion DC-Coupled, Calibrated 192k A/D
• 10 Channels of Archival Quality, zero-phase distortion DC-Coupled, Calibrated 192k D/A
• 8 Channels of Metric Halo Digitally Remote Controlled, High-Headroom ULN-R preamps (-130dBu EIN)
• 2 Channels of exceptional ultra High-Z Direct Input for instruments
• 8in/8out 192k AES interface
• Full featured Front Panel tactile control surface for standalone and connected operation
• All inputs switchable between Line and Mic
• 8 Channels of Analog domain send (for analog S/R before conversion and analog preamp output)
• Metric Halo's Exclusive Per-channel selectable Character
• Word Clock in and out
• Digitally-controlled Analog Domain Monitor Control
• Full-Featured 15 segment precision metering
• SMPTE I/O channels
• MIDI I/O for direct connect of Mackie Control Protocol Control Surface
• Integrated Mixing and Deep Instantiable DSP Processing
• Full +DSP License
• Rock Solid Stability: Mature, Real-World-Tested Firmware & fifth-generation software and drivers
• FireWire Interfacing with ultra-stable, ultra low-latency drivers (FW400 & FW800 supported)
• Exceptional Power Performance (only 32 Watts - DC/Battery powerable)
• Low mass (6 lbs / 2.7 kg)
• Extremely Compact (everything in 1 RU)
• Rack Mountable

Specifications

• Peak Line Output @ 0 dBFS (no jumper/low power): +18.5 dBu
• Peak Line Output @ 0 dBFS (output jumper/low power): +22.0 dBu
• Peak Line Output @ 0 dBFS (output jumper/high power): +24.5 dBu
• Analog Send Max Output: +21.5 dBu
• Mic Pre Max Input: +20 dBu
• Line In Max Input: +24.5 dBu
• Output Impedance: 5 Ohms

• Input Impedance: 3.3 K Ohms
• Dynamic Range (-60 dB, flat 0-22.05 kHz, typ): 115 dB
• Dynamic Range (-60 dB, A-weighted, typ): 118 dB
• Noise Floor (flat 0-22.05 kHz, typ): 115 dB
• Noise Floor (A-weighted, typ): 117.9 dB
• Gain Range: -22 dB to +91.5 dB
• Gain Precision: ±0.05 dB
• Gain Step: 0.5 dB

• +0/-0.1dB @ fs = 44100 Hz: 8.9 Hz - 20.5 kHz
• +0/-1.0dB @ fs = 44100 Hz: 2.9 Hz - 21.0 kHz
• +0/-0.1dB @ fs = 96000 Hz: 8.9 Hz - 43.9 kHz
• +0/-1.0dB @ fs = 96000 Hz: 2.9 Hz - 45.4 kHz
• +0/-0.1dB @ fs = 192000 Hz: 8.9 Hz - 42.1 kHz
• +0/-1.0dB @ fs = 192000 Hz: 2.9 Hz - 64.7 kHz
• 5° low-end in-channel phase deviation point: 20.0 Hz
• Interchannel phase 0 Hz - 20 kHz: < ±0.05°
• Crosstalk from SMPTE Input: < -142 dB

• Input Impedance: 10 k Ohms
• Dynamic Range (-60 dB, flat 0-22.05 kHz, typ): 115 dB
• Dynamic Range (-60 dB, A-weighted, typ): 118 dB
• Noise Floor (flat 0-22.05 kHz, typ): 115 dB
• Noise Floor (A-weighted, typ): 117.9 dB
• THD D/A/A/D loop @ -12 dBFS: 0.0005 %
• THD D/A/A/D loop @ -0 dBFS: 0.0015 %
• Crosstalk @ 1kHz: -127 dB
• IMD 1k component (19 kHz/20kHz @ +8dBu): -104 dBu
• Gain Range: -12 dB to +31.5 dB
• Gain Precision: ±0.05 dB
• Gain Step: 0.5 dB

• Indicator LEDs (Bicolour): 495
• Meters: 16
• Segments Per Meter: 15
• Channel Encoder Knobs: 8
• Encoders Have Shaft Push Buttons: 8
• Monitor Controller Encoder Knobs: 1
• Monitor Controller Mute: Yes
• Monitor Controller Dim: Yes
• Indicators Per Encoder: 16
• Sample Rate Indicators: 6
• Clock Source Indicators: 4
• AES Clock Source Indicators: 4
• AES Lock Indicators: 4
• AES Output Signal Indicators: 4
• System Lock Indicator: 1
• Firewire Indicator: 1
• Front Panel Modes: 14
• Headphone Output (Dedicated DAC): TRS Stereo
• DI Inputs (2): TRS Balanced
• DI Input Impedance: 10 M Ohms
• DI Input Fixed Gain (Jumper Selectable): 0/10/20 dB
• DI Input Variable Gain: -12 dB to 31.5 dB
• Power Switch (Jumper Defeatable): Toggle

• Material: Powder Coated Aluminum
• Weight: 2.7 kg (6lbs)
• Dimensions: 432 x 330 x 44 mm (17" x 13" x 1.72")
• Voltage: 14v – 28v
• Power: 32 Watts