Metric Halo FireWire Interface Comparison Chart

Which interface is right for me?

While all Metric Halo interfaces are multi-purpose, each has characteristics that make it shine in one use or another:

ULN-8: Our top of the line, archival quality unit. The ULN-8 has the quality and features to handle the most demanding jobs. Perfect for everything from classical recording to the mastering suite, or any user that needs ultimate power and flexibility.
LIO-8: All the audio quality of the ULN-8, minus the mic pres and +DSP license. Perfect for the editing suite, recording with your own pres or interfacing your analog console. In true MH style, the mics pres and +DSP license can be added if your needs change.
ULN-2: Two channels of boutique quality mic pres in a small package. The ULN-2 is at home in the mastering studio as well as your home studio. Perfect for the discerning recordist who doesn't require high channels counts but demands high quality and appreciates portability.
2882: Eight channels of analog I/O that fits in your backpack. The 2882 is clean without being pristine and packs a lot of power.

Use the following table to see the notable differences between the interfaces.

Feature	ULN-8	LIO-8	ULN-2	2882
Converter Technology	2nd Generation	2nd Generation	1st Generation	1st Generation
Preamp Technology	3rd Generation	Optional (1)	2nd Generation	1st Generation
Analog Technology	3rd Generation	3rd Generation	2nd Generation	1st Generation
DSP Technology	2nd Generation	2nd Generation	2nd Generation	2nd Generation
44.1k - 48k	√	√	√	√
88.2k - 96k	√	√	√	√
176.4k - 192k	√	√	n/a	n/a
Channels of A/D	8	8	2	8
Mic pres	8	0, 4, 8 (1)	2	8
Gain	91.5 dB	91.5 dB (1)	72 dB	42 dB
Jensen Option	n/a	n/a	√	n/a
Noise floor	117.9 dB	117.9 dB	110 dB	110 dB
Insert points	8	0 (8 sends)	2	n/a
Dedicated DIs	2	2	n/a	n/a
Metering	15 Segment Multicolor	15 Segment Multicolor	10 Segment Fixed Color	10 Segment Fixed Color
Channels of D/A	8 (plus headphones)	8 (plus headphones)	4	8 (plus headphones)
Output Control	Digitally Controlled Analog	Digitally Controlled Analog	Analog (Monitor Outs), Digital (Analog Outs)	Digital
Output Control UI	FP + Computer	FP + Computer	FP Only (Analog) Computer Only (Digital)	Computer Only
Monitor Controller	Analog Domain	Analog Domain	Digital Domain	Digital Domain
AES Digital I/O	8 channels (single wire)	8 channels (single wire)	2 channels(2)	2 channels(2)
Optical Digital I/O	n/a	n/a	8 channels ADAT(3) or 2 Channels TOSLINK	8 channels ADAT(3) or 2 Channels TOSLINK
Wordclock I/O	√	√	√	√
Multipurpose encoders	9	9	n/a	n/a
Tact Switches	7	7	2 (snapshot selection)	2 (Mute & Dim)
Gain Control UI	FP + Computer	FP + Computer	FP Only	Computer Only
Gain Control	Encoder	Encoder	Switch/Pot	Computer
Gain Style	Digitally Controlled Analog	Digitally Controlled Analog	Analog	Digitally Controlled Analog
2d Card	√	√	√	√
Ultra-low Latency Mixer	√	√	√	√
Basic DSP Plugin Bundle	√	√	√	√
+DSP license	√	Optional(4)	Optional(4)	Optional(4)
Number of channels to/from DAW over Firewire	18 (5)	18 (5)	18	18
Bus powerable?	No	No	√ (6)	√ (6)
DC powerable?	√	√	√	√
Power Switch	√	√	No	No
Audio I/O connectors	DB-25	DB-25	XLR and TRS	XLR and TRS
SMPTE I/O	√	√	n/a	n/a
MIDI I/O	√ (7)	√ (7)	n/a	n/a
Dimensions	17" x 13" x 1.72" 432 x 330 x 44 mm	17" x 13" x 1.72" 432 x 330 x 44 mm	13.75” x 8.25” x 1.73” 349 x 210 x 44 mm	13.75" × 11" × 1.73" 349 x 279 x 44 mm
Weight	6 lbs 2.7 kg	6 lbs 2.7 kg	4 lbs 1.8 kg	4.5 lbs 2 kg
Suggested retail price	$5995	$3995	$1695	$1895

1: 4 or 8 channels of 3rd Generation ULN-R mic pres may be installed as a factory option or at a later time.
2: Switchable between AES and SPDIF. ASRC available on input.
3: ADAT does not support SMUX; operation is limited to 44.1-48 kHz
4: +DSP licence can be added for $699 at any time.
5: Firewire transport limited to 8 channels in each direction @ 176.2-192 kHz sample rate.
6: Interfaces may require a "jumpstart" to boot on some laptops. More information is available here.
7: MIDI I/O is for control surface connection, and not optimized for musical input