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.
- 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 | ULN-2 | 2882 |
| Converter Technology | 2nd Generation | 1st Generation | 1st Generation |
| Preamp Technology | 3rd Generation | 2nd Generation | 1st Generation |
| Analog Technology | 3rd Generation | 2nd Generation | 1st Generation |
| DSP Technology | 2nd Generation | 2nd Generation | 2nd Generation |
| 44.1k - 48k | √ | √ | √ |
| 88.2k - 96k | √ | √ | √ |
| 176.4k - 192k | √ | n/a | n/a |
| Channels of A/D | 8 | 2 | 8 |
| Mic pres | 8 | 2 | 8 |
| Gain | 91.5 dB | 72 dB | 42 dB |
| Jensen Option | n/a | √ | n/a |
| Noise floor | 117.9 dB | 110 dB | 110 dB |
| Insert points | 8 | 2 | n/a |
| Dedicated DIs | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Metering | 15 Segment Multicolor | 10 Segment Fixed Color | 10 Segment Fixed Color |
| Channels of D/A | 8 (plus headphones) | 4 | 8 (plus headphones) |
| Output Control | Digitally Controlled Analog | Analog (Monitor Outs), Digital (Analog Outs) | Digital |
| Output Control UI | FP + Computer | FP Only (Analog) Computer Only (Digital) | Computer Only |
| Monitor Controller | Analog Domain | Digital Domain | Digital Domain |
| AES Digital I/O | 8 channels (single wire) | 2 channels(1) | 2 channels(1) |
| Optical Digital I/O | n/a | 8 channels ADAT(2) or 2 Channels TOSLINK | 8 channels ADAT(2) or 2 Channels TOSLINK |
| Wordclock I/O | √ | √ | √ |
| Multipurpose encoders | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Tact Switches | 7 | 2 (snapshot selection) | 2 (Mute & Dim) |
| Gain Control UI | FP + Computer | FP Only | Computer Only |
| Gain Control | Encoder | Switch/Pot | Computer |
| Gain Style | Digitally Controlled Analog | Analog | Digitally Controlled Analog |
| 2d Card | √ | √ | √ |
| Ultra-low Latency Mixer | √ | √ | √ |
| Basic DSP Plugin Bundle | √ | √ | √ |
| +DSP license | √ | Optional(3) | Optional(3) |
| Number of channels to/from DAW over Firewire | 18 (4) | 18 | 18 |
| Bus powerable? | No | √ (5) | √ (5) |
| DC powerable? | √ | √ | √ |
| Power Switch | √ | No | No |
| Audio I/O connectors | DB-25 | XLR and TRS | XLR and TRS |
| SMPTE I/O | √ | n/a | n/a |
| MIDI I/O | √ (6) | n/a | n/a |
| Dimensions | 17" x 13" x 1.72" 432 x 330 x 44 mm | 13.5” x 8.25” x 1.73” 343 x 210 x 44 mm | 13.5" × 11" × 1.73" 343 x 279 x 44 mm |
| Weight | 6 lbs 2.7 kg | 4 lbs 1.8 kg | 4.5 lbs 2 kg |
| Suggested retail price | $5995 | $1695 | $1895 |
1: Switchable between AES and SPDIF. ASRC available on input.
2: ADAT does not support SMUX; operation is limited to 44.1-48 kHz
3: +DSP licence can be added for $699 at any time.
4: Firewire transport limited to 8 channels in each direction @ 176.2-192 kHz sample rate.
5: Interfaces may require a "jumpstart" to boot on some laptops. More information is available here.
6: MIDI I/O is for control surface connection, and not optimized for musical input