USB-C audio interface with 8 preamps

The Metric Halo ULN-8 mkIV is a professional 1U USB-C audio interface combining eight ultra-low-noise mic preamps, A/D-D/A conversion up to 192 kHz and the 3d Core digital engine with zero-latency DSP processing. Designed for professional studios and demanding home studios, it brings together high-end preamplification and real-time processing in a single rackmount chassis. It is the flagship of the mkIV range.

Design and connectivity

In a 19" 1U rack format weighing just 2.7 kg, the ULN-8 mkIV offers comprehensive studio-oriented connectivity: eight mic inputs and eight line inputs on DB25, eight line outputs and eight sends/inserts also on DB25, two front-panel Hi-Z inputs to plug in a guitar or bass directly, two 6.35 mm jack monitor outputs and a stereo headphone output. Control is on the front panel with rotary gain controls, complemented by an LED level indicator and support for an infrared remote. The EdgeBus slot accepts EdgeCard expansion cards (ADAT, MADI, AES, SPDIF) to expand digital connectivity.

Performance and preamps

The eight ULN (Ultra Low Noise) mic preamps offer minimal noise and the transparency that Metric Halo is known for in mixing and mastering. Paired with high-resolution converters (44.1 to 192 kHz) and +48 V phantom power, they capture every take with precision, on a par with references such as RME, Prism Sound or Antelope.

3d Core DSP and real-time processing

The 3d Core engine with MH-Link and the +DSP licence give access to more than 100 built-in plugins running directly on the onboard DSP with zero latency: EQs, dynamics, effects and mastering tools usable for tracking as well as mixing without loading the computer's processor. The internal 128-channel x 64-bus mixer lets you build complex routings and independent cue mixes. The proprietary MH-Link connector allows several units to be chained to increase channel count.

Technical specifications

• USB-C audio interface, 19" 1U rack format, weight 2.7 kg
• 3d Core digital engine with MH-Link, +DSP licence (more than 100 zero-latency plugins)
• High-resolution A/D and D/A converters, 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz
• 8 ULN (ultra-low-noise) mic preamps, +48 V phantom power
• 2 high-impedance (Hi-Z) DI inputs for instruments
• Internal 128-channel x 64-bus mixer, built-in DSP
• Front-panel control with gain settings, LED indicator, IR remote
• EdgeBus slot for EdgeCard expansion cards (ADAT, MADI, AES, SPDIF...)
• Connections: 8 mic inputs (DB25), 2 Hi-Z inputs (6.35 mm jack), 8 line inputs (DB25), 8 line outputs (DB25), 8 sends/inserts (DB25), 2 monitor outputs (6.35 mm jack)
• Digital and sync: AES in/out (DB25), MIDI in/out (5-pin DIN), MH-Link, SMPTE in/out, BNC Word Clock in/out
• Stereo headphone output, USB-C port
• Supplied with 19" rack ears, 2 CAT5e Ethernet cables, USB-A to USB-C cable and external power supply

ULN-8, LIO-8 4P or LIO-8: which one for your setup?

We break down the differences between the 3 Metric Halo interfaces in a dedicated blog article.