Metric Halo ULN8

Metric Halo's ULN-8 incorporates a number of new Metric Halo Audio technologies including:

• 192k sample rate support for both Analog and AES Inputs and Outputs
• DC-coupled, zero phase distortion, servo balanced Line Inputs and Outputs
• ULN-R next generation remote controlled preamp technology.  The Mic Pres in the ULN-8 build upon the audio performance pioneered by the ULN-2 preamp design with the additional benefit and technological innovation of full clickless remote control of the ULN Mic pre.  This is accomplished with a sophisticated gain switching mechanism which incorporates Metric Halo "zero-cross" technology.
• Fully clickless remote controlled Monitor outputs. All ULN-8 analog outputs incorporate Metric Halo clickless remote technology allowing for flexible monitoring applications from stereo to 7.1 surround.

By implementing all the functions of a complete audio front end in a single package, the ULN-8 is able to provide unprecedented power and quality in a lightweight, low-power consumption, single RU hardware unit.  This integration provides significant benefits to the owner in the form of reduced cabling (lower cost, weight and less opportunity for failure), weight, power consumption, and cost, while at the same time providing unprecedented performance.

Rather than pay for duplicate case work, duplicate power supplies and redundant interconnects, you get a product where all the components are engineered to work together and everything you pay for is dedicated to providing functionality towards the execution of your task.

By tuning all the functional blocks of the system and removing external interconnects, the ULN-8 provides enhanced performance and reduced chance of failure from external influences.  Connectors and cables are all potential sources of failure and interference.  By eliminating preamp to converter and converter to interface cabling, these sources of cost and potential failure and interference are also eliminated. I nternal operating levels within the box are tuned for optimal performance.

With everything you need to record, mix, process, and master audio (just add your DAW of choice and transducers), the ULN-8 is your one-stop solution for recording, edit, mix and mastering suites.  Even if you are using a DAW or recording system that does not support the ULN-8 Firewire interface, the unit's standalone operation and standard AES and analog interface allow you to use it as the Audio Front End and Monitor Controller for Pro Tools, standalone and PC based recording systems.

The ULN-8 is built around Metric Halo's 2d DSP platform, giving you the power to run multiple mixers and plug-ins inside the box.  It also includes a full +DSP license, giving you the ability to create powerful mixing, sound design and master plug-ins.

Features:

• 8 Channels of Archival Grade 192k A/D converters
  - Exceptionally flat, low-distortion A/D conversion
  - DC-coupled for ultra-low phase distortion
• 8 Channels of Archival Grade 192k D/A converters
  - Exceptionally flat, low-distortion D/A conversion
  - DC-coupled for ultra-low phase distortion
• 2 Channels of Archival Grade 192k D/A converters with integrated headphone amp
  - Same high-quality DC-coupled conversion
  - Dedicated, digitally controlled high-power headphone amplifier
• 8 Channels of Exceptional Remote Controllable Ultra-Low-Noise Clickless Preamps
  - Custom designed Digitally Controlled analog preamps
  - Metric Halo Zero-Cross switching technology for clickless operation
  - Discreet gain and trim stages for ultra-high headroom operation (supports +20 dBu input)
• Analog Send/Return architecture for analog access to preamps (pre A/D)
  - Analog domain sends from preamps (mult'ed pre-A/D)
  - Analog only preamp operation capable (with fine trim)
  - Integrated switcher to allow insert of external analog processing pre-A/D
• 2 Channels of Exceptional DI inputs suitable for instrument or turntable inputs
  - Ultra-High-Z for no instrument loading
  - Balanced or unbalanced operation
  - Jumper configurable pre-trim gain
• Integrated Surround Monitor Controller
  - Provides switching between any set of user specified sources (FW, AES, Analog, Mix)
  - Analog domain gain control for monitor output from Front Panel or computer
  - Supports input and monitor paths from Mono to 7.1
• 8 Channels of 192k capable AES Inputs and Outputs
  - Available as computer I/O or direct routed I/O for converters
  - Support full channel count at all sample rates
  - Professional interfacing
• Comprehensive Front Panel Controls
  - Full support for standalone converter and preamp operation:
    - Sample Rate selection
    - Clock source selection
    - Input source selection
    - Phantom power control
  - Tactile Control of Input and Output gains
    - Gain level indication with MH Digital Dual Vernier Technology
    - Numeric gain level indication while changing gains
  - Tactile Control Cans level
  - Tactile Control Monitor Controller gain (mono - 7.1)
  - Preset recall
  - Multichannel gain linking control
  - Monitor Controller control surface
  - User-controllable brightness
  - User-controllable knob sensitivity
• Comprehensive, High Resolution 15 Segment Precision Front Panel Metering
  - Real, functional metering for analog inputs and outputs
  - Unique 'Meter on knob' functionality
  - Multi-color signal level/presence metering for AES inputs and outputs
• Comprehensive Clocking (Internal, Word Clock, AES)
• Dedicated internal clock sources for all rates
• Dedicated MIDI I/O for Control Surface interfacing
  - MIDI Input and Output on standard DIN connectors
  - MIDI transported to computer via FireWire for use in connecting Mackie Control protocol Control Surfaces
• Dedicated SMPTE LTC I/O for Timecode without sacrificing any audio channels
  - Properly conditioned and band-limited SMPTE I/O on TRS balanced connections
  - Available to any CoreAudio application as audio streams
  - Directly routable to Record Panel SMPTE decoder
• Rock-solid, time-tested fifth-generation software and drivers
  - Integrated Mixing and Deep Instantiable DSP Processing (Includes Full +DSP License):
    - Fully configurable multibus mixer with surround support (up to 7.1)
    - Full Send/Return architecture
    - Ultra-low latency, on-the-metal monitoring
    - Insert model for inserting zero-latency plugins
    - Insertable +DSP plugin graphs for configurable processing
    - Insertable graph macros for complex, pre-configured processing
    - Includes over 100 high-quality processing plugins, including:
      * MIOStrip — channel strip processing
      * Dynamics (Compressor and Limiter)
      * Transient Controller
      * EQ (6 band and 12 band)
      * Signal Processing primitives
      * Crossovers
      * and much more…
    - Per-channel and Per-bus Insertable Characterâ„¢
  - FireWire Interfacing with ultra-stable, ultra low-latency drivers (FW400 & FW800 supported)
    - Supports Mac OS X v. 10.4 and newer (PPC and Intel)
    - Supports 32-bit and 64-bit kernels
  - Bidirectional Control Surface Support
    - Integrated Front Panel Tactile Controls
    - Eucon Control Surfaces
    - Mackie Control Protocol Control Surfaces
  - Integrated Multichannel Recorder (Record Panel)
    - Multichannel, multi-box tape-style high-performance recorder
    - Exceptional Stability and Sound Quality
    - Realtime waveform display
    - Extensive File Format support (BWF, WAVE, CAF, AIFF, SD2)
    - BWF timestamping from TOD or LTC (any input channel or dedicated SMPTE input)
    - Support for basic BWF metadata
    - Support for limiting record file size and seamless file breaking
    - Seamless manual file breaking (with timestamping)
    - Support for mirrored recording (recording to two drives at once)
    - Multichannel take playback
• DC-Powerable
• High quality, custom designed formed powder-coated aluminum case
  - Strong
  -  Light weight
  - Scratch and fingerprint resistant
  - Smooth contours for snag-free transportation in a gig-bag
  - Rack-mountable with included rack-ear kit
• Exceptional Power Performance (only 32 Watts)
• Low mass (9 lbs / 4.1 kg)
• Extremely Compact (everything in 1 RU)
• Future Proof, Expandable, and software-enhanceable

Specifications:

• Rails:
  - Preamp Rails: Â±15.8 Volts
  - AnalogRails (low power): Â±9.9 Volts
  - Analog Rails (high power): Â±12.6Volts
  - Phantom Power: 48 ± 0.1 Volts
  - Max Phantom Current Per Mic: 10 ma
• Maximum I/O Levels (Balanced):
  - Peak Line Output @ 0dBFS (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 MaxOutput: +21.5 dBu
  - Mic Pre Max Input: +20 dBu
  - Line In MaxInput: +24.5 dBu
  - Output Impedance: 5 Ohm
• Monitor Controller:
  - Nominal FS output (Balanced)Output Jumper Off: -19.0 dBu
  - Nominal FS output (Balanced) OutputJumper On: -12.0 dBu
  - Maximum Output: Same as Line
  - GainRange: -96 dB to +30 dB
  - Gain Precision: Â±0.05 dB
  - Gain Step: 0.5 dB
• Mic Pre Input + ADC:
  - Input Impedance: 3.3kOhm
  - Dynamic Range (-60 dB, flat 0-22.05 kHz, typ): 115 dB
  -Dynamic Range (-60 dB, A-weighted, typ): 118 dB
  - Noise Floor (flat0-22.05 kHz, type): 115 dB
  - Noise Floor (A-weighted, typ): 117.9dB
  - Gain Range: -22 dB to +91.5 dB
  - Gain Precision: Â±0.05dB
  - Gain Step: 0.5 dB
  - THD D/A/A/D loop @ -12 dBFS: 0.0007%
  - THD D/A/A/D loop @ -12 dBFS +12 dB Gain: 0.0015 %
  - THD D/A/A/Dloop @ -0 dBFS: 0.0023 %
  - Crosstalk @ 1kHz: -110dB
  - IMD 1kcomponent (19 kHz/20kHz @ +8dBu): -104 dBu
  - EIN @ 60 dB Gain (150OSource Impedance): -130.50 dBu
  - EIN @ 60 dB Gain (0O SourceImpedance): -133.25 dBu
  - Analog Send Calibration (ADC = 0dBFS): +21.5 dBu
  - Phantom Power (Switchable Per Channel): +48 Volts
• Mic Pre + ADC Frequency Response:
  +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: 8.9Hz - 42.1 kHz
  +0/-1.0dB @ fs = 192000 Hz: 2.9 Hz - 64.7 kHz
  5° low-endin-channel phase deviation point: 20.0 Hz
  Interchannel phase 0 Hz - 20kHz: < ±0.05°
  Crosstalk from SMPTE Input: < -142 dB
• Line Input + ADC:
  - Input Impedance: 10 kOhm
  -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
  - THDD/A/A/D loop @ -12 dBFS: 0.0005 %
  - THD D/A/A/D loop @ -0dBFS: 0.0015 %
  - Crosstalk @ 1kHz: -127 dB
  - IMD 1k component(19 kHz/20kHz @ +8dBu): -104 dBu
  - Gain Range: -12 dB to +31.5dB
  - Gain Precision: Â±0.05 dB
  - Gain Step: 0.5 dB
• Line Input + ADC Frequency Response:
  +0/-0.1dB @ fs =44100 Hz: 5.7 Hz - 20.5 kHz
  +0/-1.0dB @ fs = 44100 Hz: 1.8 Hz -21.0 kHz
  +0/-0.1dB @ fs = 96000 Hz: 5.7 Hz - 43.9 kHz
  +0/-1.0dB @fs = 96000 Hz: 1.8 Hz - 45.4 kHz
  +0/-0.1dB @ fs = 192000 Hz: 5.7Hz - 42.1 kHz
  +0/-1.0dB @ fs = 192000 Hz: 1.8 Hz - 64.7 kHz
  5°low-end in-channel phase deviation point: 10.7 Hz
  Interchannel phase 0Hz - 20 kHz: < ±0.05°
  Crosstalk from SMPTE Input: < -142 dB
• Input Processing:
  - M/S Decode: Instantiable
  -Parameteric EQ: Instantiable
  - Dynamics: Instantiable
  -Limiting: Instantiable
  - Character: Instantiable
  - TransientControl: Instantiable
  - Reverb: Instantiable
  -Delay: Instantiable
  - Nearly Infinite Combinations via +DSP: Instantiable
• Output Processing:
  - M/SEncode: Instantiable
  - Parameteric EQ: Instantiable
  -Dynamics: Instantiable
  - Limiting: Instantiable
  -Character: Instantiable
  - Transient Control: Instantiable
  -Reverb: Instantiable
  - Dither: Instantiable
  - MixFoldown: Instantiable
  - Signal Generation: Instantiable
  - Nearly Infinite Combinations via +DSP: Instantiable
• Front Panel:
  - Indicator LEDs (Bicolor): 495
  -Meters: 16
  - Segments per Meter: 15
  - Channel EncoderKnobs: 8
  - Encoders Have Shaft Push Buttoms: Yes
  - MonitorController Encoder Knobs: 1
  - Monitor Controller Mute: Yes
  -Monitor Controller Dim: Yes
  - Indicators Per Encoder: 16
  - SampleRate Indicators: 6
  - Clock Source Indicators: 4
  - AES ClockSource Indicators: 4
  - AES Lock Indicators: 4
  - AES InputSignal Indicators: 4
  - AES Output Signal Indicators: 4
  - SystemLock Indicator: 1
  - Firewire Indicator: 1
  - Front PanelModes: 14
  - Headphone Output (Dedicated DAC): TRS Stereo
  - DIInputs (2): TRS Balanced
  - DI Input Impedance: 10 MOhm
  - DI InputFixed Gain (Jumper Selectable); 0/10/20 dB
  - DI Input VariableGain: -12 dB to 31.5 dB
  - Power Switch (Jumper Defeatable): Toggle
• Back Panel:
  - MIDI Connectors (In and Out): 5-PinDIN
  - SMPTE Connectors (In and Out): Balanced TRS
  - Word ClockConnectors (In and Out): 75Ohm BNC
  - AES Connector (8 Channels In andOut): DB-25
  - AES Connector Pinout: Tascam/DigidesignDigital
  - Mic Input Connector (8 Channels): DB-25
  - Mic InputPinout: Tascam/Digidesign Analog
  - Line Input Connector (8Channels): DB-25
  - Line Input Pinout: Tascam/DigidesignAnalog
  - Send Output Connector (8 Channels): DB-25
  - Send OutputPinout: Tascam/Digidesign Analog
  - Line/Monitor Output Connector (8Channels): DB-25
  - Line/Monitor Output Pinout: Tascam/DigidesignAnalog
   -Line/Monitor Mult Output Connectors (Analog 1/2): TRSBalanced
  - FireWire Connectors (2): 1394a 6-Pin
  - Power(Unswitched): 2.1mm Coaxial
  - Power (Switched): 4-Pin XLR
  - Security Slot: Kensignton
• Software:
  - Driver: CoreAudio Mac OS X
  - MacOS X  10.3.9 or newer
  Architectures: PPC, Intel
• MIO Console
• Record Panel
• LTC Decoder
• Mixer
• +DSP License
• Voltage: 14v - 28v
• Power: 32 Watts
• Passes FireWire Bus Power: Yes
• External Supply (Input): I00-240VAC
• External Supply (Max Input Current): 1.2 A
• External Supply (Output): 24 VDC
• External Supply (Max Output Current): 2.0 A
• External Supply Connector: 4-Pin XLR
• Material: Powder Coated Aluminum
• Fasteners  3mm Phillips Head
• Weight: 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)
• Dimensions: 17" x 13" x 1.72" (432 x 330 x 44 mm)
• Rack Ears (included): Powder Coated Steel

TMGR# ULN8