Metric Halo ULN2 Audio Converter and Firewire Audio Interface (with Jensen Option)
Metric Halo ULN2 Audio Converter and Firewire Audio Interface (with Jensen Option)

Metric Halo ULN2 Audio Converter and Firewire Audio Interface (with Jensen Option)

£10,542.13 £10,015.02 Sale

The ULN-2 Expanded is a portable, high–quality, modular FireWire–based multi-format audio converter, interface, and processor for professional audio applications. The ULN-2 is equipped with two balanced analog inputs on Neutrik™ combo connectors, two channels of Digital I/O (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), eight channels of ADAT optical I/O with switchable TOSLINK support, two balanced analog outputs (1/4 TRS), two balanced monitor outputs for connecting directly to power amps and self powered monitors, as well as wordclock in/out and 2 IEEE 1394 FireWire connectors that support 400 Mbs operation.

Features:

  • 2 Mic/Line/Instrument analog inputs on Neutrik Combo connectors
  • Balanced TRS analog sends and returns for analog inputs
  • 2 analog outputs on balanced TRS connectors
  • 24bit/96k converters on all channels
  • Headphone amp with front panel volume knob
  • Balanced stereo master control room monitor output with front panel volume control
  • AES-S/PDIF Digital I/O with selectable SRC
  • 8 channels all new ADAT I/O with switchable TOSLINK support
  • v.5 Configurable mixer for near-zero latency mixing and routing
  • Metric Halo’s unique instantiable +DSP processing
  • 4-pin XLR power port for compatibility with most location battery systems
  • 10 front panel preset system/routing memories for stand-alone operation
  • FireWire Connectivity
  • Compact, light, and bus-powerable
  • Total recall with MIO Console
  • OS X drivers with multi-box support

Since its release in 2002, the ULN-2 has enjoyed a legendary reputation for its pristine, wire-like gain, and has established itself as one of the best values in the professional audio industry.The ULN-2 possesses virtually every characteristic that is coveted in a Mic Preamp: exceptionally low noise at all gains, exceptionally high gain, excellent common mode and RFI rejection, incredibly flat frequency response, and ultra-low distortion. It simply increases the level of what you put into it without having to consider the nature of the source: Dynamic Mics, Phantom Powered Mics, Ribbon Mics, Instrument or line level signals are all handled with equal ease and quality.

So why change it?
The ULN-2 is an incredibly good Mic Pre, but sometimes you want something that isn’t quite "so pristine". It is well known that a certain amount of low-order harmonic distortion has a way of adding “depth” and “sheen” to everything — which explains the high regard for classic transformer coupled preamps.

Enter the Jensen Option
With the transformer option installed, the ULN-2 acquires that classic character. A few years ago, we fitted a prototype ULN-2 with a pair Jensen JT16-A's just for fun. We found that there were some very nice benefits to transformer coupling the input stage of the ULN-2. The Transformers impart a more "glossy", "smoothed" sound than the capacitively coupled ULN-2, which simply faithfully passes the source. Sonically, it's kind of like the difference between images shot on film and images shot in HD.

Enjoy complete isolation
A second benefit is that the transformer completely electrically isolates the preamp from the source – raising the common mode rejection above its already excellent performance, and providing a measure of confidence when dealing with the unknowns of location sound.