Metric Halo has released the Mobile I/O ULN-2+DSP, a portable Firewire audio interface with built-in digital signal processing that operates under Mac OS 9 and X. The new ULN-2+DSP features two analog I/O with inserts, front panel level control, phantom power, and trim link, offering the power, portability, and outstanding best-in-class audio quality of the company's Mobile I/O 2882+DSP in a smaller, lighter package.

Incorporating the same Firewire connectivity, 24-bit/96kHz A-D and D-A converters, and powerful onboard DSP as its elder sibling, the 2882+DSP, the Ultra Low Noise ULN-2+DSP provides two analog mic/line/instrument inputs on Neutrik Combo connectors. Well suited to any recording situation, the ULN mic preamps provide up to 72dB of gain and an EIN of -129dBu (wideband/unweighted) with exceptional detail and an ultra-fast slew rate.

Two channels of AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital I/O with selectable sample rate conversion are additionally included. A pair of analog inserts on balanced TRS connectors allows outboard analog dynamics processing to be introduced between the mic pres and the A-D converters. A Wordclock I/O and four-pin XLR power port (for use with typical broadcast camera batteries) complete the rear panel connections of this highly portable device.

The new +DSP version adds the same onboard processing chip found on the Mobile I/O 2882+DSP, allowing Metric Halo's world renowned signal processing plug-ins to be used without taxing the computer's processor. The high-resolution DSP is connected directly to the converters and I/O, features automatic processing delay compensation and ultra-low signal processing latency, and offers dynamic and instant instantiation of plug-ins.

The ULN-2+DSP ships bundled with a variety of Metric Halo's exceptional plug-ins, including MIOComp, MIOLimit, MIOEQ-6, MIOEQ-12, MIO M/S Processor, and MIOStrip. Compatible with both Mac OS 9 and X, the highly anticipated MIO plug-ins are now shipping with all Metric Halo +DSP models.

Flexible signal routing and sophisticated patch and preset management systems are also featured in the new +DSP version, including a front panel, nine-preset and routing register system for standalone operation. ULN-2+DSP's front-panel recall system allows the unit to function equally as well as a stand-alone mic-pre/converter system. In standalone mode, the ULN-2 operates with the converters directly routed to and from the AES/SPDIF I/O. As a standalone converter, the ULN-2 provides a 24-bit/96kHz stereo front-end with ultra-low noise mic pres for any recording system. It also functions seamlessly as a digital monitor controller, making it ideal as a digital headphone amp and studio monitor controller.

Metric Halo hardware offers many unique features, including MIOConsole, a powerful and versatile 80-bit multi-bus mixer running on the hardware that supports near-zero latency mixing and routing of all inputs and outputs with scaleable expansion mixing and processing. MIOConsole software automatically recognizes additional I/O boxes and provides instant and total recall of all settings, including +DSP plug-ins, regardless of the order in which they are connected.

For ease of monitoring, the unit also includes a headphone amplifier with front panel level control. A balanced stereo master control room monitor output is also provided, with volume control on the front panel.

The ULN-2+DSP supports a variety of applications. For studio recording, it provides a very high quality interface to a DAW, offering sound processing or simple file transfer between workstations. Its exceptional sound quality is the perfect complement to the studio's existing analog to digital conversion chain. Songwriters and engineers can use the ULN-2+DSP to record and edit on the road, in the hotel, while traveling, or anywhere that inspiration strikes.

The ULN-2+DSP is suitable for broadcast applications, too. It offers instant playback of two individual stereo sends for music cues or sound effects. The compact package and portable power features mean that the unit can go anywhere users need to work, and make on-site fixes or edit location recordings without the need to send files back to the studio, saving valuable time before air.

In the live performance arena, in addition to operating as a remote recorder for archiving performances or to play out backing tracks and musical cues, the ULN-2+DSP can operate as a soft-synth mixer and I/O interface. The ULN-2+DSP is also a great addition to a live sound engineer's setup, providing a simple and efficient tool for multi-zone analysis, and system venue tuning with SpectraFoo.