Metric Halo LIO-8/4p mkIV — a 4th-generation USB-C interface and A/D-D/A converter with four built-in ULN-R preamps and room for four more, plus a monitor controller supporting up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos.
The LIO-8/4p mkIV sits between the preamp-free LIO-8 mkIV and the fully-loaded eight-channel ULN-8 mkIV. The unit ships with 4 ULN-R channels, 8 line inputs and 8 line outputs on DB-25, and a 128-channel by 64-bus mixer, sharing the same 3d Core architecture and expansion path as the rest of the mkIV lineup.
Start With Four Preamps Without Closing Off Growth
Many engineers don't need eight mic channels on day one but want assurance the hardware can grow with them. The LIO-8/4p mkIV solves this physically — the chassis has a slot reserved for a second block of four ULN-R preamps, so expanding to a full 8 channels happens without replacing the interface. Each of the four built-in preamps delivers up to 90 dB of analog gain in 0.5 dB steps with independently switchable +48V phantom power per channel.A Remote Preamp Without Sacrificing Signal Quality
The LIO-8/4p mkIV's input path includes an integrated analog send ahead of the A/D converter, letting the unit function as a remotely-controlled mic preamp. Over MHLink, the preamps can sit up to 100 meters from the control position with no added latency and none of the signal degradation typical of long low-level mic cable runs. That's practical on live concert recordings or sessions with musicians spread across rooms, where the preamp needs to sit close to the source while control stays at the desk.KEY FEATURES
- 4 ULN-R preamps built in, with room for 4 more
- 8 line inputs and 8 line outputs on DB-25
- 128-channel mixer with 64 busses
- Monitor controller up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos with relay hard mute
- Integrated pre-A/D analog send enabling remote preamp operation
- Support for Mackie, EuCon, iPad, and tablet control surfaces
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Model number: 000-50048
- Mic channels: 4 built-in, expandable to 8
- Line I/O: 8 x 8 on DB-25
- Preamp gain range: up to 90 dB, 0.5 dB steps
- Resolution: 44.1-192 kHz
- Computer connection: USB-C, driverless class compliance
- Processing: hybrid DSP/FPGA engine, 100+ zero-latency plug-ins
- Power: DC 16-24V
