At MusikMesse 2010, Metric Halo announced the immediate release of the LIO-8 ($3,995 MSRP) multichannel A/D/A converter, processor, and interface.

Based on Metric Halo's ULN-8 technology platform, the LIO-8 features "everything you need, nothing you don't." With everything you need to record, mix, process, and master audio, all you have to do to get started is add a DAW, transducers, and preamps, if needed. The unit comes standard with Metric Halo's 2d Signal Processing bundle of signal processing plugins, along with the option to add the full +DSP plugin suite via a software license at a later time.

Ideal for any mixing or mastering suite, the LIO-8's eight channels of conversion and AES interfacing allow for multiple analog and digital processing signal chains, as well as monitoring and processing in surround. Its integrated mixer is a complete digital console with mono to 7.1 bus support, a monitor control section, delay-compensated processing, and delay-compensated send and return support in the mixer.

Main Features:

• 8 channels of zero-phase distortion DC-coupled, calibrated 192 kHz A/D
• 10 channels of zero-phase distortion DC-coupled, calibrated 192 kHz D/A
• 2 channels of high-impedance direct input for instruments
• 8 x 8 I/O 192 kHz AES interface (single wire)
• Front-panel tactile control surface for standalone and connected operation
• 8 channels of analog domain send (active split before conversion)
• Per-channel selectable Character
• Word Clock I/O
• Digitally-controlled analog domain 7.1 monitor control
• 15-segment precision metering
• SMPTE I/O channels
• MIDI I/O for direct connect of Mackie Control protocol control surface
• Integrated mixing and DSP processing with basic plugin bundle
• FireWire interfacing with low-latency drivers (FW400 and FW800 supported)
• 25W output, DC powerable
• Weight: 5.7 lbs.
• 1 RU rackmountable

According to the manufacturer, the LIO-8 is not just built on the same platform as the ULN-8 -- it can become one. Just add ULN-R mic preamps to the LIO-8 after purchase in either four- or eight-channel blocks. The LIO-8 can also be ordered with four or eight ULN-R preamps at the time of initial purchase.

For more on the LIO-8, visit Metric Halo at mhlabs.com.