Sonic Studio 302 (aka Metric Halo ULN-2)

[jpelg]

If I don't have a Mac

Is this thing plug-&-play as a DAC if I only use the SPDIF inputs coming from a CDP transport? Or is there some configuration required via a Mac first?

Also, is the value quotient still there if I don't need the preamp functionality (ie. using only the D/A side)?

[atothex]

From what they told me, if you buy it new, you have to set up a couple things before you can use it as a standalone DAC. You would need a Mac for that initial setup.

[jp11801]

JImmy while you could use it without a mac yes set up or changes would need to be done on a mac. I would think though that straight throughput from a transport to either AES, optical or spidf would be relatively easy.

If only using the D/A side without needing any DSP then a used version prior to the additional card upgrade was standard would be the move. Check Craigslist for them and hunt a price south of $1000 for a non +2 card unit $800 is a good price.

Headphone amp in the unit is decent enough and better than entry level but is a bit bright, most likely for recording/mastering reasons.

Right now it is pulling double duty as a phono pre (ADC) and DAC for my mac mini running the amarra software.

[Hopstretch]

Pretty thorough comparison of the ULN-8 and Berkeley Alpha here.

ULN-8 shootouts: Next! | Computer Audiophile

Barry seems to really love him some Metric Halo.

[Hopstretch]

Any further reports from the (other) early adopters? And can you use the ULN-2 as a phono preamp OOTB or do you need additional software plugins? Just checking, you understand.

[jp11801]

Any further reports from the (other) early adopters? And can you use the ULN-2 as a phono preamp OOTB or do you need additional software plugins? Just checking, you understand.

You need the metric halo DSP liscense $700 to get the EQ. It raises the new price to about $2300 but to my experience it's the best $2300 DAC and or phono pre. Keep in mind the phono cable goes into the combo jacks that are 200 ohms for the TRS and 3.3k ohms for the XLR.

[VPI]

John, if I want to connect my phono preamp (Manley Steelhead) to this to digitize for needle drops, I do not need the RIAA curves, etc. correct.

I assume I can just run custom cables from the Manley to the ULN-2 then via firewire into the Mini. Am I oversimplifying this?

[jp11801]

Jeff yes, do not use the multi jacks I think it is the input marked R that is the cleanest signal path but I'll need to check

[n_maher]

Jeff yes, do not use the multi jacks I think it is the input marked R that is the cleanest signal path but I'll need to check

It's in the docs somewhere, I've seen it before too.

[The Monkey]

JImmy while you could use it without a mac yes set up or changes would need to be done on a mac. I would think though that straight throughput from a transport to either AES, optical or spidf would be relatively easy.

If only using the D/A side without needing any DSP then a used version prior to the additional card upgrade was standard would be the move. Check Craigslist for them and hunt a price south of $1000 for a non +2 card unit $800 is a good price.

Headphone amp in the unit is decent enough and better than entry level but is a bit bright, most likely for recording/mastering reasons.

Right now it is pulling double duty as a phono pre (ADC) and DAC for my mac mini running the amarra software.

Nums, is there anything included with the DSP license that is useful for the DAC or is it ONLY applicable for the ADC?

[jp11801]

Nums, is there anything included with the DSP license that is useful for the DAC or is it ONLY applicable for the ADC?

the DSP contains mostly EQ and amp modeling so for your purpose you can skip it most likely unless you want to apply EQ to the out put.

[The Monkey]

FWIW, I have corresponded a few times with Metric Halo support, and they are really quick to respond and also really nice.

[VPI]

Did you buy one?

I was just reading the manual and thinking how very well written it was for a piece of pro audio gear. I might have to run to Sam Ash to get some temporary cables for this thing and try it out this weekend.

[The Monkey]

Did you buy one?

Not yet.

[morphsci]

Not yet.

Good answer.

[Augsburger]

Not yet.

What are you waiting for? It's been what a month since your last hit/purchase. I'll buy mine when you buy yours.................

[Regg]

No comparisons with the Ayre yet?

[The Monkey]

No comparisons with the Ayre yet?

No. Please get to work on it asap.

[VPI]

Okay I got the thing out of the box and I am working to set it up. I assume I will use the basic mixer or do I need to do a custom mixer to set it up for firewire input, analog out and aes/ebu pass through?

I will keep digging through but if someone has an easy answer I would appreciate it.

[Voltron]

Okay I got the thing out of the box and I am working to set it up. I assume I will use the basic mixer or do I need to do a custom mixer to set it up for firewire input, analog out and aes/ebu pass through?

I will keep digging through but if someone has an easy answer I would appreciate it.

PM JP#s