MusicRadar

The ULN-2's front panel is a busy place.

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• Review

A huge part of the ULN-2's appeal is the fact that it can be expanded with the 2D DSP card, which really does produce some staggering results. Effects can be configured as part of your MIO console setup, and as this nifty piece of software works as a virtual mixer, you're on familiar ground as you configure the routings of your choice. Insert and send effects are on offer, with up to 10 inserts available per mixer channel.

As for the effects themselves, these are of a universally high quality. Of particular note is the MIO Channel Strip which combines gating, compression and EQ, with a range of sidechain options for each stage of the process.

Elsewhere, the Halo Reverb is flexible, the delays work wonderfully, while there are also dedicated menus for amp simulation and mastering setups. There are a number of template mixer setups, too, which is helpful when you're trying to get to grips with the MIO console and its vast potential quickly.

Sound

For most people intending to use this box for recording, the primary concern will be the sound quality of the preamps and, in this respect, the ULN-2 excels. The sound is pristine and there's so much headroom on the channels that I can't think of a situation in which this box wouldn't capture phenomenally clean, clear sound.

If you want to add to the signal flow with third-party dynamics or effects processors, each input also features its own insert send and return, for which the range of applications is wide.

The ability to deliver great-sounding audio should be the central aim of any self-respecting audio interface and in this fundamental area, the ULN-2 delivers – and then some.

In fact, the quality of the recorded results here pole-vaults Metric Halo's latest offering straight into the big boys' league, where it not only holds its own but comfortably out-performs much of the competition.

The I/O options ensure that even the most demanding pros are catered for but it's in collaboration with Metric Halo's DSP card and its comprehensive suite of plug-ins that the ULN-2 really comes to life.

This is a seriously impressive interface if you're looking for a high-quality audio solution and you've got some wedge to spend.