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Metric Halo · 4 mic preamps

LIO-8/4p mkIV

It’s All About the Sound…

A complete, modular, expandable Recording & Mixing Console with 4 boutique mic preamps, world-class converters, a studio full of outboard gear and a professional Atmos capable analog monitor controller. Integrated with a future-proof computer interface.

$2,895Plus shipping

Buy from Metric HaloSpecs
Front panel of the LIO-8/4p mkIV
Round-trip through Converters + Mixer + DSP + Monitor @ 44.1k (≈ 0.2ms @ 192k)
≈ 0.9ms
Imagine having a large-format recording and mixing console in a 1RU unit.
128 × 64
Multichannel support from Stereo up to 7.1.4 Surround (Dolby Atmos®)
7.1.4
Zero-latency hardware plug-ins, including the entire Metric Halo Production Bundle, the +DSP Bundle, the Make Believe Bundle and the Sontec MES-432D9D
100+
ULN-R

Preamps

The LIO-8/4p mkIV includes 4 channels of Metric Halo’s renowned ULN-R preamps (with space to optionally add another 4 at any time you desire). These boutique preamps are famous for their pristine, low-distortion, completely unveiled sound.

The ULN-R preamp provides up to 90 dB of digitally-controlled analog gain in precisely recallable 0.5 dB steps. Each input supports independently switchable P48 phantom power.

Of digitally-controlled analog gain
90 dB
Precisely recallable steps
0.5 dB
Input levels with no fidelity reducing pads
+20dBu
Ultimate Console and Mixer Solution

MIO Console 3d

For 3d and mkIV, we designed a new, retina-enabled, 64-bit, cross-platform console application: MIO Console 3d.

MIO Console features a high-impact, modern, flat design with scalable UI elements. With user controllable color theming and extensive support for user-configurable interaction preferences, it is easy to tune the console to fit your style (and your eyesight).

More about MIO Console 3d
The MIO Console 3d mixer window

Mixing

128 Channels | 64 Buses | 192k

MIO Console provides the UI to control the mkIV Mixer. This mixing engine is a full blown mixing console - not a mere interface monitor mixer.

  • Up to 128 channels of input (@192k)
  • Up to 64 (mono) buses (@192k)
  • Mix buses that span all the hardware in your MH system
  • Unlimited DCAs
  • Optional non-destructive AFL/PFL soloing
Session recording tracks in MIO Console 3d

Session

Integrated Tracking DAW

mkIV includes complete tracking DAW that supports Live, Take-based and Overdub recording workflows. Always available and completely integrated with the hardware. It launches instantly as part of MIO Console and it doesn’t require any licenses or dongles.

  • Multitrack playback with instant cueing against waveforms
  • Overdubs, Segments and Edits
  • SMPTE LTC Timecode reader
  • Timestamps BWF files from LTC or TOD
The monitor controller in MIO Console 3d

Monitoring

Analog + Atmos + Processing

The mkIV features a full featured multi-source, multi-destination surround capable (up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos®) monitor controller with analog gain control and relay hard mutes.

  • Multiple source selection
  • Multiple speaker output selection
  • Per speaker gain and delay
  • Talkback
  • Listenback
MH Sonic EQ running inside MIO Console 3d

Plug-ins

Zero-Latency DSP

mkIV bundles over a 100 zero-latency hardware plug-ins, including the entire Metric Halo Production Bundle, the +DSP Bundle, the Make Believe Bundle and the Sontec MES-432D9D with no additional license fees or complicated licensing tools.

The +DSP license included with every unit provides Metric Halo’s unique Graph insert which allows you to build your own signal chains with arbitrary phase compensated routing between plugins; think of it as a DSP playground.

Front panel

Standalone Operation

The mkIV’s front-panel controls allow the unit to function equally well as a standalone Mic Pre/Converter system.

Front panel of the LIO-8/4p mkIV1234567
  1. Sample Rate · Clock SourceFull support for 192k
  2. Control ModeFP control with dedicated gain knobs
  3. 1–84 channels MH ULN-R preamps (with space to optionally add another 4 at any time you desire)
  4. Input · OutputDetailed Front panel metering
  5. Mute · Dim · MonitorsAnalog gain control · Mute and Dim
  6. HeadphoneStereo Headphone · Dedicated HP D/A and Analog Gain
  7. DI2 channels Guitar/Bass DI inputs
Plug-ins

Zero-Latency DSP

mkIV bundles over a 100 zero-latency hardware plug-ins, including the entire Metric Halo Production Bundle, the +DSP Bundle, the Make Believe Bundle and the Sontec MES-432D9D with no additional license fees or complicated licensing tools.

Specifications

LIO-8/4p mkIV Key Hardware Features

Metric Halo’s page

  • Heavenly Metric Halo Sound

    mk IV Analog, Preamps & Conversion

    For over 20 years, Metric Halo sound has been beloved by musicians and audio engineers the world over.

    Our 4th generation mkIV analog and converter stages enhance the already world-class design of the LIO-8/4p to provide you with warm yet detailed, open & musical sound that captures and presents your work in its best light.

  • Mixing

    128 Channels | 64 Buses | 192k

    Imagine having a large-format recording and mixing console in a 1RU unit. mkIV is just that — you will not be limited by this mixer.

  • Monitoring

    Analog + Atmos + Processing

    The mkIV features a full featured multi-source, multi-destination surround capable (up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos®) monitor controller with analog gain control and relay hard mutes.

  • MHLink

    Network Audio Backplane

    MHLink provides an ultra-low-latency, ultra-high-bandwidth self configuring audio and data backplane between multiple MH units as well as a native Gigabit Ethernet interface to the computer.

  • USB

    Driverless Class Audio

    Every mkIV unit includes a USB Class Audio interface that allows you to connect to any USB Audio host (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows 10+, or Linux) without having to install a driver.

  • SCP

    USB I/O Sidecar

    In an MHLink system, the USB port on each mkIV unit provides our unique “Satellite Computer Port (SCP)” capability.

    Integrate software instruments, sample players, client computers and mobile devices into your system without the need for additional interfaces or complicated clocking setups.

  • Loopback

    Flexible Re-routing

    Any channel in the MIO Mixer can be routed to any output, including outputs sent back to the host or to an SCP port.

    Route audio between apps or computers without any additional software or an additional complex routing model.

  • Signal Processing

    FPGA/DSP Hybrid Engine

    mkIV features our custom hybrid DSP/FPGA processing system that provides massive amounts of processing and gobs of memory for high-precision fixed point mixing, cross-point interpolation, metering and routing as well as flexible, instantiable floating-point plug-in processing.

  • Control Surface

    Mackie | EuCon | iPad | Tablet

    mk IV supports a variety of control surfaces giving you tactile remote control over mix, monitor, and recording.

  • EdgeBus

    Expansion I/O HW Plug-ins

    Each mkIV unit includes an open EdgeBus Card slot. The EdgeBus Card slot allows you to expand your system with additional I/O without having to add a new interface.

  • Boot States

    Standalone Operation

    mk IV allows you to store the full configuration of your multibox MHLink system into non-volatile memory so that the full configuration is automatically restored when the system powers on - without requiring a connection to the computer or MIOConsole.

  • Format Conversion

    Digital and Analog Conversion

    Crosspoint routing and all I/O ports simultaneously active enables you to use the mkIV as a flexible format converter. Boot states allow you to program and set the unit for standalone format conversion.

Each unit includes these hardware features:

  • Metric Halo’s unique 3d Core Digital Engine with MHLink
  • 8 channels A/D with Analog Trim
  • 8 channels D/A with Analog Gain
  • Stereo Headphone
  • Dedicated HP D/A and Analog Gain
  • Ultra-low converter latency
  • Converter latency reduced by 85% compared with previous generation
  • Round-trip through Converters + Mixer + DSP + Monitor: ≈ 0.9ms @ 44.1k, ≈ 0.2ms @ 192k
  • 4 channels MH ULN-R preamps
  • 2 channels Guitar/Bass DI inputs
  • 8 channels AES Output
  • 8 channels AES Input
  • SMPTE LTC I/O
  • MIDI I/O
  • 128 Channel x 64 bus mixer
  • Integrated DSP
  • Full support for 192k
  • Detailed Front panel metering
  • FP control with dedicated gain knobs
  • IR Remote Control support
  • MH EdgeBus Card slot
  • MHLink Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
  • USB-C connectivity
  • Low power, cool-running design with no fans

System Requirements

  • Any Mac that supports macOS 10.9.x or newer with a 64-bit Intel or Apple Silicon Processor
  • One of: USB port · Built-in Gigabit Ethernet Port · Thunderbolt Gigabit Ethernet Adapter · Thunderbolt Dock with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter · USB3 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter · PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Card
  • macOS 10.9.x or newer required
  • All CoreAudio compliant software is compatible with LIO-8/4p mkIV

What’s Included in the Package

  • One LIO-8/4p mkIV unit
  • One IEC Power Cord appropriate for your area
  • One 19-volt 60-watt world-ready external power supply
  • One 2' and One 10' CAT5e Ethernet Cable
  • One USB-A to USB-C Cable
  • Two Rack Ears with fasteners
  • Rubber feet
  • Configuration jumpers
  • Warranty/Registration Card
Buy from Metric Halo · $2,895LIO-8/4p mkIV Guide (PDF)MIOConsole3d Software
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