Metric Halo 2882 Vs. Uln-2?, more inputs vs. better pre-amps? Options

[j8tlag]

I've been looking for a decent portable FireWire recording interface for my G4 PowerBook. After about 6 more hours reading last night, it would appear that the Metric Halo has the best A/D converters for the money and portability.

However, I'm torn between the 2882 (more inputs + $200 more) vs. the ULN-2 (supposedly much better pre-amps than the 2882). Already read this post: http://www.macmusic.org/agora/forums/index...halo&s=&lang=EN

I'd really prefer to have the 8 analog inputs in the 2882, so how much better are the mic pre's in the ULN-2, especially for recording pop vocals? Would there be any significant difference between these two units, when using external pre-amps such as Focusrite with either one of them?

Otherwise, if the 2882's pre-amps are that noisy as some have claimed, what is the use of having the better converters?

Any opinions based on actual field use or "blind test" comparisons would be greatly appreciated if available.

Thank you!

[edge100]

I've been looking for a decent portable FireWire recording interface for my G4 PowerBook. After about 6 more hours reading last night, it would appear that the Metric Halo has the best A/D converters for the money and portability.

However, I'm torn between the 2882 (more inputs + $200 more) vs. the ULN-2 (supposedly much better pre-amps than the 2882). Already read this post: http://www.macmusic.org/agora/forums/index...halo&s=&lang=EN

I'd really prefer to have the 8 analog inputs in the 2882, so how much better are the mic pre's in the ULN-2, especially for recording pop vocals? Would there be any significant difference between these two units, when using external pre-amps such as Focusrite with either one of them?

Otherwise, if the 2882's pre-amps are that noisy as some have claimed, what is the use of having the better converters?

Any opinions based on actual field use or "blind test" comparisons would be greatly appreciated if available.

Thank you!

The ULN2 preamps are boutique quality. They are much better than the 2882 pres, which are just of the run-of-the-mill type. I have heard them both, and the difference is not subtle. The converters on the two units are, AFAIK, the same.

You don't mention which Focusrite pre you would be adding. If its the Platinum range, those are really nothing special. If its something in the ISA range, then these are VERY nice.

The advantage of better converters is that you don't HAVE TO use the 2882 pres. Heck, the RNP is noisy with the gain cranked, but its sure nice before that! But you have all of those analog ins to convert, so I'd just bypass the 2882 pres with something you find more acceptable, and use the VERY nice MH converters.

The ULN2 will sound better, but if you have access to other pres, the 2882 is probably the better value. That is, if you don't need the portability features of the ULN2.