The Metric Halo LIO-8 3d is a 24-bit / 192 kHz USB Type-C audio interface offering eight line-level inputs and insert sends, multichannel digital I/O, DSP-powered mixing, and software control for musicians, engineers, and producers in studios and mobile setups. Its integrated dual-core DSP powers a variety of plug-ins—the included DSP+ license unlocks over 100 of them—without burdening your computer's CPU. Robust software ensures easy access to multi-track recording, mixing, monitoring, and more.
The LIO-8 3d's high-resolution converters are fed by DB25 line inputs and two 1/4" Hi-Z DI inputs; all eight inputs feature up to 31.5 dB of gain, informative metering, and front-panel gain controls. Analog outputs include eight line outs via DB25, and a 1/4" headphone jack, which can be affected by the front-panel volume, mute, and dim functions. The LIO-8 3d also mirrors its line inputs to eight insert sends for efficiently splitting to a mixing console or summing bus.
Properly synchronize with other equipment through the BNC word clock jacks and 1/4" SMPTE I/O. The 5-pin DIN connectors allow hookup to a MIDI control surface. Consolidate audio, clock, and data I/O with other 3d-equipped Metric Halo interfaces via the RJ45 MH Link ports. The LIO-8 3d connects to a compatible Mac, Windows, iOS, or Linux device via the supplied USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable. Power it with the included power supply or via a 4-pin XLR power system (available separately).
3d Card Features
- MH Link: Low-latency, high-bandwidth audio, clock, and data connections via Gigabit Ethernet
- MH Link Audio: Direct Ethernet Core Audio driver (with support for up to 128 channels of I/O at 192 kHz)
- MH EdgeBus: A high-bandwidth, programmable, and pluggable audio expansion slot that accommodates a range of I/O expansion cards
- MH Console: A 64-bit application to control your entire system with a simple, efficient, and flexible routing model (macOS only for Early Access versions)
- MH Mixer: 128-input / 64-bus unified zero-latency mixer
- MH MonitorControl: Integrated surround-capable monitor controller with system processing capability
- MH Record: 128-input multitrack recorder with deep hardware integration
- MH DSP Engine: Dual-core processing power and 1GB memory in the hardware, plus the +DSP license providing over a hundred plug-ins and the Metric Halo Graph environment
Analog I/O
- Third-generation analog technology
- Eight line inputs via DB25 connector
- Two instrument DI inputs via front-panel 1/4" jacks
- Eight balanced line-level sends via DB25 connector
- Sends mirror analog signal present at line inputs
- Eight line outputs via DB25 connector with channels 1-2 multed to 1/4" outputs
- 1/4" stereo headphone output with dedicated DAC
- Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion
Digital I/O
- Eight channels of single-wire AES3 (AES/EBU) digital I/O at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz via DB25 connector
- Word clock I/O via BNC jacks for proper clocking of multiple digital devices using word clock or SuperClock
- 5-pin MIDI input and output jacks allow integration of a control surface
- 1/4" SMPTE input and output for timecode synchronization
Informative Front Panel
- Eight multifunction controls with bicolor LED rings
- Eight 15-segment LED input meters with programmable color
- Eight 15-segment LED output meters with programmable color
- LED indicators for sample rate, clock source/status, power, and more
- Dim and mute buttons with dedicated LED indicators
- Front-panel volume control with push-to-toggle function for switching between sources
Included Accessories
- IEC power cable and external power supply
- USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable
- 1' Cat5e patch cable for MH Link between interfaces
- Two rack ears with fasteners
- Four rubber feet
- 12 configuration jumpers
- MIO software CD-ROM
