Metric Halo 2882 vs RME Fireface?

Question

Level 1

115 points

Metric Halo 2882 vs RME Fireface?

I need a new audio interface for my dual G5. I have three stereo synths and sometimes record guitar or vocals.

I narrowed it down to those two: Metric Halo 2882 or RME Fireface

I like the Metric Halo because it has all those VU Meters in the front which might turn out helpful for troubleshooting...

I like the RME because I can plug all my synths in the back and still access the mic preamps in the front...

I hate that neither has a Monitor Level knob..???

And I am not sure about the converter / mic preamps quality. Any advice? Thanks!

Posted on Sep 1, 2005 1:36 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 1, 2005 12:00 PM in response to FILTER

I compared the two units. In my opinion, the RME was quite a bit better in sound quality. I'm very happy with my Fireface. Plus it has many more I/O options.

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Answer 2

Sep 1, 2005 12:13 PM in response to FILTER

I'll second that. I love the sound of my FF800.

It's mixer gives you more than enough visuals to trouble shoot, as well as monitoring adjustments.

The convertors are very good, as well as the pres. I was tracking some guitars (57 into an Avalon M5) and needed one more input. I used the pre in the FF and it was quite comparable to the Avalon.

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Answer 3

Sep 1, 2005 1:20 PM in response to FILTER

Metric Halo makes excellent converters, but not to dismiss them in any way, I too can highly recommend the Fireface.

I only use my Fireface once in a while, with my laptop, for portability, but am always "surprised" at how good it sounds. The converters are excellent, and the mic-pres are remarkably clean.

The fact that it has so many variables for ins and outs is icing on the cake.

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Answer 4

Sep 1, 2005 3:25 PM in response to FILTER

I can't speak t the RME box. (Although I've heard nothing but good things). But I have owned a 2882 for a year now, and It has been fantastic. The only problem is the Pre's can be noisy with low output Mics. But, if your Mic has sufficient output, they actually sound pretty good. I use it mainly for the converters and use external pre's. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

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Answer 5

Sep 2, 2005 4:32 AM in response to Pabo Blaustein

When you compared the Metric Halo 2882 did you use the supplied power supply rather than firewire power then switch the unit to high power mode. A number of users have commented this has yielded an even better sound quality.

Julian

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Answer 6

Justin C

Level 6

8,700 points

Sep 3, 2005 9:44 AM in response to Curtis Marolt

I love the MH

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Answer 7

Sep 4, 2005 1:05 PM in response to FILTER

I have had and worked on ,Motu 2408mk3 motu 896hd and RME firface ! .
Now i've buy one Metric Halo UNL2 +dsp and one 2882+dsp

it is the BEST for me , for all reason !!

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Answer 8

Sep 4, 2005 5:32 PM in response to FILTER

I use MH...I own both units and they sound amazing....RME is also amazing........

BUT.......if you also own a 15" Powerbook, the Metric Halo is the exact width of the powerbook.......(i know, i know but it looks so cool under the powerbook)

BTW the MH ULN2 has a Monitor knob AND a headphone knob...AND the PRES are even better than the 2882s 😉

MH....(buy made in USA;-)

SvK

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