Metric Halo + DSP or Apogee Ensemble?

DGrimmett · 18th March 2008

Im about to drop the protools and go a different route.
Im sold on Logic pro 8. Its a great little piece of software.

Im looking into getting either an apogee ensemble or a
Metric halo + DSP. By just looking at them there pretty
similar.

Can someone school me in what the differences are?
Advantages/Dis for both...

Also, How is the Metric Halo (non DSP) compare to the
DSP, because its alot cheaper?

If you have any suggestions on other converters/interfaces
that are similar and in the $2000 (and under) range please
make me aware.

thanks guys

A440 · 18th March 2008

I use the Metric 2882 (non dsp) and it's great...i hope to pick up a dsp version too at some point as i'd like to try the plugins..(the only difference)

its a really solid, great sounding interface with excellent software console...hard to beat i think, although i hear great things about the ensemble too..(havn't heard the ensemble myself though)

DGrimmett · 18th March 2008

right on thanks man.
So can u explain to me the DSP thing or what you know...

Will the MH plugins appear in my logic inserts, or how does that work?

livingstone · 19th March 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by scram_chops

right on thanks man.
So can u explain to me the DSP thing or what you know...

Will the MH plugins appear in my logic inserts, or how does that work?

the MH dsp based plugs could appear both into the MIO console and into your DAW:

MIO console V4

siddhu · 19th March 2008

I have both and sonically it's difficult to say which is better.

Pre's are considered better on the Ensemble (I've never used them as I use a outboard), so that could be a consideration.

Mio Console's integration and functionality are 5 stars - just brilliant, especially if you are using apps other than Logic where the Ensemble does not integrate at all on a software level.

The Ensemble does have a much better front panel with volume controls etc.

The MH can be bus powered for mobile use.

I would say if you are only using Logic and in studio, then pick up the Ensemble.

Other scenarios, the MH.

barryjohns · 20th March 2008

Neither, RME FF800.

If you are considering buying new, you can get a Rosetta 800 new from Vintage King for 2350.00 shipped. I'd save a little more and go Symphony if I was using Logic. You're on Gearslutz, so I'm guessing you don't need Pre's.

If I didn't want to shell out that much, I'd go with a used FF800, which can usually be had for around a grand. I've owned one and I felt it was a solid competitor to my Rosetta 800.

DGrimmett · 21st March 2008

right on, thanks guys. ha guess I have a little more thinking to do.

I'll have to go check out that RME unit, Ive never seen one.

thanks again

chk027 · 21st March 2008

3 people

3 different answers

3/3 = that means 1 thing

You have to try them out somehow and draw your own conclusion, this answer could be applied to 95% of the threads out there for new purchase questions......

Beastie · 21st March 2008

Apogee is a NO NO NO NO! Imho and experiences with it and its buggy drivers!

Metric Halo is the winner here plus u get DSP!

however ultimately you need to try them both out for yourself - coz if you listen to everyones opinions on here - you'll lose sight of what you really need and want...

peace

JPZ · 21st March 2008

I've used FF800's, MHalo's, a bunch of MOTU's and Ensemble. Ensemble to me is the best....by far. Granted, the Maestro software leaves most scratching their heads and it is more bare bones but the mic pres sound good and the box sounds great.

into the white · 21st March 2008

I found a barely used Ensemble on craigslist for $1375 shipped. One of the best things I've ever bought. It might not be the absolute best thing out there, but I'd be surprised if anything beats it at the price point. I've heard the pres smoke those on the 2882, and the ULN-2 is supposed to have comparable (or slightly better) preamps than the Apogee, but that is more of a competitor for the Duet. Only 2 channels out of the box.

18th March 2008	#1
DGrimmett Gear addict Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 342 Thread Starter	Metric Halo + DSP or Apogee Ensemble? Im about to drop the protools and go a different route. Im sold on Logic pro 8. Its a great little piece of software. Im looking into getting either an apogee ensemble or a Metric halo + DSP. By just looking at them there pretty similar. Can someone school me in what the differences are? Advantages/Dis for both... Also, How is the Metric Halo (non DSP) compare to the DSP, because its alot cheaper? If you have any suggestions on other converters/interfaces that are similar and in the $2000 (and under) range please make me aware. thanks guys

20th March 2008	#6
barryjohns Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,054	Neither, RME FF800. If you are considering buying new, you can get a Rosetta 800 new from Vintage King for 2350.00 shipped. I'd save a little more and go Symphony if I was using Logic. You're on Gearslutz, so I'm guessing you don't need Pre's. If I didn't want to shell out that much, I'd go with a used FF800, which can usually be had for around a grand. I've owned one and I felt it was a solid competitor to my Rosetta 800. __________________ PT9, HD2pcie, Digi 192 I/I, Lynx Auora, Digi 003, MacPro, MacBook, iPad

21st March 2008	#9
Beastie Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2006 Location: UK Posts: 1,499	SUP Apogee is a NO NO NO NO! Imho and experiences with it and its buggy drivers! Metric Halo is the winner here plus u get DSP! however ultimately you need to try them both out for yourself - coz if you listen to everyones opinions on here - you'll lose sight of what you really need and want... peace __________________ Beastie "No matter how fast you are on your computer - one can only listen in realtime..."

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18th March 2008	#2
A440 Lives for gear Joined: May 2006 Location: London Posts: 842	I use the Metric 2882 (non dsp) and it's great...i hope to pick up a dsp version too at some point as i'd like to try the plugins..(the only difference) its a really solid, great sounding interface with excellent software console...hard to beat i think, although i hear great things about the ensemble too..(havn't heard the ensemble myself though)

19th March 2008	#5
siddhu Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Paris Posts: 623	I have both and sonically it's difficult to say which is better. Pre's are considered better on the Ensemble (I've never used them as I use a outboard), so that could be a consideration. Mio Console's integration and functionality are 5 stars - just brilliant, especially if you are using apps other than Logic where the Ensemble does not integrate at all on a software level. The Ensemble does have a much better front panel with volume controls etc. The MH can be bus powered for mobile use. I would say if you are only using Logic and in studio, then pick up the Ensemble. Other scenarios, the MH.

21st March 2008	#8
chk027 Gear addict Joined: May 2005 Posts: 333	3 people 3 different answers 3/3 = that means 1 thing You have to try them out somehow and draw your own conclusion, this answer could be applied to 95% of the threads out there for new purchase questions......

21st March 2008	#10
JPZ Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 572	I've used FF800's, MHalo's, a bunch of MOTU's and Ensemble. Ensemble to me is the best....by far. Granted, the Maestro software leaves most scratching their heads and it is more bare bones but the mic pres sound good and the box sounds great.

21st March 2008	#11
into the white Gear nut Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 101	I found a barely used Ensemble on craigslist for $1375 shipped. One of the best things I've ever bought. It might not be the absolute best thing out there, but I'd be surprised if anything beats it at the price point. I've heard the pres smoke those on the 2882, and the ULN-2 is supposed to have comparable (or slightly better) preamps than the Apogee, but that is more of a competitor for the Duet. Only 2 channels out of the box.