Metric Halo 2882 & ULN-2

[Jimbo]

Hi,

I'm on the fence between these two units. I can get a used 2882 for about the price of a new ULN-2. I've got 2 channels of outboard preamps that I'm quite happy with. So, here's what I need to know:

1. Is the conversion the same for both units (i.e., equal quality)?
2. Are the preamps on the 2882 of the same caliber as the ULN-2? I know the ULN-2 is quieter at higher gain levels, but is the sonic character the same on both units?
3. Will I compromise the sonic character of my outboard preamps by running them throught the inputs of the 2882? -- there's no way to bypass the preamps, so I have no option here.

I've read that the conversion in the ULN-2 might be a little better than the 2882, but not significantly better.

I'm certainly leaning towards the 2882, since I already have pres that I like, the 2882 preamps are supposed to be quite good, and the 2882 will give me a lot more I/O. If the 2882 preamps sound great, but are only useful with high-output mics (i.e., condenser) that's no problem as I can use my outboard for ribbons/dynamics.

Anyone own these units who can help me here?

Thanks,

- Jim

[grahluk]

I don't have any experience with the ULN2 but am a long time 2882 owner and list member. I may be very wrong but I believe the conversion on both units is similar. It's the analog pre portion that is very different. The ULN2 was specifically designed as a high end mic pre that happens to also be a converter. The 2882 is specifically a converter that has quite decent mic pres. My opinion on the 2882 is that it's line inputs are so good they make fine mic pres. Using those inputs at line level with tasty outboard pres is my vote. Oh yeah. That's what I do. APi+2882=

[grahluk]

Oh yeah. One other thing about the ULN2 that may make it more or less attractive. It has analog inserts pre conversion. Pretty cool. Of course if using external pres with a 2882 that doesn't matter. hook whatever chain you want up before the 2882.
The ULN2 is a neat package though.

[jajjguy]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Hi,

I'm on the fence between these two units. I can get a used 2882 for about the price of a new ULN-2. I've got 2 channels of outboard preamps that I'm quite happy with. So, here's what I need to know:

1. Is the conversion the same for both units (i.e., equal quality)?
2. Are the preamps on the 2882 of the same caliber as the ULN-2? I know the ULN-2 is quieter at higher gain levels, but is the sonic character the same on both units?
3. Will I compromise the sonic character of my outboard preamps by running them throught the inputs of the 2882? -- there's no way to bypass the preamps, so I have no option here.

I've read that the conversion in the ULN-2 might be a little better than the 2882, but not significantly better.

I'm certainly leaning towards the 2882, since I already have pres that I like, the 2882 preamps are supposed to be quite good, and the 2882 will give me a lot more I/O. If the 2882 preamps sound great, but are only useful with high-output mics (i.e., condenser) that's no problem as I can use my outboard for ribbons/dynamics.

Anyone own these units who can help me here?

Thanks,

- Jim

I own both of these.

1. As far as I can tell, yes they are equally good for line level signals.
2. The preamps are similar at lower gains (below 20dB), though I think the ULN-2's are slightly cleaner and the 2882's slightly woolier. Both are quite clean, though, in that gain range.
3. No, the 2882 inputs function very well as line amps.

The reasons you give for leaning toward the 2882 seem like good reasons to me.