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An introduction to Metric Halo LIO-8 mkIV, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
A complete, modular, expandable Recording & Mixing Console with world-class converters, a studio full of outboard gear and a professional Atmos capable analog monitor controller.
— Metric Halo official site
What is LIO-8 mkIV?
The LIO-8 mkIV is a 1U interface built on Metric Halo's fourth-generation analog and converter stages. It combines 8-channel A/D and D/A, a headphone amp, a monitor controller, a 128-channel by 64-bus mixer and DSP, and the maker calls it a modular, expandable recording and mixing console.
Mic preamps are optional rather than standard: ULN-R preamps can be added in 4-channel blocks up to 8 channels. They offer up to 90 dB of analog gain in recallable 0.5 dB steps, with switchable phantom power per input. Two DI inputs are shared with analog inputs 1 and 2.
I/O also includes 8-channel AES in and out, SMPTE LTC and MIDI, plus an EdgeBus card slot that adds formats such as MADI or ADAT. It connects to a computer over USB-C or MHLink (Gigabit Ethernet) and has no fan.
The maker states that new purchases include an MH Production Bundle v4 license to mark its release. Round trip through converters, mixer, DSP and monitor is about 0.9 ms at 44.1 kHz and about 0.2 ms at 192 kHz.
Optional ULN-R preamps
Up to 8 channels can be added in 4-channel blocks, with up to 90 dB of gain, per-input phantom power and an input path accepting up to +20 dBu. Worth considering if you record with mics.
EdgeBus card slot
A programmable slot adds AES, S/PDIF, MADI, ADAT, TOSLINK or MIDI depending on the card, and with MHLink it can convert between formats such as MADI and ADAT, says the maker.
128-channel by 64-bus mixer
A 128-input, 64-bus mixer runs inside the unit up to 192 kHz, so monitor mixes and routing can be built without relying on the computer.
Zero-latency DSP plug-ins
Over 100 hardware plug-ins, including the Production Bundle, +DSP Bundle, Make Believe Bundle and Sontec MES-432D9D, are bundled at no extra cost, valued by the maker at over $3,100.
Atmos-capable monitor controller
A built-in analog monitor controller supports up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos, with gain control and relay hard mutes.
MHLink and USB-C
MHLink over Gigabit Ethernet unifies several units and allows runs up to 100 m on Cat5e. USB-C is class compliant and needs no driver.
Loopback and SCP
Any mixer channel can be routed back to the host or to the Satellite Computer Port, allowing audio routing between apps and computers without extra software.
Standalone operation and Session
Settings can be stored on the unit so it works without a computer as a preamp, converter or monitor controller, and the Session tracking DAW is integrated.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 1U |
| A/D and D/A | 8-channel A/D with analog trim, 8-channel D/A with analog gain |
| Headphones | Stereo, dedicated D/A and analog gain |
| DI inputs | 2 channels (shared with analog 1+2) |
| Digital I/O | 8-channel AES in and out |
| Other I/O | SMPTE LTC I/O, MIDI I/O |
| Mixer | 128 channels x 64 buses, up to 192 kHz |
| Round-trip latency | About 0.9 ms (44.1 kHz) / about 0.2 ms (192 kHz) |
| Optional preamps | ULN-R, 4-channel blocks, up to 8 channels |
| Connectivity | MHLink (Gigabit Ethernet), USB-C |
| Power draw | 25 W with phantom on all mic channels; under 21 W without |
| System requirements | macOS 10.9 or later (64-bit Intel or Apple Silicon) |
What is included and system requirements
- LIO-8 mkIV unit (1U)
- Over 100 DSP plug-ins (Production Bundle, +DSP Bundle, Make Believe Bundle, Sontec MES-432D9D)
- MIOConsole including Session
- MH Production Bundle v4 license with new purchases, per the maker
- Driverless connection to Mac, Windows 10/11, Linux, iPhone/iPad and Android via USB Class Audio
How to use it
- Mount the unit in a rack and connect power.
- Connect to the computer over USB-C or MHLink.
- Install and launch MIOConsole.
- Connect I/O and the optional mic preamps.
- Build routing and monitor mixes in the mixer.
- Set speaker and headphone outputs in the monitor controller.
- Add plug-ins to inserts as needed.
- Save a Boot State so the configuration is restored at power-up.
Combined mix and monitoring setup
It may suit studios that want monitor control, headphone amp and converters in one unit.
Dolby Atmos monitoring
With support up to 7.1.4, it could serve as the output side of immersive work.
Multi-unit systems
Units can be added over MHLink to grow I/O.
Tracking with added preamps
With the optional ULN-R preamps, it might serve as a mic recording front end.
Who it may suit
- People who want a mixer, DSP and monitor controller in one box
- Immersive audio producers
- Those planning to expand later
- Users who want I/O that works outside the DAW
Good to know before you buy
- Mic preamps are an option, not standard.
- The listed computer requirement is a 64-bit Mac with macOS 10.9 or later; Windows and Linux connect as driverless USB Class Audio.
- It is a feature-rich unit with a learning curve.
- Local pricing varies by dealer.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
ULN-8 mkIV
The LIO-8 mkIV offers ULN-R preamps as an option (4-channel blocks, up to 8), while the ULN-8 mkIV includes 8 ULN-R preamps as standard. Both are 1U with 8-channel A/D/A and a 128×64 mixer.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See LIO-8 mkIV on the product page
Sources: mhsecure.com minet.jp (checked 2026-10-27)
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