Topic: Edirol UA-5 (Digi) vs AD-20 with phantom power

[seekup40]

So I'm thinking of picking up a edirol ua-5 and getting it digimoded hopefully, I think i can find the ua-5 for close to 200, how much would it cost to get it modded usually and should i expect about another $50 for a battery?

I am planning on sending my at853s in to get phantom power added to them and rather then buying the extension to use phantom power on the ad-20 i was thinking about just going the route of the ua-5 and just getting it digimodded since it already has phantom power, it seems to be cheaper if i go this route, now i ask how would running at853 with phantom power into an ad-20 compare with running at853 with phantom power into a digi ua-5?

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

[The Kilted Taper]

Not sure I'm completly following...but the AD-20 doesn't supply phantom power, it's just an A > D & pre.

[bconnolly]

Not sure I'm completly following...but the AD-20 doesn't supply phantom power, it's just a D > A & pre.

Me either.  If you get the AT853s phantom modded, doesn't that mean they can accept phantom power?  It doesn't mean they magically get it from somewhere.  You'll still need something that provides phantom (like a PS-2).

[Patrick]

So I'm thinking of picking up a edirol ua-5 and getting it digimoded hopefully, I think i can find the ua-5 for close to 200, how much would it cost to get it modded usually and should i expect about another $50 for a battery?

Mod it yourself, it's free.  Check in the archive for directions, it's really easy.  You can find the batteries on ebay for less than $30, you can get them for as low as $10 if you find the right auction.  Try searching for "ESA Universal DVD Battery" and you'll find what you need.

I am planning on sending my at853s in to get phantom power added to them and rather then buying the extension to use phantom power on the ad-20 i was thinking about just going the route of the ua-5 and just getting it digimodded since it already has phantom power, it seems to be cheaper if i go this route, now i ask how would running at853 with phantom power into an ad-20 compare with running at853 with phantom power into a digi ua-5?

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

Like the other guys have said, the AD-20 does not provide P48.  Purchase a PS-2 to run in front of the AD-20.  And like you said, purchasing a UA-5 would provide everything you need (P48, Gain, and ADC).

The UA-5 is not stealthable, if that's important to you.  On the other hand, the PS2/AD-20 combo defintiely is.

[seekup40]

I know the ad-20 does not provide phantom power but buying the PS2 for the ad-20 is another $190 I believe according to soundprofessionals and by the looks of it I can get a digi mod ua-5 that includes everything i need for around $250 which sure beats about $390 for the ad-20 with phantom power

Would this upgrade be worth it?

[cpatch]

buying the PS2 for the ad-20 is another $190

$100 used.

Craig

[bconnolly]

By my estimation, yes.  As long as you don't plan on shoving the UA-5 down your pants (it's been done, check the Team Stealth thread) you should be ok.

[Patrick]

Would this upgrade be worth it?

It depends on you, bud.  What kind of taping will you be doing?  What kind of rooms?  What kind of music?  What's the budget? 

It basically comes down to...

stealth= ad20+ps2
open= ua5

[Chuck]

I'd say the sound of the UA-5 is better as well.

[poorlyconditioned]

I'd say the sound of the UA-5 is better as well.

Hey, does anyone know what pre/ADC chips are inside the AD20?

Just curious if anyone has seen one naked...

  Richard

[seekup40]

Would this upgrade be worth it?

It depends on you, bud.  What kind of taping will you be doing?  What kind of rooms?  What kind of music?  What's the budget? 

It basically comes down to...

stealth= ad20+ps2
open= ua5

I mostly tape DMB in amphitheaters, and smaller acts such as Matt Nathanson in clubs, and if i need to stealth id just run at853s > batt box > jb3

[Patrick]

Would this upgrade be worth it?

It depends on you, bud.  What kind of taping will you be doing?  What kind of rooms?  What kind of music?  What's the budget? 

It basically comes down to...

stealth= ad20+ps2
open= ua5

I mostly tape DMB in amphitheaters, and smaller acts such as Matt Nathanson in clubs, and if i need to stealth id just run at853s > batt box > jb3

Then I'd say get the UA-5, and if you have some extra xmas money, send it to Busman2 to get his mod done.  Just in time for summer tour 

As usual, check ebay...every now and then one pops up here.

[seekup40]

thanks for all the help

[spyder9]

I'd say the sound of the UA-5 is better as well.

Its debatable.  Some of my best tapes ever have been AT853RX > PS2 > AD20

[Patrick]

I'd say the sound of the UA-5 is better as well.

Its debatable.  Some of my best tapes ever have been AT853RX > PS2 > AD20

Tom Petty from this summer at SPAC was great!  Probably my favorite download of this year!

Thanks again!