Topic: UA-5 Questions/Alternatives

[joeybyron]

Hello,

I was wondering what makes the UA-5 so popular?  Also what new edirol device is its "modern" equivalent?  I have a jb3 and am looking for something to replace a PS-2. 

Thanks for the help

[Brian Skalinder]

Though some of the information is a bit outdated, per the Edirol UA-5 FAQ:

Why the heck is the UA-5 so dang popular?

There are good reasons so many tapers are using the UA-5 for field recording!  The UA-5s feature set, overall quality, and price point make it an extremely attractive option for both newbie and experienced tapers alike.  At ~$300 for an Oade-mod digi-mod UA-5, or even less for a DIY digi-mod UA-5, the UA-5 offers a broad, quality feature set:

    * 16-bit or 24-bit
    * phantom power
    * preamp
    * ADC
    * selectable sample rate (32kHz - 96 kHz)
    * may be used for running audience + soundboard mixes
    * may be used for 3- or 4-mic mixes
    * easily powered via RC batteries
    * simultaneous USB, coax, and optical outputs if digi-modded

The best replacement might be to sell the PS2 and JB3 and replace with a Marantz PMD-660, or one of the new Sony recorders for ~$500.  What other gear are you running with the PS2 and JB3?

[joeybyron]

Running C4's into the PS2 and then through some type of impedence converters into a y cable into the JB3.  I no longer want the PS2 or the converters.  I have one of the new art DualPre on order from sweetwater but at 99 bucks i seriously doubt the pre's are to great and have doubts on its phantom power feature.  I was looking into a edirol product or a zoom h4.  I am a musician so the H4 looks really handy to me for that aspect as well as maybe running my c4's into it by passing its built in mic's for recording local shows.  I just kinda dont know what is the best route to take.

[rdfager]

Have you considered putting an AD-20 between the PS-2 and JB3?  The AD-20 is a great preamp/ADC.  You could then run digital into the JB3.  An AD-20 is a huge upgrade from the preamp and ADC in a JB3.  There are several AD-20s on the yardsale right now at very reasonable prices.

[SmokinJoe]

Have you considered putting an AD-20 between the PS-2 and JB3?  The AD-20 is a great preamp/ADC.  You could then run digital into the JB3.  An AD-20 is a huge upgrade from the preamp and ADC in a JB3.  There are several AD-20s on the yardsale right now at very reasonable prices.

I second that emotion.

[Belexes]

I picked up and AD-20 in the YS to run with my PS-2 based on the recommendations of those on the board. A great combo.

[joeybyron]

I thought about it but I was hoping to go with the edirol b/c I would also like to be able to use it for computer based recording.  I may just do the money save thing and get both. Thanks Much

[cgrooves]

I like my UA-5 because it offers phantom, pre, A/D, and the ability to run a matrix 'on-the-fly' by utilizing the rca inputs in conjunction with the mic inputs.  I actually prefer the sound of my AD-20 (with my AT mics; I haven't run the AD-20 with my C4's yet), but that may change if I get my UA-5 busman modded.  I personally prefer the convenience of the 'all-in-one' box rather than using a phantom>AD-20 setup.

[Cheesecadet]

Busman MOD UA-5 is awesome!  I run C4's into it and I have pulled some killer shows with the omnis & cards!    160 bucks for the BM2P+ MOD and it rivals many other higher priced boxes out there in my opinion of course...