Topic: MP-2 vs. BM2P+ UA-5

[Cheesecadet]

Just curious which is better or are they just different flavors?  I hear a lot of good things about both but would like some feedback from users of both if possible.

I know the MP-2 can do M/S...but are there other significant pros or cons over the M/S thing because i do not do M/S recording but may have a chance and picking up an MP-2 for cheap.

Can you run the MP-2 off a DVD battery like I do with my BM2P+?

Thanks...

[Brian Skalinder]

They're different animals, really.  MP-2 is strictly analog preamp, while UA5 is analog preamp + ADC.  IMO, the analog preamps of an MP-2 and modded UA5 are different flavors.  Since switching to the MP-2 would require relying on your recorder's ADC (unless you also have standalone ADC), the questions in my mind would be:  is the ADC in my recorder Good Enough to suit my purposes?  Do I prefer the UA5 ADC to my recorder's ADC?

[Cheesecadet]

They're different animals, really.  MP-2 is strictly analog preamp, while UA5 is analog preamp + ADC.  IMO, the analog preamps of an MP-2 and modded UA5 are different flavors.  Since switching to the MP-2 would require relying on your recorder's ADC (unless you also have standalone ADC), the questions in my mind would be:  is the ADC in my recorder Good Enough to suit my purposes?  Do I prefer the UA5 ADC to my recorder's ADC?

I don't know enouch about my ADC...but I would be running it into an Sony PCM-M10.  From what I have heard i think the ADC is pretty good on the unit, right?

[willndmb]

Fwiw if you go ua5 into the m1O the. You are going
Analog > digital > analog
Not ideal

[Cheesecadet]

Fwiw if you go ua5 into the m1O the. You are going
Analog > digital > analog
Not ideal

Not doing that...I am running optical out of my BM2P+ into optical in of my iriver 120.

The M10 is my deck that I run with my DPAs

[illconditioned]

Sony M10 (and the bigger D50) have excellent ADC (analog in).  In fact, I would say *better* than UA5.  So, you're best setup is: mics > (optional pre) > Sony.  If mics run on battery, no need for a pre at all.  If you need gain, or to drive phantom powered mics, the MP2 is an excellent preamp.

The only reason I would tinker with an Edirol UA5 or similar is as a USB input device.  Everything else can be done better (and simpler) with a flash recorder!

  Richard

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Get the MP2

[jbell]

Get the MP2

Ted can make you a DVD cable for the MP2!  That's how I power mine.

[kirk97132]

I owned both of these and as a general statement I'd say the MP-2 is better quality.  That being said they are different.  And in fact I liked the BM2p+ better with my ADK, LDC mics.  But if you have to choose between them I'd go with the MP-2.  The UA-5 is more versatile and is a good sounding box.  And I have also tried running the A>D>A output compared to the straight A>D output and while it isn't "bit perfect" I could not hear any difference between the two.  I did like having both of them and would buy another BMP2+ if I had the chance.