Topic: Things are going to change soon... I need help...

[Nick Graham]

What is the difference between the Busman and the other mods?
I don't get it.

There are different mods, the standard being just a basic "digi mod" which is exactly the same regardless of who performs the mod. It has no changes on the UA5's sound, it simply allows you to use the UA5 without a computer.

The "Busman" and "Oade" mods are names given to mods performed by either Chris ("Busman" on these boards) or Doug Oade (Oade Brothers Audio). These are mods that change the characteristics of the UA5's sound, i.e. "Warm Mod", "Transparent Mod", "Presence Mod".

I thought you could get these things to run off of a 9V...

How much do the wally batteries usually cost?

The Wal-Mart batteries are lithium 9v. New they're in the $60 to $70 range, but you can get them all day here in the YS or eBay for less than half that.

[DMBprez]

Haahha, this shit is so confusing.

[Jhurlbs81]

Haahha, this shit is so confusing.

Learning is half the fun.

[dean]

How much do the wally batteries usually cost?

The Wal-Mart batteries are lithium 9v. New they're in the $60 to $70 range, but you can get them all day here in the YS or eBay for less than half that.

Yep, you'll have no problem picking one up on fleabay for about $30 + shipping.  Wait long enough and you can sometimes knock another $10 off that.  If the deal is good, definitely get two of them and they'll last you a full day at a festival.  Recharge overnight and you're good to go the next day.

[DMBprez]

Can someone link me to an optical cable?  Hopefully a cheaper one...

I can run my XLR into the UA5 directle?  I don't need a converter?

[DMBprez]

Can someonel also link me to the 9v batteries on ebay, because the only ones im finding are upwards $150.

Sorry to be so helpless.

[T.J.]

Can someone link me to an optical cable?  Hopefully a cheaper one...

I can run my XLR into the UA5 directle?  I don't need a converter?

here is a link to the optical cable you will need:
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-TMOC-1
sound professionals used to have a right angle model that would work better, b/c the optical out on the UA-5 is on the back of the unit.

this is the exact 9volt walmart battery i have personally used for the UA-5 for $40
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=375503&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
i have extra cables and connectors from radioshack to connect the UA-5 to the battery. i could sell you for a couple bucks to cover shipping...

[Digital Quality]

B&H says "out of stock" on that, wonder if that's true?

You can also order the battery online from the evil Walmart. Their web page is jacked up but I ordered one and it's a RB-270 which is actually 9v, not 7v like the page sez...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2350787

I also grabbed a few of these toslink-mini converters so I can use the cheaper and more available toslink-toslink optical cables. They work good but if you step on them they break
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&category%5Fname=1000130&product%5Fid=24%2D6570

[T.J.]

B&H says "out of stock" on that, wonder if that's true?

opps i didn't even notice...

[Nick's Picks]

the various modifications all affect the sound of the unit.  all of them improve it from its stock form.
its like putting a new exhaust on your dirtbike....for example.

you will get it

you can run these off of 9v, but not a 9v little square battery like you put in your fire alarms.  that will run it for...10 minutes.  You need 9v w/a lot of juice behind it.  the wallmart batteries, or a nice RC 9.6v pack (1500mAh or higher).

the batteries run around $40 and up.

[Jeebas]

Can someone link me to an optical cable?  Hopefully a cheaper one...

I can run my XLR into the UA5 directle?  I don't need a converter?

Yep

[dean]

I can run my XLR into the UA5 directle?  I don't need a converter?

Not sure if I'm clear what you're asking, but yes, your xlr's will go directly into the front of the UA5, and you'll have separate gain control for each channel.  The Phantom Power button is located to the bottom right of the right channel gain control knob, and you have to press it to activate Phantom Power (and power is only supplied through those frontal inputs).

So, depending on what mics you're running, you'll need to use Phantom power or not.  You shouldn't need a converter unless your mics can't handle the full load from the UA5 Phantom switch.  In this case, you'll run your own converter into those xlr inputs and leave the Phantom switch off.

Make sense?

[DMBprez]

Okay, what cables do I need to go from the UA5 into the battery?

If someone can provide radioshack links that would be awesome!

Thanks again.

[dean]

From the previous page...   

All the advice above is accurate and actionable, but I'll add a thread link here that will show you exactly how to cable the UA5 to a dvd batt.  Since there's a reverse polarity issue with the UA5, it's crucial to get this right, and the linked thread is indispensible in getting that right...
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=20671.0#msg260237

[DMBprez]

Jeez, please exscuse my ignorance.  That one chord is all I need?