t, is the -10db pads still on? maybe thats why the gain is turned up so high?

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I don't own one either, so I may be completely wrong here.  However, a good project has foresight, and Grace has one.  As far as I know, the 316 was the first production unit, which turned into the v2 ->v3.  However, I have mid 80's GD tapes with a grace p/s in the lineage.  So, this thing has been in the works for a long time...  and I would assume there are other incarnations in the future.  Hopefully, Mike Grace is doing well and will continue to present us with solid gear and affordable costs.

I agree with the R&D comments. I think something has to be said about overall craftsmanship. IMO, the V3 is by far, a better crafted product. The materials, connectors are much more solid. If you compare the costs of producing such products, you have to look at the size of these companies. I'm not sure how large one is as compared to the other so the production costs could vary. Methods of production can greatly effect the production costs as well. I imagine Grace Designs isn't pumping these boxes out nearly as fast as Roland/Edirol and my assumption is that grace designs takes a little more of a hand-crafted approach. It certainly appears so on the surface. Little design flaws on the ua-5 make a big difference to me in my opinions on craftsmanship. The phantom button is a button for starters and it is located practically on top of the right channel gain knob.....whereby, someone can easily turn off phantom while simply adjusting gain. The gain knobs are too close to the xlr in's as well. you have to hold your fingers in a crab-like pinching motion to get in there. The v3's gain knobs are smooth as silk and easy to get to. Althought they have the 5db stepped gain which can be undesireable to some....but not an issue for me. The power switch on the v3 is a switch...not a button that can be turned off easily if you are fiddling around through the bag a little carelessly. Too many plastic or plastic-like connections and materials on the UA-5 for my tastes. But those lesser materials lower production costs and make production faster. Good design and Good craftsmanship mean a great deal to me but i bought this box because it was a great sounding, affordable solution to my problem.