Topic: Just to make sure I have this right... (ua-5, m-1)

[ChoobieWoobie]

Okay, i'm going to purchase a Edirol UA-5.  From what I understand:

I need...
to mod it for standalone use.
a 7-pin cable (POC-DA12P)
the nifty Wal-Mart porta-battery
the Radioshack power connector

I've done a bit of searching and the lowest price I turned up the UA-5 for $245.00 (http://store.digiaudio.net/ediua50.html)
I turned up the 7-pin for $84.95 (http://www.proaudiodesign.com)

Just so I can get some reassurance...does the 7-pin that i'm looking at provide the proper S/PDIF voltage levels?  I've heard conflicting reports stating that the grey tipped one provides 3.5v (m-1 voltage) whereas the black tip provides higher voltage (5v?).  The only reason i'd have to get something like the m-audio c02 would be if I didn't get an active cable, am I right?

Next question:  If I wanted to do a digital transfer to my computer, I would have to run the m-1 to the edirol digi in, then run a regular coax out of the edirol into my sound card, right?

Also, if anyone knows where I can get the UA-5 and the 7-pin cheaper, let me know!

Thanks to all for reading this, and extra thanks for those who help out!

-Jim

[John Kelly]

FYI, the UA-5 should not be used for computer transfers.  It resamples anything coming through its digital input.

[ChoobieWoobie]

FYI, the UA-5 should not be used for computer transfers.  It resamples anything coming through its digital input.

What if I taped the show @44.1 and no resampling would be needed?

[Brian Skalinder]

to mod it for standalone use.

Yes.  The Oade Bros at one time ran a $295 deal for a digi-modded UA5 - might be worth the extra $50 to not have to do it yourself and ensure you can go back to Oade for the preamp upgrades later if you so choose.  Not sure what Oade's charging these days, but may be worth checking out.

a 7-pin cable (POC-DA12P)

Maybe.  A 7-pin coax cable - like the Oade Bros or ProDigital active cables - is a better bet if you're using an M1, they're generally sturdier, though the POC-DA12P optical cable will work as well.

the nifty Wal-Mart porta-battery

That's a fine UA5 powering option.

the Radioshack power connector

Yup.

Just so I can get some reassurance...does the 7-pin that i'm looking at provide the proper S/PDIF voltage levels?  I've heard conflicting reports stating that the grey tipped one provides 3.5v (m-1 voltage) whereas the black tip provides higher voltage (5v?).  The only reason i'd have to get something like the m-audio c02 would be if I didn't get an active cable, am I right?

The C02 is a digital format converter, converting coax S/PDIF to optical and vice versa.  You shouldn't need this at all with your setup.

Next question:  If I wanted to do a digital transfer to my computer, I would have to run the m-1 to the edirol digi in, then run a regular coax out of the edirol into my sound card, right?

Nah.  If you get a 7-pin coax active cable, you can run your M1 > 7-pin/coax > soundcard without the UA5 in the chain.  Another reason to skip the optical 7-pin.

Also, if anyone knows where I can get the UA-5 and the 7-pin cheaper, let me know!

Maybe used?  Keep your eyes open.

What if I taped the show @44.1 and no resampling would be needed?

The UA5 resamples the digital input regardless of your recording's bit-depth and sample rate.

[Mojowill]

I think a digimod from Oades is around 250/275. 

[mirth]

$295, per their site, although it doesn't say if its been d-modded or not.

[neumannkid]

a mod UA-5 from Oade bros is 295. Well worth it becuase you can do more upgrades later.