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

[DMBprez]

Okay, so I'm definetly going to be buying a UA5 in the near future.  And I have a couple of questions, becuase I have been very limited to what I understand in this crazy ass hobby.   


1. If I were to buy a UA5, just off musiciansfriend.com or something, what's the deal with me having to get it modded?  Who mods it?  How much does it cost?


2. What changes will I have to make (what do I have to buy, get rid of) in order to host this bad boy?

I run... SMK-H8K's->Phantom II-> MIT 176's-> JB3.

3. What the hell is running "optical."

4. What goes where?  Cause I certainly don't see it...

http://www.hispasonic.com/modules/ProdReviews/images/edirolua5.jpg

5. Is this worth it?


Thanks in advance for the help.

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone 

[DMBprez]

6. Is this worth bidding on?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Edirol-UA-5-USB-audio-Interface_W0QQitemZ140127275767QQihZ004QQcategoryZ41784QQcmdZViewItem

[cmoorevt]

UA5 FAQ

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,14389.0.html

[jkbyram]

you would just need some xlr mic cables that go from the mics to the ua5 and an optical cable to go from the ua-5 to the jb3.

[Dutchman1101]

you would just need some xlr mic cables that go from the mics to the ua5 and an optical cable to go from the ua-5 to the jb3.

Toslink to Mini optical cable

[KLowe]

Don't buy the UA-5 and Make an offer on the 671 (in the link above).

You will be happier about the purchase 


FWIW.  I still have my wmod Ua-5 and can't bring myself to let her go just yet.  Good little box.

[DMBprez]

What's the 671?

[DMBprez]

UA5 FAQ

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,14389.0.html

Still confused, I need it dumbed down. 

[SmokinJoe]

Ok... here is an explanation, hopefully it makes sense.

Basic recording set up is (a) mics > (b) phantom power > (c) preamp > (d) analog to digital converter (aka A/D) > (e) storage aka bitbucket.

The UA-5 is a combination mic preamp, and analog-to-digital converter, and it provides phantom power.  Mics go in, and digital signals come out.  The original UA-5 is designed to work with a computer.  Most tapers have it modified to work without the computer.  This "digimod" is relatively simple for someone who knows what they are doing.  Other mods can be done to enhance sound.  I would say the first person to ask about getting a mod would be "Busman2".

the chain goes like this... 
- Mics (with big 3 pin XLR connections) >
- Standard Mic Cables (have female XLR at mics and Male XLR at UA-5) >
- Mod UA-5  >
- Optical cable (about like so: http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/audio_toslink_cables.html#mini )
   with the "square" end going into the UA-5 "optical out" on the back, and the miniplug going into the JB3 >
- JB3 optical in

Somewhere you need a battery for the UA-5.  They run on 9V typically (although I just found out they will take up to 12v no problem).  The standard solution is a "portable DVD player battery" available on Ebay, with a power cord adapter available at Radio Shack.

The UA-5 has a bunch of knobs and switches, and you don't need to mess with most of them.  Just make sure the rate is set to 44.1.  You plug everything in, and turn on the UA-5.  Wait a few seconds. Assuming your mics need phantom power, push the little phantom power button, and it should light up, indicating it is powering the mics.  You adjust the recording sound levels for each mic using the "sens"itivity knobs on the front, and watch the meters on the JB3.  Don't try to adjust volume on the JB3.

When people talk about an "all in one unit", such as the Marantz PMD-671, it has the phantom power, preamp, A/D, and storage built in.  Good ones are fairly expensive.  Currently you are using the JB3 as a preamp, A/D, and storage "all in one unit", but it costs about 1/4 as much as the Marantz, and to some extent you get what you pay for.  The JB3 is great as a storage device, but the UA-5 should be a significant improvement as a preamp and A/D.  You won't need the Phantom II or mit176 any more.  Those are basically built into the UA-5.

Good luck.

<edited: I believe twatts is correct, Hi-Z/Lo-Z button won't matter for XLRs, so I deleted that comment>

[DMBprez]

Thank you Joe

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

I loved my UA5...  I miss it sometimes...  I upgraded from a WMod+ > JB3 to a HD-P2...

Anyways, if I remember correctly, the HiZ/LoZ only affected the 1/4"TRS inputs... 

As for the Digi-Mod, Oade brothers used to perform mods on units only bought from them.  BusMan will do mods on units bought from other sources.  There are also several FAQs if you want to do the mod yourself. 

But no matter what you do, you'll have to do the digi-mod in order for the UA5 to work without a computer (USB required for unmoded UA5s).

Terry

[Jeebas]

6. Is this worth bidding on?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Edirol-UA-5-USB-audio-Interface_W0QQitemZ140127275767QQihZ004QQcategoryZ41784QQcmdZViewItem

I would be wary of that... Buy one from someone in YS.. Your really not gonna find one for under $200.. And even if you did, expect to pay $$$ or spend time learning how to do the digi-mod yourself. If ya can't drop around $300, then just wait til you can. If the rig ya have now works, then just use that.

I got my UA-5 (already digi-modded), batt for UA-5, JB3, external Batt for JB3, and all the necessary cords (power, batt power, optical) for $250 but that was a steal... Just check the YS everyday -- soon you will whether you need to buy anything or not.... 

[anodyne33]

The digimod is easy to do yourself with an xacto knife and a soldering iron. If you can't or don't feel comfortable doing it you can always ask your favorite electronics tinkerer to do it for you. Should take about 20 minutes.

[dean]

There are any number of people on this board who will do the digimod for you at very low cost.  Eventually you'll likely want the Busman mod.  But one way to avoid all that is to wait for a modded UA5 to come up in the Yard Sale.  Save your dough, they're well worth it.

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

Also, make sure you check out the Team UA5 threads.  There's a lot of pages, but a TON of information, including busman's description of his mod and what he thinks the Oade mods are all about...

[DMBprez]

What is the difference between the Busman and the other mods?

I don't get it.

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

How much do the wally batteries usually cost?

[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?

[cmoorevt]

One cord, two adaptaplugs.  All available at Radio Shack.   Be sure to see the pics in the second to last post on Page 1 from deanlambrecht's link to make sure you get the polarity correct.

[dean]

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

To connect your battery to your UA5?  Yep!   

[DMBprez]

I need to have the 48V Phantom power button on when recording with the battery, correct?

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

No.  Always on when running mics.  No when running a board.  Battery has nothing to do with 48v phantom power.  That's assuming you run mics that run on Phantom power.

[DMBprez]

So I DO NEED to have the 48V on?

I guess Im confused.

[dean]

I need to have the 48V Phantom power button on when recording with the battery, correct?

Tapermark's not entirely accurate here^.  That's entirely dependent upon your mics.  If they need phantom, turn the switch on.  If not, leave it off (and be careful not to hit said switch).

The battery you're using to power your UA5 and the phantom switch are entirely independent from each other.  Phantom power's only function is to power microphones that, a. need it, and b. can handle the voltage. 

For instance, my MBHOs produce no signal whatsoever without phantom power.  The Nak300's in my possession (they don't belong to me) have their own batteries right in them.  If I hit the phantom power switch while using them, I'll fry the mics.  And my AT831's require a much lower power supply, so they'd also fry if I used phantom on them.  (NOTE:  when I say they'll fry, I don't mean that if you accidentally hit phantom that you've fried the mics, but if you hit it and leave it on for any significant amount of time, you can wreck 'em).

Bottom line, again, phantom is independent of the battery you use to power the UA5.  It can be used to power mics that accept phantom power.  The only impact it will have on your dvd batt is to reduce its operating time IF you're using phantom power for your mics (obviously).  If it's a new, 9v dvd batt you can get as much as 5 hours operating time WITH the phantom switch on.  I've never run it that long without switching dvd batts, though.  YMMV, naturally.

Make sense?  I'm kind of tired and not sure if I'm being very clear or not...   

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

If you are plugging in a pair of mics into the front, yes you turn on phantom power.  If you are running a soundboard>UA5 then you don't need phantom power.  In fact turning it on when plugged into a soundboard can do bad things.  Avoid it.  What mics are you running?


And Dean I'm assuming his mics need phantom.  Hopefully he'll post what mics he's running.

[DMBprez]

SMKH8K's

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

then my post was correct.  Mics yes.  Board no.

[dean]

If you are plugging in a pair of mics into the front, yes you turn on phantom power.  If you are running a soundboard>UA5 then you don't need phantom power.  In fact turning it on when plugged into a soundboard can do bad things.  Avoid it.  What mics are you running?


And Dean I'm assuming his mics need phantom.  Hopefully he'll post what mics he's running.

Yep, I just don't want to make a blanket statement that you need phantom on whenever you plug mics into the xlr inputs.  That's entirely dependent on the mics.  Since dmbprez may not always use his mics, or may switch 'em up, I sure didn't want him thinking he always had to have phantom power running.

That's all...

[livin_grateful]

Buy a V2 or V3