Topic: Edirol UA-5 or M-Audio Firewire 410?

[kskreider]

Hey folks,

I am still considering USB interfaces for our new laptop. I see that if I can scratch up a little more loot that I can get one of the two listed above.  

It looks like both of these units have pre's, both do 24/96, and both have firewire or usb interfaces.  Anyone know a reason why I should go one way versus the other?  

Anyone have experinces with either and 24/96?  Does it do it reliably?  The UA-5 appears to be a favorite amongst field tapers, but I wonder if that is just because the 410 is a newer product.  

help me...please. :-)

...Kk

[nic]

the UA-5 is usb which can only go up to 24/48 stably...some report they can achieve 24/96(ymmv). 24/96 is stable over firewire(f410)

if your laptop has a 6pin firewire port, it will power the f410, if the laptop only has a 4pin port, then you need a battery or some other power to run the f410.

I believe you need battery power of some sort for the ua-5(unless it pulls 5v or less then you can power it over usb)

[John Kelly]

FWIW, I've never had a problem with 24/96 over usb (using both an emagic emi 2|6 and a UA-5).  However, I'd go with the fw410.  It doesn't feel as "cheap" as the UA-5, and I like the layout much better.  On more than one occasion my big ass fingers hit the phantom power accidentally when adjusting levels on the UA-5, never had that happen on the fw410.

[John Kelly]

Wow, you run both boxes just to get 24/96?

No no, but I have run both boxes.  Still have the emi sitting around...it doesn't do much these days.