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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: markgarrigan on July 12, 2004, 03:27:39 PM

Title: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: markgarrigan on July 12, 2004, 03:27:39 PM
Just wondering what the difference in sound quality is when recording into the JB3 analog and digital.  (I can't make that sentence make sense, but i'm sure you all understand)

Hissing sounds, Levels, lows, mids, highs??

What is the best brand/type of analog cable to use going from UA5>JB3? In your opinion.

Thanks...
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Brian Skalinder on July 12, 2004, 03:41:58 PM
The UA5s ADC is superior to the JB3s, though I haven't run a direct comparison so can't speak to all the specifics (my memory isn't all that great, else I'd do it based on anecdotal experience).  No need to run UA5 analog out > JB3, stick with UA5 digital out > JB3.

To run the UA5 digi-out to the JB3, you need an optical cable.
To run the UA5 analog-out to the JB3, you need a dual RCA > stereo mini cable.
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: markgarrigan on July 12, 2004, 03:43:58 PM
would i also need a DigiMod UA5 to run it digital out UA5>JB3
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Brian Skalinder on July 12, 2004, 03:49:59 PM
would i also need a DigiMod UA5 to run it digital out UA5>JB3

Ah, yes...this is true.  If you didn't pick up your UA5 from the Oade Bros original, have no fear - several TS members have performed this modification themselves.  If you're leary of doing it yourself, any competent electronics service shop should be able to do it for you.  Doug *may* have even posted on his forum instructions (of a sort) for doing the digi-mod non-destructively (i.e. no need to cut the trace board per the current DIY instructions).
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Fryhoffer on July 12, 2004, 04:18:51 PM
I love my d-modded UA-5!  I like setting levels only at the UA-5, and having a clean digital signal helps me sleep better at night.  I never ran it analog, though, so unfortunately I can't really lend a comparison.  If you've got the balls, go for the d-mod... or just send it to Doug and he'll hook you up.
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: markgarrigan on July 12, 2004, 04:21:15 PM
yeah...i definetly want to mod the UA5 to be digital......i'll have to look into my options..
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: mirth on July 12, 2004, 05:52:52 PM
Since when did Doug start modding UA-5's not purchased from him?
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Fryhoffer on July 12, 2004, 06:16:40 PM
Hmm... I thought you could send one in and they'd mod it for a fee... I didn't think it had to be originally bought from Oade.  I could be wrong, though, I just know it can be done after-the-fact on a stock UA-5.
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: InfiniteOhms on July 12, 2004, 06:44:35 PM
i am equiped to do a comp ... infact i think i will as there is a show at my house on the 19th (so i'll be able to run AC no problem  ;D).
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Brian Skalinder on July 12, 2004, 07:33:58 PM
Unless their policy has changed - and I don't believe it has - the Oade Bros only mod units purchased directly from them.
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Fryhoffer on July 12, 2004, 07:41:02 PM
Okay, good to know... sorry if I confused anyone.
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: super-phat-al on July 12, 2004, 09:36:19 PM
i am equiped to do a comp ... infact i think i will as there is a show at my house on the 19th (so i'll be able to run AC no problem  ;D).
who is playing at your house?
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: BobW on July 12, 2004, 09:40:42 PM
Unless their policy has changed - and I don't believe it has - the Oade Bros only mod units purchased directly from them.

This is fact.
He also guarantees the work, so he uses his own stock.........
Not unreasonable for a professional.
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: markgarrigan on July 12, 2004, 10:34:50 PM
soooo is it useless to run...

mics > UA5 (analog out) > JB3

i thought that the UA5 would be good for the gain and the phantom power
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Brian Skalinder on July 12, 2004, 11:40:17 PM
soooo is it useless to run...

mics > UA5 (analog out) > JB3

i thought that the UA5 would be good for the gain and the phantom power

Useless?  No.  Optimal?  No.  Functional?  Yes.
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: markgarrigan on July 13, 2004, 12:00:26 AM
Useless?  No.  Optimal?  No.  Functional?  Yes.

I had a feeling that was the case.  So can someone point me in the right direction for the right digital cable to connect the UA5>JB3

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Fryhoffer on July 13, 2004, 12:02:38 AM
You'll need toslink > mini-toslink... something like http://www.cablesamerica.com/product.asp?cat%5Fid=6003&sku=27015
Title: Re: Analog vs. Digital UA5>JB3
Post by: Brian Skalinder on July 13, 2004, 12:36:34 AM
So can someone point me in the right direction for the right digital cable to connect the UA5>JB3

Ahem.  :P  Check the Archival Info forum for a thread on optical cables.