Topic: UA5 vs mmp2

[dlantelme]

 I've learned a bit about the UA5 from reading these forums for a few weeks, and have seen how Oade describes their modifications.
 when I went into Sam Ash to see one, they were of course oblivious that people were using them as stand alone preamp/ad converters, or that such modifications were available. Their advice was a Roland mmp2 (mother company of Edirol?), an ac powered standalone preamp/ad converter which they swear has the same specs.the mmp2 is $129.00 so, my questions are:
 are the specs the same? pehaps before the "warm" mod? anyone using a UA5 with the standalone mod without the warm mod?
  is the UA5 smaller? I wasn't able to hold a UA5 in my hands, but there is no way you're gonna crotch that Roland unit.
 does the ac powered Roland present a problem if power is not available-seems all the converters I'm familiar with are ac to dc.
 thanks for your advice
 

[gonads]

ac will be a problem

here's a link to the specs for the mmp2
http://www.rolandus.com/specs_brochures/MMP-2_US.pdf

and here's a link to the specs on the ua5
http://www.edirol.com/products/info/ua5.html

I don't know that you can crotch the ua5 either

[Willie T.]

I remember looking at this when I was shopping around, i think the mmp2 allows control via the usb, not recording via the usb.  The mmp2 has an EQ built in, and has downloadable plugins.

[caymanreview]

i know nothing about the mmp2, but you would not be able to crotch a ua5, just not gonna happen

and roland is the mother company of edirol

ua5 is where its at though, i love my warm mod ua5

[cpclark]

even just looking at the retail fo the two units ua-5=270 mmp2=130, looks like the obvious choice for the better unit is the ua-5 hands down, and i love mine

[pfife]

I love my warm mod UA-5 as well.  but, to get the UA-5 new w/ mods, and then power it in the field, you should anticipate spending nearly $600...

I think it is worth it.

~AP

[dlantelme]

thanks for all the great help.

[zowie]

Never used a UA-5, just a UA-30.

I have used an MMP-2 for a few shows.  Yes, you need AC (or some complex DIY battery concoction).  If you have AC, its fantastic:

Mic pres, phantom power, 24/96 conversion, multiband eq, compressor/limiter, pro connectivity options (but not USB), and good meters all for under $200.

Where else can you get all that?

You also get the modelling features, although I don't really care about them and don't use them.

Build quality is good.

Sound is good.