If you're only patching for starters, no need for the UA5. NJB3 + Hosa ODL-276 (scarce at the moment) + an RCA barrel splitter should be all you need.
thanks for the feedback! please let me know if this doesnt make any sense. an odl-276 is a format converter, allowing for optical line for jb3. (?) would i still be using the jb3's gain and adc, and eventually need to go external? my goal is to make a purchase that would let me transition from patching to using mics, without having to make too many additional purchases in between. i suppose id ideally like to be able to do some stealth, but honestly in most situations i dont think it would be necessary.
so.... if for time being i went
ua-5>jb3.....i could eventually add mics (im thinking superlux SMK-H8K, studio project c4 or adk sc-t) without making any additional purchases of boxes. and make decent patch recordings in the mean time.
if i went odl-276>jb3....id still be using jb3 for gain and adc. and id need to eventually go external to make decent patch or mic recordings?
assuming the above is true (and i know it may not be!) the ua-5 would be more $ initially, but in long run is less than piecing together multiple boxes, and would allow me to be using external adc and gain from the start. please let me know of other options or things ive got wrong-and again thanks!!!!!!