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Topic: Replacement for UA-1EX (Read 4086 times) previous topic - next topic
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Replacement for UA-1EX

I have an Edirol UA-1EX that I have been using for many years with no issues. Unfortunately I only realised after upgrading to Windows 10 that Roland do not support the device in this OS. I got playback to work after hacking the INF file, but the mic input sounds totally broken (haven't tried line-in). I'm having a hard time trying to find an equivalent replacement. Roland replaced it in their lineup with the Cakewalk UA-1G but it's long out of production.

What I'm looking for is basically this:
  • Portable USB interface
  • Headphone output with physical volume control
  • Stereo line-out (maybe S/PDIF out too)
  • Stereo line-in (preferably RCA)
  • Mono mic input (not needed at the same time as line-in) with physical gain control
  • Windows 10 drivers


The closest thing I've found is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, which is within my budget but the XLR and 1/4" inputs are somewhat of a nuisance to me since my stuff is all unbalanced 3.5mm or RCA (though obviously I can work around this). Also, having two separate gain controls could be annoying for stereo recording (a lot of what I record is from tape or VHS).

Is there any similar device worth considering? I think 24/96 (or higher) sampling would be nice to have, but probably doesn't matter much with most of the garbage sources I work with for recording.

I find the inputs too noisy on the onboard audio (Realtek ALC892) on my desktop, and both the inputs and outputs on my laptop are abysmal (Dell E6410 with constant insufferable coil whine).

Replacement for UA-1EX

Reply #1 –
Quote
The closest thing I've found is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, which is within my budget but the XLR and 1/4" inputs are somewhat of a nuisance to me since my stuff is all unbalanced 3.5mm or RCA (though obviously I can work around this).
There are lots of audio interfaces and most will have either XLR or 1/4", or "Neutrik" combo XLR-1/4" connectors.  It's also common to find switchable mic/line inputs.

Although they are balanced inputs, you can use an unbalanced connection. The easiest way to do that is to use a TS (2-conductor) plug instead of a TRS (3-conductor) plug. If you've got RCA connectors, this kind of adapter works great.

Behringer makes inexpensive interfaces with RCA inputs, but the ones I'm familiar with don't have a mic input.

These "pro" interfaces won't work with a "computer mic".  They are designed to work with low-impedance balanced studio or stage mics.  They'll usually provide 48V phantom power for a studio condenser mic, but they won't work with computer computer condenser mics, which expect 5V from the soundcard.

Another option might be a small USB mixer.  You might find a mixer with RCA inputs.  But again, a mixer won't work with computer mics.  The main difference between a mixer an interface is that it has a mixed analog output, and you can't record in multitrack.  (Of course, with a 2-input interface you only get stereo so can't multitrack either.)

Replacement for UA-1EX

Reply #2 –
A good option would probably the Lexicon Alpha. It's really cheap and pretty good. I haven't tried it with Windows 10 unfortunately, but according to some reviews I found it should work.
Music: sounds arranged such that they construct feelings.

Replacement for UA-1EX

Reply #3 –
Quote from: DVDdoug on
Behringer makes inexpensive interfaces with RCA inputs, but the ones I'm familiar with don't have a mic input.

Yes I noticed these, they're quite similar in design to the UA-1EX but unfortunately couldn't see any option with mic inputs. I know I can use unbalanced connections with something like the Scarlett 2i2, it's just somewhat less convenient that I'd need adaptors for everything that I currently use.

Quote
These "pro" interfaces won't work with a "computer mic".  They are designed to work with low-impedance balanced studio or stage mics.  They'll usually provide 48V phantom power for a studio condenser mic, but they won't work with computer computer condenser mics, which expect 5V from the soundcard.

Sorry I should have said what mic I use - I have a Rode VideoMic, which is battery-powered and doesn't require "plug-in power". It has a 3.5mm jack because it's mainly designed for consumer-grade video cameras, but should work with an XLR adaptor (Rode list the adaptor as a compatible accessory).

Quote from: ktf on
A good option would probably the Lexicon Alpha. It's really cheap and pretty good. I haven't tried it with Windows 10 unfortunately, but according to some reviews I found it should work.

Thanks but the manufacturers don't seem to claim they support it in Windows 10, and I'm concerned it's quite an old product (circa 2007?) and don't want to end up in the same boat as the UA-1EX with my next OS upgrade if they decide to stop supporting it completely.

Replacement for UA-1EX

Reply #4 –
Bit more expensive but this MOTU Microbook ticks all your boxes (with the minor addition of the aforementioned TS adaptors).

MOTU Microbook

Personally I think the software it comes with (Cuemix in particular) makes it worth the difference in price but everyones budget is different. So maybe if you want to spend less than on the Focusrite look at something from Berhinger. Perhaps the iStudio IS202?
 

Replacement for UA-1EX

Reply #5 –
The Motu Microbook is over double the price of the 2i2, and well out of my budget. It doesn't really do much more that would be useful for me (can't really see myself using that software). And the Behringer iStudio IS202 looks like it's primarily an iPad dock? I don't have an iPad and I'm not looking for a mixer, so it's not really what I'm looking for. I think the Scarlett 2i2 would be ideal considering the alternatives - it's the kind of form factor I'm looking for (something I can put on top of my PC underneath the desk and access easily) and I can get over the non-consumer grade connections.

Anyone have experience with Focusrite products in general?