UA-25EX...no line inputs, no external preamp?

jtnavia


I have the UA-25EX by Edirol, not Cakewalk but they're probably the same thing.  I noticed there are no line inputs on this device, and that's where an external preamp would normally be plugged into.  If I plug an external preamp into the two inputs of the UA-25EX, will the sound be colored compared to plugging it into a regular line input, even if the sensitivity was set to noon, the hi-z switch was turned off, and I used TRS cables instead of XLR?  Is so, is there a way to get an external preamp to plug into this device without getting a colored sound out of the UA-25EX?

All preamps "color" sound. Some are more transparent than others. The whole point of a preamp is to color the sound either in volume, tube warmth, EQ, etc.. What ever you feed the the UA-25EX, it will pass it. XLR and TRS are the same in connections. Tip, Ring, Sleeve or Pin 1,2,3. XLR to TRS cables are common. The two inputs should handle the line outs on preamp just fine. 

jtnavia


I noticed there are no line inputs on this device, and that's where an external preamp would normally be plugged into. 

Actually there are line level inputs for the UA-25EX (if it is the same as the earlier UA-25 which I have - it certainly seems so from the spec).
 
The two inputs on the front are neutrik combijacks and only the XLR inputs go to the mic preamps. The standard jack input is at line level
 
From the Roland website
 
XLR type: -60 to -20 dBu
1/4 inch TRS phone type: -36 to +4 dBu
 
 
Phil

jtnavia


Oh that's good.  What should I set the two knobs to in that case?  If I turn them both all the way up, will they be line level (+4dBu)?  Will I get noise coming from the UA-25EX if they are turned up all the way?

 
You will usually get some self generated noise if you have the gain on any interface at maximum and I think that you are really asking whether the input gain would be unity (i.e. 0) if the knobs at at full (remember that +4dBu is actually a voltage so the actual input level received by the UA-25EX is set by whatever is connected to the input). I am sure that I had seen in the manual for the UA-25 that there is +6dB of gain when the knob is at maximum but I cannot comment for the UA-25EX.
 
My personal view is that you should set levels by ear and meter readings. There is quite a good description of why the whole concept of unity gain isn't as straightforward as it may appear at this link.
 
http://www.rane.com/note124.html
 
I love the last bit in the above link

Besides, the unity gain mark/detent is only a reference point. The whole reason manufacturers give you level controls, is to allow setting the gain you need for your system. If it were important for them to remain at unity, they would not be there. They are yours. You paid for them. Use them.”

Phil