How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55?

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optimus
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2013/04/18 04:23:04 (permalink)

How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55?

I originally posted in the interface forum but there doesn't seem to be much activity there, so I'm giving this forum a try.
 
I own a Quad Capture UA55. While its called a "quad" it will only record two analogue inputs simultaneously. I understand that to utilize the "quad" ability you need to input an additional two digital signals.
 
How is this done?

Where do I find a digital signal?

Would taking the digital output from a second UA55 to the digital input of the first UA55 allow me to record four inputs simultaneously?

I have looked on the Roland website but can find no clues, so I hope someone here can help.

Thanks and cheers

Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Roland Octacapture, Windows 7, i5 processor, 8 Gb RAM, X_Touch
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    tomixornot
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 06:21:13 (permalink)

    Albert


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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 08:02:28 (permalink)


    The extra "coaxial" digital connection is for hooking up the Roland Karaoke machine.

    Good clean fun.




    The ROLAND manual refers to the connection as "coaxial" but it is probably a SPDIF connection using common RCA (coaxial) connectors.

    You can start by assuming that it's just a SPDIF and see what works with it.

    Some SPDIF devices have strange and arcane copy protection schemes... hopefully you'll just plug something in and it will work well.

    If it doesn't you'll want to track down ROLAND service and ask them why they don't provide better specs that describe that connection.

    update: at the end of the manual I found this "COAXIAL: conforms to IEC60958"

    So if you go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:IEC_60958

    You see that the unbalanced connection for this is referred to as SPDIF.


    best regards,
    mike


    #3
    tomixornot
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 09:09:42 (permalink)
    I bought the Quad thinking it's 4-ins.. and like the OP.. wondering about the other 2 ins at first.

    I've just bought the RCA coaxial cable (coaxial with an RCA plug insert) but have not test it yet (my Alesis multimix comes with coaxial in/out).
    At least my older Phonic Firefly 302 model describe what it is.."3 ins (2 phono + 1 mic, 2 outs) and there is a SPDIF in/out too.


    Albert


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    #4
    optimus
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 09:47:02 (permalink)
    Hmmm....... all seems rather pointless. Going to the expense of adding SPDIF if only to be used for karaoke or pluging ina CD player.

    I have now asked Roland, but as yet no reply.

    Tomixornot, have you tried the coax out of your Alesis multimix or Phonic Firefly to the coax in on the Quad capture? Or the other way round?

    Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Roland Octacapture, Windows 7, i5 processor, 8 Gb RAM, X_Touch
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    optimus
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 10:02:54 (permalink)
    Just had a reply from Roland

    "You are correct in that you will need a digital source in order to record your 3rd and 4th channel.

    There are many products that have digital outputs such as our TD-30 v-drums module, Octacapture, M-10MX mixer and many other 3rd party products.

    there are also products that can convert an analogue input to a digital SPDIF output such as the picture below available fairly cheap from your local electronics store or ebay."

    So maybe connecting two Quads or other interface with SPDIF out may work.

    Tomixornot, perhaps this is something you can try.


    Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Roland Octacapture, Windows 7, i5 processor, 8 Gb RAM, X_Touch
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    tomixornot
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 10:06:15 (permalink)
    I've got the coaxial/RCA for the purpose of trying out, but I'm in the middle of something and not going to upset the current setup.

    I shall give it a go once I've got more time and post back to this thread.

    Albert


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    optimus
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 10:25:04 (permalink)
    Tomixornot, I would be very interested in the outcome.

    I know I can get more inputs from an Octacapture or some other brand with multiple inputs, but because cash is tight, I'd like to explore the cheaper route first.

    Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Roland Octacapture, Windows 7, i5 processor, 8 Gb RAM, X_Touch
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    tomixornot
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 10:44:58 (permalink)

    I'm expecting the Alesis multimix SPDIF out to send it's total mix as stereo out to the SPDIF, that's what it said on the manual.


    Hopefully I'll have some time over the weekend.


    Cheers!

    Albert


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    #9
    AT
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 11:41:34 (permalink)
    Optimus,

    it is always a little funky how companies "count" ins/outs.  The Spdif is a digital standard for transfering info, as is AES and ADAT.  As you see from above, you need another piece of hardware w/ analog to digital convertors and Spdif connections to make full use of the quad.  What to buy is dependent upon your needs.  If you just want to record another 2 tracks there are a number of products out there that do AD over Spdif.  Look at one of the major retailer to get an idea of what is available.  I'm not sure what is at the low end of the scale.  Another cheap interface might work, if it remembers the settings from the last powerdown. 

    Good luck.

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    Cactus Music
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 12:24:03 (permalink)
    There's not much you can plug in other than a digital mixer. 
    Whats the point of a CD when you can copy the wave files directly off the disk drive. 
    I use mine for the Yamaha 01V. 
    One small problem is that your device needs to support the clock rate of your DAW. I am stuck with 44.1 because the 25 year old Yamaha has only that clock rate supported. 


    You could daisy chain any brand of interface using the SPDIF as the second one would only be functioning as a A/D converter. Basically any device with SPDIF output that has analog inputs can be used as a A/D converter. I know some guys would use there old DAT recorders this way. Had to be in record standby which is probably hard on the machine. 

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    Cactus Music
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 12:35:20 (permalink)
    And yes they always seem to count the SPDIF as a in/out in the features. 

    Example my Tascam is called a 16 channel interface but only has 14 analog inputs. So they count the SPDIF as 2 more. Hey why not count the MIDI port too. I certainly do when recording my bands keyboard player that way. 

    An interesting note to this topic was the Fast Track Pro has 4 analog outputs plus the SPDIF out, but you had to swap 3/4 over to the SPDIF. You couldn't use both, so only ever 4 outs.  The Tascam is not like that , you can use both 3/4 and the SPDIF so all 6 outs. 

    Another quirk is most interfaces won't have the SPDIF in the headphones or input monitoring. The reason is an additional D/A would be involved to listen. 

    Johnny V  
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    #12
    optimus
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 20:40:08 (permalink)
    I've just had a further reply from Roland directly addressing the question of tying two Quads together.

    "Unfortunately the Quad capture will not work as it does have a standalone mode and needs to be plugged into your computer running off of the driver in order to function."

    Well, what's the point? I can only use 1/2 or 3/4 with a suitable input. Not both together. As we say in this part of the world, "it's like having tits on a bull".

    So it looks like the only way to get additional inputs that record simultaneously is to buy a unit that clearly states that it is capable of doing so.



    Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Roland Octacapture, Windows 7, i5 processor, 8 Gb RAM, X_Touch
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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/18 21:15:35 (permalink)

    I'll never understand why/how a company will emphasize features that turn in to gotchas without anticipating how the practice will be regarded as a turn off to customers.

    You may be able to find a cheap mini mixer console with a SPDIF output for less than $100.

    That could give you a nice little "expansion bay".


    Good luck.

    best regards,
    mike





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    SvenArne
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/19 01:52:19 (permalink)
    Cactus Music


    There's not much you can plug in other than a digital mixer. 
     
    I've used my Audient Mico for a long time sending coax S/PDIF into my old Focusrite (I'm now using it TOSlinked into my Babyface). Works great, but is possibly more money than the OP's looking to spend.
    post edited by SvenArne - 2013/04/19 01:53:25





    #15
    tomixornot
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/22 11:28:57 (permalink)

    I ran a simple test.

    Correction : The Alesis multimix only has SPDIF out, no in.

    I connect the coaxial / RCA cable from the Alesis SPDIF out to my Quad Capture SPDIF in. I feed the Alesis with 2 tracks audio (left/right).

    The Quad Capture line out is removed for the test - and I monitor via the headphones. At first I did not get any signal from the Quad's SPDIF in.

    I have to start Sonar->Preference->Device and check the Quad Capture's input/output 3 and 4.

    After that the Quad works fine, picking up the audio signal via it's SPDIF in. One thing to note is that input volume depends on the Alesis main mix level.

    I've also reboot my system and the Quad's SPDIF continues to pickup the signal without having to do further setting on it's driver.

    Also, I've been running all my audio at 44100 sampling rate, 24 bit. And the Alesis is running stand alone (not connected via firewire).

    So, the Quad is now operating with all 4 ins.

    Albert


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    fireberd
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/22 13:30:25 (permalink)
    I would return the unit, if you can. 

    They do this all the time, even the Focusrite Saffir Pro 40 i had listed more inputs than the 8 (analog) inputs that it had. 

    I have an Octa-Capture and it does have 8 analog inputs.

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    dstrenz
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/26 07:58:45 (permalink)
    EDIT: Never mind, wrong thread
    post edited by dstrenz - 2013/04/26 08:03:45

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    #18
    optimus
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/30 10:29:46 (permalink)
    Well I have purchased a cheap AD converter I found on Ebay and did as Tomixornot has done. I have taken the output of a small mixing desk to the analogue input of the AD converter and then plugged the SPDIF output into the input SPDIF of the Quad Capture, and it works.

    I had to change the settings of the Quad Capture interface software to 3/4 and the same in The SONAR preferences. The only problem now is I've picked up some noise.

    I'm not sure whether the noise is coming from the mixer or the AD converter. The mixer is a Behringer, but I suspect the AD converter is the main culprit as it only cost $14 from Hong Kong.

    I know now that I can record four simultaneous tracks if need.

    Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Roland Octacapture, Windows 7, i5 processor, 8 Gb RAM, X_Touch
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    Cactus Music
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/04/30 20:42:29 (permalink)
    You might as well used the 1/8" input jack on your on board sound card as to think that a $14 A/D converter would be a piece of real studio kit. 
    You just wasted $14. 

    Johnny V  
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    pghboemike
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    Re:How do I get "quad" output from a Quad Capture UA55? 2013/05/17 15:18:09 (permalink)
    this is working for me 
    Analog Stereo RCA to Digital Optical SPDIF Coax Audio Converter Adapter
    and allows me to record the audio the my wk-7500 stereo out so i can capture its midi performance in audio



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