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Digital/Analog Audio Recorder
A closer look at the Roland UA-30 Audio Canvas
Introduction
The Roland UA-30, as noted in part one of this feature, is a compact, inexpensive (US$230) external USB audio recording and playback interface for Windows or Macintosh computers. The main benefits of the UA-30 are its very good DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and its digital I/O connections. As a USB device, it is suitable for use with almost any USB-capable computer, and is the preferred choice by many users who find less-than-ideal signal-to-noise ratios from their computer's built-in analog inputs.
In this article, we will look at what works and what doesn't, to help you get the most out of this device.
Success Stories
Mac users report good results connecting the Roland UA-30 to various Apple computers, including the Apple G4 Cube, G4 desktop, & Lombard PowerBooks, running Mac OS 9.0.4 (The Roland driver was built in by Apple with that update). Users attempting to connect the UA-30 to older Macs fitted with a USB add-on card, however, have reported problems, even when running Mac OS 9.0.4.
As noted in part one of this feature, PC users may have a few potential snags related to some non-Intel USB controller chipsets. The UA-30 works well, on supported PCs, under USB-capable PCs running Windows 98/98SE, Me and Windows 2000. Roland says the unit supports MMX Pentium 166MHz or faster processors. Users with older PCs can add a PCI-based USB adapter card from Belkin. The UA-30 cannot be used with PCs running Windows 95 or Windows NT.
Some users report audible "clicks" when playing back recordings made with the UA-30 under the initial release of Win98; Win98 Second Edition has improved USB performance that addresses this issue.
Similarly, Roland warns that sound "hopping" might occur on some Macs due to high CPU loads. However, says the company, the noise should not be in the recording itself; it is only found in the playback signal.
Users with Home Theatre systems report good success using the UA-30 as a AD-DA adapter, delivering both inputs and outputs in digital and analog form.
UA-30 Limitations
The UA-30 is limited to one-track-at-a-time recording. You must choose either analog or digital input -- in other words, you can't have both at the same time. There are, however, both flavors of S/PDIF interfaces (optical digital and coax digital) for digital inputs.
The UA-30 provides partial support for SCMS (Serial Copy Management System). When attempting to record an SCMS-protected digital signal, the UA-30 will not record the data, and the audio will be output only from the analog outputs (line output jacks, headphone jack). SCMS is used by consumer-grade Sony MiniDisc devices to stop people from optically copying a CD to MD and then optically making subsequent copies of the MD. SCMS flags are not attached to the digital signals that are output from the UA-30.
Although the UA-30 is not a MIDI device, you can use the UA-30 simultaneously with either the (Roland) UM-2 or UM-4 MIDI interfaces to provide 32 or 64 MIDI channels of I/O.
The UA-30's limited support of Cubase may present a problem for some users. PC users will obtain the best results with the Multimedia ASIO driver supplied by Steinberg.
The UA-30 supports 16-or 20-bit audio. 24-bit recording is not supported. Entering "Suspend mode" causes the UA-30 to stop working. You must disconnect it and reconnect the USB cable to reinitialize communication. In some cases, the UA-30 cannot be used with a bus-powered hub (a USB hub that does not contain a power supply). Use a self-powered hub.
Mac Alternatives
The UA-30 is just one of several products that can be used to record and output analog signals, a capability that recent Macs such as the G4 Cube otherwise lack.
PC Alternatives
If you are just looking for an output adapter for a laptop or other USB-equipped PC with a low quality soundcard, Xitel provides a so-called "Xitel Port," a USB-connected device delivering digital output with levels suitable for connection to home theatre systems, MiniDisc recorders and similar devices. (An AN1 model supports analog output.) Sony offers an adapter based on similar hardware called the PCLK-MN10 USB Linkup.
A better soundcard might a wiser overall solution for some users, though. Although not necessarily suitable for pro musicians, a US$49 SoundBlaster Live Value Edition delivers analog and digital I/O capabilities and four channel surround sound that is adequate for less demanding PC users; Dolby 5.1-capable versions are available, as well.
Note however, that the Roland UA-30 doesn't accept 48kHz in some applications (CakeWalk's Metro Series, TC Works's Spark Series, etc.). Users of these apps must record at 44.1 KHz. SB Live owners expecting to use the digital input to capture the digital signal directly from an audio CD (based on a 44.1KHz clock) will also find that the SB Live's fixed 48KHz clock produces undesirable results and too-fast playback.
EgoSys makes an audio/midi interface for laptops with a Cardbus (32-bit PCMCIA) port. It also has a built-in sampler/synth.
A similar do-it-all product for USB-capable PCs is the Tascam US-428 (about US$500). It, too, has digital ins and outs, and provides a sound card interface with the ability attach a keyboard controller as well. Unlike the UA-30, the UA428 fully supports Cubase functions.
Sound Devices offers a device called USBPre. This inexpensive unit handles A-to-D and D-to-A stereo audio over the USB port.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
Windows:
Notice: This product works with PCs equipped with the following PCI to USB controllers:(*)
- Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
- Intel 82371SB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
- Intel 82801 AA PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
- ALi PCI to USB Open Host Controller
To check the PCI to USB controller in your computer:
- Select Control Panel in the Setting group from the Start menu of Windows®.
- Double-Click the System icon in the control Panel, and click the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog box.
- Double-Click the Universal Serial Bus Controller icon in the Device Manager list.
Macintosh:
MacOS 9.0.4 Apple iMac/iMac DV/iBook/G3/G4 PowerPC series with a USB connector, 233MHz or higher, Apple's USB Audio Driver 1.3.6 or later. (Requires Apple Sound Manager-compatible recording software)
Both PC and Mac systems are subject to potential lockups if the USB cable is connected or disconnected or the recording input switch or sampling rate frequency switches are changed during recording or playback. Simply put: don't do that.
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