The device offers direct monitoring, a very nice feature. Also, it allows a digital output to input bridge, allowing rewiring sounds into teh UA-25 without leaving the digital domain. It has two decent pre-amps, with phantom power on one and Hi-Z on the other. Less enticing is the fact that it cannot cope with 96 kHz play and record at once. To use 96 KHz, you have to flip a switch between playback and record, and -to make things worse- you have to unplug and reconnect the USB plug everytime you flip that play/rec switch. But the worse of all is that on my PC, everytime I disconnect the UA-25 and replug it in, my PC reports a new USB device, and apparently forgets where the driver is, forcing me to reinstall. A serious drawback, that has made me live with 48 kHz. If you are happy with 44.1 or 48 kHz, this isn't a big deal though.

Price paid: € 230

UTILIZATION

The interface is child easy. You have two inputs with sense potmeters, a Hi-Z and Phantom switch, digital in toggle, and direct monitor switch. It's all there, and easy to use.

GETTING STARTED

A sturdy aluminium case, that can take some abuse. The buttons are long and thin, I would have preferred short and stubby. Overall it's just fine.

OVERALL OPINION

This budget interface delivers a very clear sound, with no audible noise unless you really crank it all the way up. As far as I can tell, it lives up to expectations.

Except for the fact that it has this driver issue, I am totally happy with it. Looks good, red and blue led, rounded corners, I like it a lot. It is in use every single day.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Pruneau ( 8-, 2005)