All user reviews for the Roland UA-1010 Octa-Capture

i bought this device after used the M-audio FW410 during some years with my old G5 model.
And for only one reason, M-audio has stopped the production of driver for this model.
So Now, i use the octa capture and i am really enjoy about the results.
Except an Only one Bug which appeared today.

When you use Logic Pro X, while you open the control panel of the Octa Capture, you will see a big bug on the display of midi events in Logic.

see this link if you need more details
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/676466

So finally, it is a very good material for a modest home studio

8 inputs with preamp, USB connection, compact design. Possibility to output 4 different mixes via the 4 outputs and possibility to connect 2 together to have 16 inputs in total. I had a 2-input card before, so I wanted to go to the next level to be able to record demos of my band track-by-track or live. I wanted a soundcard that was easy to take with me on a backpack from my place to the rehearsal room.
I use a laptop PC (core 2 duo 2GHz, 4G ram and 7200rpm HDD) running Vista. That's why I wanted USB.


USE

The drivers are very stable, I have never had a crash with Cubase. As for the latency, I get 8ms at the input and 14ms at the output with a medium-sized buffer.

I've recorded up to 13 tracks (with a 2nd octa-capture as an extension) at 24bits 44.1 and I have played back up to 30 tracks, I think. I have never tried it with more.
Sometimes, when I'm working on a project with lots of plug-ins I've been forced to increase the buffer to avoid crackles. But my computer is no performance beast.

Regarding the preamps, there's not much to say, they do their job. They sometimes sound a bit "stiff" with some mics, but they have the virtue of being neutral.


OPERATION

Easy and fast installation. I haven't noticed any incompatibilities.
The manual is useful and clear enough on certain points, especially when it comes to connect two octa-captures, the different routing possibilities, etc.

It's easy to set up, you plug in, adjust the gain or use Auto-sens (automatic gain adjustment) and that's it. Also note the built-in (digital) compressor and the possibility to insert a reverb in the headphone out, for the singer, for example.


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for 3 years and have no intention of replacing it. I actually might get a second one.
The pros: Well-built, compact for 8 mic inputs, easy to use, it has very practical stuff, like when everything starts flickering when it's distorting, making it impossible to miss it. The soundcard knows how to make you forget about it, which is much appreciated.

The cons: I could quibble about 2-3 details...but nothing's really worth it, in my opinion, at least for what I use it for.

Having already had many quality soundcards, I hesitated between this one and an RME Fireface, which I compared it to.
I have a computer music setup, no mixer, and use a hackintosh (I7 3.5GHz + 32Gb ram, OSX 10.6.8) with Logic pro 9.
I record guitars and vocals mainly.
I chose the octa-capture due to its price and, especially, because it features 8 quality preamps, which allows me to also use it to play with my friends without having to add a mixer.

USE

It will soon be 4 years since I've been using it and I have never had the slightest issue.
Given that, I think I made the right decision.
Stable driver, I haven't measured the latency, I work with 128 samples under Logic.


OPERATION

To be honest, it's so transparent that I have forgotten I have a soundcard.
Even the compressor included is transparent. I leave the default settings for every take, there's no need for more. The auto-gain is an awesome feature.
I plug in my guitar, press auto-gain, I play a bit, press again auto-gain and voilà, I'm done with the settings and I can start recording.

OVERALL OPINION

I won't say that this card is better than the RME, but it's not far from it.
I sold my Apogee Duet and TC konnekt.
I didn't get any better takes with the Fireface RME.
I haven't had any interest in soundcards for 3 years, although I used to know them all before.
An AF member, Jeezo, recommended me this card.
In short, it's a great soundcard that goes unnoticed so you can concentrate on the music. What else can you ask for?

I do fast on the specifications that have been well documented on previous reviews, I'm going to focus on the points that I decided when purchasing:

- 8 preamps true independently configurable: gain, phantom power (switchable independently for each channel), 2 configurable inputs to go high impedance guitar / bass, 2 inputs (7 and 8) with more "headroom" is ie level cashable before digital clipping signal (for recording sources of high dynamic understanding snare and bass drum).

- 8 analog outputs configurable outputs lines via the DAW or live monitoring saves the CPU (practical to return the desired signal to the headphone of a musician you are recording, make reamping in good condition etc).

- 2 digital inputs to recover the signal of another digital map increasing the total number of entries to 10, and 2 outputs on the same principle.

- USB 2 Interface

- Asio Drivers

- "Auto sense" function adjusts the gain of the preamp depending on the source, very convenient recording.

I use it on a desktop PC Intel Quad Core on Windows 7 with Sonar Producer and on a laptop Intel dual Core in Windows 8 (yuck) with Sonar LE.

For the group recording: battery, mutli instruments, guitars, vocals ... I used with all types of microphones: dynamic, static, tape.

Small point because I also use the Quad Capture: Octa is screen printed "Made in Japan" and the quad "Made in China", I do not know if that changes anything, at least finish the Octa is clearly more than the mastoc Quad.

Only downside to the hardware of the Octa appearance: the front is a bit ill-fitting and moves a little, when you connect XLR front is seen to move, to use in my opinion carefully to avoid surprises in the long term.
The back side is it in a tougher part of the chassis, so I prefer to connect my mic on this one when I have a choice.

UTILIZATION

Installation on my fixed config was done without problem.

The installation on my laptop config is done without problem (I just had to download the drivers for windows 8 on the site of Roland, it was done quickly and easily, in half an hour I was ready to Register).

I have no idea of ​​the exact latency, but in many different configurations I had no problem with that: drummer plays with instruments and controls, guitarists, singers ...

GETTING STARTED

Installation and configuration are always made quickly, no incompatibility problems (I also selected because I work in Sonar which at the time of my purchase was in the lap of Roland).

The manual is not always super clear, the main problem being that the interface of the card has been updated since, so the organization of menus and features are different from those of the manual, so you have to search a little on the canvas and it is not always on top.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 months I saved up to 8 simultaneous channels of I and a dozen tracks simultaneous playback on my laptop config Intel i5 light, 4GB Ram, 5400 rev / min and using the Sonar comes with (I have not reinstalled my X1 producer my confic fixed on the laptop).

I had no problems, she did her job and has to be forgotten, the preamps are transparent, the front-panel headphone and the possibility to transfer the main output (in general monitoring speakers) output to leave the headphone facilitates daily life, as well as the volume knob added to these outputs.

The only product that makes a serious competition to this card in this price range in my opinion is the Focusrite (it seems that the preamps are a bit worse) for the rest of this card is in my opinion an excellent product.

I am absolutely delighted with this product, if I had to make a choice with this budget, no hesitation, I would resume the Octa Capture.

24-bit soundcard with 8 analog inputs and outputs + 1 digital stereo input.
48V phantom power per channel.
The impedance can be adapted if you connect a guitar or bass directly.
I use this soundcard with an IMAC (2006, core 2 duo) and OS 10.6.8, which starts to be old, but it works fine
I use the 8 analog inputs to record drums with 8 mics.
I also record vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, and a bass.
There are two inputs, 7 and 8, with a higher gain for bass drum mics, for example.
I use the soundcard's interface on the MAC, which is very practical. I never touch the sub-menus on the front panel, it's tedious.

USE

Once you load the latest drivers, it works. I haven't had a single crash after 9 moths of recordings.
I use LOGIC EXPRESS 9, it's very stable.
I can record 8 tracks without any issues. I have never recorded with the digital input. In fact, I think it's meant to daisy-chain a second octa-capture.
Virtually no latency.
I must also say that I'm not a big fan of the semi-rack format ! It's not very practical to have to make connections both on the front and the rear. a 19" rack format would've been better. Anyway, its format shouldn't make you think it's a CHEAP soundcard. What made me decide for it is that ROLAND keeps the drivers up to date. If my IMAC gives up on me and I buy another one, I wouldn't like to be penalized for it.


OPERATION

The installation couldn't be easier.
You install the driver, with the soundcard off.
Reboot the MAC, turn the soundcard on and that's it.
The card is connected to my monitoring speakers so I can also listen to ITUNES, YOUTUBE, etc...
I haven't found any incompatibilities. The built-in compressors serve me as noise gates.
The manual is very clear.
You can create 4 different mixes on the rear of the unit, which is practical to have different monitoring mixes, if you record several people. You can mix the direct inputs of the card with the monitoring returns of the computer. On the MAC, I can play back all tracks from the monitoring returns without any latency. (6-7 reference tracks + 8 drum tracks with some effects and the processor it at half its capacity).

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using this card for 9 months.
I couldn't test any other models before buying it.
So I had to download lots of PDF manuals to my ipad and study the possibilities each one offered.
The ROLAND, with its clear manual, and GOOD press reviews, convinced me. I don't regret my choice for the time being.
It's not the cheapest soundcard on the market. With its 1/2-rack format, compared to other brands... But ROLAND has launched an entire Capture series, including one with 16 analog inputs, so I don't expect the drivers to be unsupported any time soon. MACKIE stopped supporting the drivers of one of its soundcards, which is a pity.
The pros:
Easy to install and very good sound, without any noticeable noise.
The cons:
1/2-rack format and its somewhat high price.
Based on my experience, I would buy it again. It's my first soundcard. I used to have a digital tape recorder.

Update from 10-22-2014 = I now have a MACPRO RETINA with OS 10.9 and the soundcard works just as well. I've recorded 8 AUDIO inputs + 1 MIDI track simultaneously without any issues! And it sounds really good.

I bought this sound card there is less than a week to replace the Alesis iO2. The latter offers only two inputs and outputs, and especially its convertos are a little light (for the price, 100 euros, they still do the job well). The latter restriction is detrimental to capture the richness of the dynamics of my electric piano (Roland V-Piano), especially attacks. I wanted to type in the upper range to record as accurately as possible. The budget constraint, as well as rave reviews left on the net quickly directed me to this card. And 8 I / O, it's really useful in practice, especially when playing with a guitarist that uses a stereo reverb and bassist. And yes, a piano, a guitar and a bass stereo, it already requires five inputs ...


The card is plugged into a rather muscular config ^ ot: asus N53 quad-core i7 2.2 GHz, 16 GB of RAM.

It should be noted that I have not had the opportunity to compare this interface to other more expensive references (RME & Co.).

UTILIZATION

Really nothing to say, the ergonomics are perfect, the drivers are stable. The latency was one of my selection criteria, and I perceive so little that I did th ^ m not bothered to seek its value. The gaming experience is perfectly preserved and its output is top, that's all that matters to me.

GETTING STARTED

The installation was a bit laborious, but I do not know if the problem was the map where my PC. I do not pronounce myself on this point. The general configuration is frighteningly easy, considering the number of features that the toy offers. You can easily find what you are looking for. I have not opened the manual.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for less than a week but I had time to do what I wanted to efforts dérisoires.Tout is really well thought out, the card is lightweight, it offers a generous connectivity, it has the mouth (not essential, I mean ...). Oh, and self-direction (automatic gain control) AWESOME!

I see no fault at the moment, but promised, this notice will be completed as soon as I find one!

The Roland Octa Capture is a USB Audio Interface that is on the higher end of the price scale when it comes to smaller portable interfaces. But it is built very well and has 8 very good microphone preamps built into it. These microphone preamps are some of the best preamps that I have heard out of an interface of this size. The Octa Capture is also very low latency and can work on a Mac computer or a PC computer. It comes with Cakewalk software which I am not a huge fan of so I used it with Reason and Cubase and never had any issues with it.

UTILIZATION

Setting this interface up is easy no matter what DAW you want to use with it, I just set it up as I would any other interface. After loading in the drivers just went into my audio connections in my DAW programs and located the Octa Capture and that was it. This interface also has MIDI I/O as well as coaxial input and output connectors.

GETTING STARTED

The sound quality while recording with this interface is amazing. As long as you have a microphone that can work well with the preamps you will have no issues getting a great sound from home. The price of this interface is what kept me from purchasing it right away. I though 700 dollars was a little expensive for an interface that couldn’t give me a bunch of channels/tracks to record on simultaneously.

OVERALL OPINION

Most of Rolands production are built well so I knew there had to be something worth that 700 dollars. It was the preamps! The preamps are what I was paying for here and now I take this interface with me almost anywhere because everyone around me loves recording with it. I have tried it out with over 5 different microphones now and all of them sounded great.

What motivated me is the 8 preamps with 48v compressor + for everyone. Also the 2 inputs Hi-Z instruments. 8 outputs but also ... in short, this is what I wanted.

But the main criterion for me was neutral preamps with no background noise. And then I was not disappointed, compared to FIREPOD, there is no photo!

So that's the good thing for me, the clarity of the preamp!

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable, no prob in windows 7

GETTING STARTED

Install without problems

OVERALL OPINION

LES -:

So the only problem with this preamp is the pre-amp gain: 50dB -> it's just a bit too!
Certainly we can push the gain without the background noise is annoying, but even on low volume sources is too tight. So it requires raprocher microphones and can not freedom in the sound (in my opinion of course).

In addition, although the device is small, but does not have a gain control for microphone input is not practical. Often say that In a musician to play his strongest part to "fix" the gain, it does. But in the heat of the action it will sometimes even harder and if there is saturation, we do not see a coup d'oeuil which saturates mic ....

I put only "good" because the lack of gain is detrimental!

Specifications:
"Auto-sense" handy to avoid it clipe.
Delicious preamps very neutral and without noise.
Low latency.
A compressor on each input.
48v phantom on each input.
HiZ based on the first two entries.
8 inputs for less than 600 euros that can do more can do less. I landed in a drummer friend and organize a good grip anything with my octacapture.
Otherwise at home, I use a preamp MK2 SPL GoldMike premium (Lundahl transistors in and out), most often with the 'meaning' of the octa to zero, so as to say "bypass", but when it is necessary, I still Module input level with the cursor in Logic "meaning" octa.
Neutrikstecker. One or two "planet wave" jacks in my instruments.

UTILIZATION

Drivers very stable.
'm On logic and Mac.
Listens Adam A7X very good, it allows me to judge the fidelity.
I most often take two simultaneous tracks, not yet tested for a battery, it will come.
Inaudible latency, I did not say this measured.

GETTING STARTED

Installation over-easy, RAS.

OVERALL OPINION

I for one year. I'm a newbie so be overlap with taller than me but I would do without this choice problem for the following reasons (= "what I like best"):
- Transparency and sound fidelity;
- Delicious preamps without noise;
- Possibility to adjust the settings directly on the map or via the soft ("Control Panel")
- Controls blinking façade when it saturates! Very handy

What I like least:
- USB connection. I would have preferred a thunderbolt or firewire pcque I know it is theoretically more stable. That said, even without taking the battery, I can not say, pcque taken for two simultaneous home, no pb stability on a small year of use.

Note: The following opinion was formed around a mainly amateur use. It is therefore incomplete for someone wishing to form an opinion on a pro or intensive use of this interface.

What motivated my choice: portability, 8 preamps neutral and qualitative finding of steady Edirol products, construction inspiring strength, ergonomic controls front, independent for each 48v preamp, offline use (bonus: midi in / out).

Usage:
- Home-studio mainly (recording, virtual instruments), but with a view to moving towards the registration of small groups.
- Also to a lesser extent voiceover recording and sound editing video on personal or business.
- Use for everyday life (listening to music, commercial, film, web, games, etc..) Because the parasites produce integrated cards and sound a bit narrow, while the octa capture is perfect and has never been because of incompatibility problems with any current software.

Around the interface:
- Used with RD-700GX Keyboard midi and balanced audio (limited use since the purchase of Pianoteq).
- Electric guitar connected to Hi-Z inputs.
- Microphones: Oktava mk012 pairs B2Pro and a very average, connected and powered directly by the interface for registration clarinet, classical guitar, voice, and occasional saxophone.

Hardware: used effortlessly on two HP notebooks:
- Elitebook: C2Duo T9600@2.8 Ghz / Ram Quadro FX 2700/4Go / 7 Pro 64 Windows
- Probook: i5@2.4 Ghz / Video Integrated Intel HD / 4 GB Ram / Windows 7 Pro 32
A shot once in lending a recent macbook pro without worry, nothing to report.

On the characteristics, the only thing I could possibly talk is the inability to use only with power from the USB port, even in degraded mode (style 2 channel would have sufficed). But ultimately, I've never been in a position of being penalized by this.

UTILIZATION

Drivers:
For my usage, the drivers are as stable as they can be: no crash since the first day, all. No update as I know, but not necessary: ​​everything is there, and it is running.

Software:
- Primary use: Cockos Reaper, from version 3.x to the latest 4.10, small business license, Adobe Soundbooth CS4 + freeware
- Plug-ins: Modartt Pianoteq 3, Red Wire + mixIR2 impulses, plug-ins and many reaper free VSTS

For latency, in practice it has never jumped to the ears. Some empirical evidence, since I have done no action:

- Using a piano reverb + separate, I go down to 48 samples (two in the driver settings, graduations for 2048 of 9 samples max) without any click with the polyphony of Pianoteq on setting max.

- In record: not tested more than 4 streams (2 + 2-way keypad microphone). In 48 samples without concern (sometimes with software reverb and EQ for headphones back more flattering).

- In use "mix" (5 to 20 tracks max, I have not had the opportunity to test more) with synths and plugins: I never had, to date, climbing to more than 256 samples (set 6) to be completely comfortable. The only problems that may occur at times mainly due to plugs on the 32-bit bridged W7 64 who consume more CPU. The same plugs on 32 W7 pose no concern.




GETTING STARTED

Installation
R-to-s. Driver installation, connection, it is running.
I had no need to open the manual.

General configuration:
The driver interface is rather plain, so mixer, it is not lost:
- Two main panels: 8 settings preamps (compression [num.], 48, hi-z, phase, low-cut) and Mixer (sections input, output + master).
- "Patchbay" ultra simple (There's even a diagram of signal flow for navigating in case)
- Reverb for hardware monitoring (I did not used yet)
- You can also save configurations we use the PC offline
- You can also adjust settings directly with the buttons on the front. It is less intuitive, but it works.
- Also in front: Auto-sense. It's so simple and practical that I can do without: it supports, we choose the entries you want to solve, we play fortissimo, and hop all levels are made. It sounds like this gadget says, but it is much appreciated and it's really easy life.

Note: In common usage, it absolutely interferes with the PC when I turn it on or turn it off while it is connected. Windows will automatically switch to the integrated card or octa capture. In ASIO, Reaper stops playing, and produces a message if I try to restart it, but it does not crash. One marvels at little, but we have tried to make its Windows 98 traveled to measure changes.

OVERALL OPINION

Purchased late December / early January 2011.

I have had over time a Guillemot ISIS, an M-Audio 24/96 used in conjunction with a MindPrint TRIO (non USB), and E-mu 1820m.

Cons:
- There?
More seriously, it is often criticized for not having I / O perspective, not of Adat. I have not had the need, but it's good to have in mind if there are connecting a digital table top. Note, however, it is possible to use two octa capture on the same pc.

Assets:
- Installation could not be more simple,
- No conflict so far,
- Transportable, robust and compact
- Well-designed controls facade (detail that kills: start flashing when it clipped) that can do just about everything
- Can be used offline as auxiliary mixer,
- Self-direction that avoids many of the heads taken.

In my view, the main interest of this interface is to be completely forgotten. Full equipment, preamps and effective without color, a driver software that adapts to the demands as the most trivial: everything runs like clockwork, so that there is even more attention.

So I think the ratio Q / P very good, and yes, without hesitation I would do this choice.

Characteristics that motivated my choice is the full connectivity, announced the quality of VS and VS streaming preamp (confirmed to use) the size of the machine, the USB connection, ...

I use it with (among others) an MPC 2000 XL digitally connected (via coaxial input), the SL-1200 MK2 connected either directly to recover the timecode in MixVibes or preamp via a whisk. I also tested with a micro edge basic (no use of this 48V phantom power on each of the 8 preamps) and as a preamp with a Fender Stratocaster plugged directly above with the optional Hi-Z.
I also have an Axiom 49 controller connected to the MPC itself connected to the MIDI input / output of the Octa-Capture.

The uses are varied. Use as a monitor for production or simply listening, recording, uses virtual instruments and / or effects (synth, guitar).

PC config: Acer 8930G-864G64Bn (4GB RAM, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40 GHz P 8600) on Windows 7

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable. No incompatibilities with other drivers already installed (including ASIO4ALL). Frequent updates: N / A for now

What latency? I have not measured but it is acceptable for my needs.

I use Ableton Live 8 CROSS, NI Kontakt (for organ sounds).

How many tracks simultaneously? I know but I think my PC will be the limiting factor before the audio interface anyway.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is simple with the supplied driver CD.
No inconsistency encountered.

The general pattern is very easy. Either directly or via the front mixing software.
The manual, I did not read but he looked pretty (paper included).

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for barely 2 months. This is my first audio interface worthy of the name (apart from external sound cards that were not to use music).

The pros:
* Ability to use PC-FREE
* Autosens
* The channel selector buttons flash red if the saturation of an input signal (visible from below)
* Compact
* MIDI input / output
* Digital input / output (coaxial)
* Switch on the front to mute the main outputs (1 & 2) and listen through headphones

The -:
* No input / output optical digital (but I quibble)

The price / quality ratio is good given the quality of finish. And no surprises.
Yes I would do this choice.