Roland UA-55 Quad-Capture USB 2.0 Audio Interface

No longer available at zZounds
Put Roland quality on your desk. With two digitally controlled mic preamps plus 2 channels of digital I/O and MIDI I/O, this interface is a serious value.

Capture great audio anywhere with the Roland UA-55 Quad-Capture USB audio interface. The ultra-compact, four-channel UA-55 Quad-Capture offers mobile musicians a ton of recording perks -- VS Preamps, 192 kHz/24-bit audio resolution, USB bus power, plenty of I/O, bundled DAW software, and more -- in a convenient, small-format interface that's as affordable as it is portable.

What's in the Box

No audio interface would be complete without the I/O essentials that the UA-55 Quad-Capture packs: two XLR/TRS combination inputs with premium mic preamps, two TRS outputs, coaxial I/O, headphone out, and MIDI I/O. It's just what you need to capture quality audio at home or on the go.

Recording's a Breeze with These Mic Pres

A pair of VS Preamps (digitally controlled mic preamps) deliver high-quality sound no matter what kind of recording is in the queue. Accompanying the preamps are two XLR/TRS combination inputs, independent phantom power, low-cut filter, phase invert, and digital compression for each channel. Take command of VS mic pres with the graphical Control Panel software (Mac/Windows) that ships with the UA-55 Quad-Capture.

Set Levels Fast With Roland's Auto-Sens Feature

The one-click Auto-Sens feature allows you to set your input levels faster than you can set the time on a microwave. Getting your levels just right is a matter of pushing the Auto-Sens button and playing your connected instruments.

Super-Fast USB Performance, Thanks to VS Streaming

read more Roland's VS Streaming technology lends the audio interface consistently stable, low-latency USB performance, with support for current Mac and PC DAW platforms through ASIO 2.0/WDM (Windows) and Core Audio (Mac).

Take It Anywhere

Housed in a road-worthy aluminum body, the UA-55 Quad-Capture is rugged and portable -- ideal for mobile applications, live stage setups, and more. As a plus for touring musicians, the interface provides DI functionality. It comes with a whisper-quiet, low-noise power supply and your very own copy of Ableton Live Lite.

Features:

- 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs with mic preamps (VS Preamps), 2 TRS outputs, coaxial I/O, headphone out, and MIDI I/O
- Graphical Control Panel software provides intuitive control of the VS Preamps
- Phantom power, ground lift, and Hi-Z switches
- 1-click Auto-Sens function intelligently sets optimal input levels for the preamps
- Low-latency VS Streaming driver
- Low-noise, wide-range power supply
- Compact with durable aluminum body and Direct Box functionality
- Includes Ableton Live Live software
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- Number of Audio Record/Playback Channels: < Sampling Frequency = 96 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz > Recording: 4 channels, Playback: 4 channels < Sampling Frequency = 192 kHz > Recording: 2 channels, Playback: 2 channels
- Signal Processing: PC interface: 24-bit, AD/DA Conversion: 24-bit, Internal: 40-bit
- Sampling Frequency AD/DA Conversion: 192 kHz, 96 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz, DIGITAL (IN/OUT): 96 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz
- Nominal Input Level: Input jacks 1-2 (XLR type): -60 to -6 dBu, Input jacks 1-2 (1/4-inch TRS phone type): -50 to +4 dBu
- Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT 1-2: +0 dBu (balanced)
- Headroom: 14 dB
- Input Impedance: Input jacks 1-2 (XLR type): 4.8 kOhm (balanced), Input jacks 1-2 (1/4-inch TRS phone type): 15 kOhm (balanced)
- Output Impedance OUTPUT 1-2: 2 kOhm (balanced), PHONES: 47 Ohm
- Frequency Response: 192.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 90 kHz (+0/-8 dB), 20 Hz to 60 kHz (+0/-2 dB), 96.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+0/-2 dB), 48.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 22 kHz (+0/-2 dB), 44.1 kHz: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0/-2 dB)
- Residual Noise Level: INPUT 1-2 -> MAIN OUT: -95 dBu typ. (GAIN: min., 600 Ohm terminated, IHF-A) * Internal Direct Monitor Mixer setting, Input channel fader: Unity
- Dynamic Range: < AD block > INPUT 1-2: 104 dB typ. (GAIN: min.) < DA block > OUTPUT 1-2: 109 dB typ.
- Connectors: Input jacks 1-2 (XLR type / 1/4-inch TRS phone type) XLR type (balanced / phantom power: DC 48V, 6mA Max) * Current value per channel. 1/4-inch TRS phone type (balanced), Coaxial Input connector, Coaxial Output connector, Headphone jack (Stereo 1/4-inch phone type), Output jacks 1-2 (1/4-inch TRS phone type (balanced)), MIDI connectors (In, Out), USB connector
- Interface: Hi-Speed USB, Digital input/output: Coaxial type (Conforms to IEC60958 consumer format.), MIDI input/output
- Power Supply: USB Bus Power
- Current Draw: 480 mA
- Dimensions: 184.6 (W) x 133.9 (D) x 44.3 (H) mm / 7-5/16 (W) x 5-5/16 (D) x 1-3/4 (H) inches
- Weight: 0.57 kg / 1 lbs 4 oz
- Included Accessories: Owner's Manual, Ableton Live Lite, Driver CD-ROM, USB cable

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Roland UA-55 Quad Capture USB 2.0 Audio

With a pair of premium VS Preamps onboard, plus superb 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality, ultra-low latency performance, and convenient USB bus power, the Roland UA-55 Quad-Capture sets the standard for portable USB2 audio interfaces. Its compact, durable design and pristine sound makes it the perfect foundation for portable, multichannel computer-based productions on the go. With quality and performance that far exceeds its size and price, the Roland UA-55 Quad-Capture stands at the head of its class.

Features:

- Two combo XLR/TRS inputs with premium mic preamps (VS Preamps), two TRS outputs, coaxial I/O, headphone out, and MIDI I/O
- Graphical Control Panel software provides fast, intuitive control of the VS Preamps
- Phantom power, ground lift, and Hi-Z switches
- One-click Auto-Sens function intelligently sets optimal input levels for the preamps
- Extreme low-latency VS Streaming driver
- Low-noise, wide-range power supply
- Compact with durable aluminum body and Direct Box functionality
- Bundled with Ableton Live Lite

VS Preamps

The Roland Quad-Capture boasts two premium-grade, digitally controlled mic preamps (VS Preamps) made from the same high-grade components as the preamps found in Roland's V-Studio 700 and M-400 digital mixer. Two XLR/TRS combo inputs are provided for the preamps, plus independent phantom power, low-cut filter, phase invert, and digital compression for each channel. The VS preamps can be controlled easily and intuitively with the included graphical Control Panel software (Mac/PC).

One-Click Auto-Sens

Never before has it been faster or easier to set perfect input levels--simply activate the Auto-Sens feature with the push of a button, play your connected instruments, and the Roland Quad-Capture automatically sets the ideal recording level for each input. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, Auto-Sens is great for quick, fail-safe recordings, saving you setup time and letting you focus on where it starts... the performance.

VS Streaming

The Roland Quad-Capture offers incredible stability and industry-leading low-latency USB performance via Roland's proprietary VS Streaming technology. All current Mac and PC DAW platforms are supported through ASIO 2.0/WDM (Windows) and Core Audio (Mac).

Low-Noise Power Supply

One of the Roland Quad-Capture's key "behind-the-scenes" features is its low-noise, wide-ranging power supply. Designed to deliver a clean, balanced input and output, it provides a reliable foundation for any professional audio application or environment. When driven by the USB bus power supply, the Roland Quad-Capture's power is regenerated, providing the analog circuitry ideal voltage for the very best sound quality and efficiency in mobile environments.

Aluminum Build, DI Functionality

The Roland Quad-Capture is small, strong, and housed in a road-tough aluminum body, so you can transport it anywhere with the confidence that its premium internal components are securely protected. For live-concert environments, the Roland Quad-Capture also provides Direct-Box (DI) functionality, essential for noise-free live stage use.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (9 ratings)
Submitted January 28, 2012 by Steve W in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

"First Purchase from zZound, Roland UA-55"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Having done recording before on the PC, I was at least familiar with the concept of what I needed. However years had passed and I felt rather newborn once again looking for current solutions. I liked zZounds site setup and their great prices on "blemished gear. Plus quite the catchy name. So after review, site, article and blog seemingly endless research I decided on the UA-55. It fit what I would need it for and more. Well after all that reading and decision making I wanted my little device now. Second day shipping slipped fairly easily in. Though Ive always been a bit leary doings so because of other companies lack of follow through, no excuses needed to be made as the audio interface arrived right on time and in great shape. Unfortunately the excitement had to be put off as my PC had given up the ghost before package arrival. Well last night with new computer on hand I finally got to enjoy the whole process for the first time. The device is exactly what I needed for a smaller home recording setup. The included Sonar LE will take a little getting used to, but I still within 5 to 10 min was able to put down a test guitar track and try out a bunch of effect add ons. Go to Sonars site for a bunch more free add ons to the LE edition software. This was not only the perfect product, but also the perfect purchase. I look forward to reviewing the additional $1500 of products Ive ordered from zZounds since this transaction :-)

Sound
Sound is excellent. read more Effect add ons were varied and sounded quite good in the included Sonar LE. Ive just began to experiment so I know Im just barely getting the tio of the iceberg here of what can be tweeked with the sound. The only thing I noticed, and maybe there is a way around it, but so far it seems that if youre running with live effects, the delay time (latency) will be too much to effectively record while on. However this doesnt pose a problem since the UA-55 has enough i/o options to easily get around live pc sound effects.

Features
The pre amps seem more than proficient at doing the job. I really like the auto adjusting input levels. Just plug in your instrument/ mic push a button, play for a few seconds and... perfect levels. Also the i/o options give you many different ways to set up your studio.

Ease of Use
Like I said before, 5 - 10 min and I was recording. I read just enough to make sure I wasnt going to damage anything and I was off. Make sure you do read about the input settings as there are choices on what type of instrument or mic will be used and if it requires additional power. Sonar looks quite a bit more advanced than Audacity which I had used before, but if you dont want to use it, the device will work with other DAWs as well.

Quality
Seems sturdy and well constructed. The thing I dont often hear in reviews on products like these is how well the item works in real world situations. Such as its ability to stay on a desk with cords and such plugged in and recording. The UA-55 passes with flying colors. Inputs are snug and wont pull out everytime you move either. Great all around device.

Value
I did a lot of research and as far as audio input devices go, this is a perfect match of price vs performance if this is the amount of inputs you will need. Full bands would want to step up to a device that probably did have more but even then I would still recommend Roland.

Manufacturer Support
No issues yet. But because of everything else, still giving perfect for benefit of the doubt.

The Wow Factor
I came from using an old Soundblaster with the front panel interface, so this is science fiction in compairison :-)

Musical Background:
Played in gigging band for 10 years as bass player and songwriter. Guitar, midi composition, song and lyrics in spare time

Musical Style:
Rock, folk rock, electronic, film score type compositions,
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