Roland's three newest USB interfaces: UM-ONE, Duo-, and Tri-Capture
(ShackMan | Posted 2011-01-18)
Consider it a precustomized MIDI interface. Roland has your setup already done with the UM-ONE, Duo-Capture, and Tri-Capture MIDI-to-USB interfaces just announced at Winter NAMM. They range from the simplest of the simple for singer-songwriters just making a demo to models made for studio work.
The UM-ONE is a straight-forward, USB-powered MIDI interface with one input and one output. There are also data indicator LEDs provided. Don't be fooled by the simple outside, though. The unit still features high-performance FTP processing. You never have to worry about forgetting a cable, either. MIDI and USB cables are integrated into the unit. You may have to worry about the length of the cable, though. Roland doesn't say in the press release exactly how long they are.
Moving up a step on the ladder, the DUO-Capture keeps things small for musicians who want to take their recording with them wherever they go. It's a USB audio interface that also has two audio inputs and two outputs, with dedicated controls for input and output volume. The inputs include a 1/4" guitar input with a Hi-Z switch for plugging the guitar in directly and a 1/8" stereo input. Outputs include 1/8" and 1/4" headphone jacks. The DUO-Capture also comes with low-latency ASIO drivers and Cakewalk's Sonar X1 LE software.
The TRI-Capture is the flagship of the line, with (as the name implies) three inputs and three outputs. Once again, each of the inputs has its own dedicated channel and volume level. Inputs include an XLR with phantom power, one 1/4" input with Hi-Z switch, and a 1/8" stereo auxiliary input. Outputs include two TRS balanced outputs and one headphone jack. One other upgrade it features is 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution - pretty heavy for an interface. It also features the low-latency ASIO drivers and can be powered simply via USB. Cakewalk's Sonar X1 LE is included in the package.
All of the above devices are fully compatible with either Mac or PC operating systems. For more information, please visit Roland's Website.
James Rushin is a bassist, keyboardist, writer, and composer living and working in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He has performed with Selmer artist Tim Price, Curtis Johnson, guitarists Ken Karsh and Joe Negri. His compositions have been featured at West Virginia University and Valley Forge Christian College. He will be spending the Fall and Winter months working on playwright Frank Gagliano's Voodoo Trilogy and Bodoni County Songbook.
Got questions? Comments? James can be reached as ShackMan in the Music Gear Review forums, or you may e-mail him at James.Rushin@MusicGearReview.com.
