UMC-1 External Processor Loop?

[tesla]

I've read through the owner's manual and searched here in this forum, but I have been unable to find any information on running an external processor, such as a compressor/expander unit, through the UMC-1.

I see a pair of analog Record Out RCA jacks on the back, but as far as I can tell, there is no full Tape Monitor or External Processor loop.

Can anyone help shed some light on this issue? Any workaround?

[tesla]

I contacted Emotiva Tech Support for an answer the above question. For the benefit of others who may be curious about this, the answer is NO, the UMC-1 does NOT have a full processing loop for a tape deck or an external processor. This precludes the ability to run an external processing unit (other than in series with the UMC-1's main outputs, which sucks). This also precludes the ability to monitor tape recordings during production.

The omission of these capabilities is not a showstopper as long as you have a decent analog preamp with a fixed level output that you can use for your legacy equipment, which I do. I had planned on retiring my trusty Nakamichi CA-1 after taking delivery on the UMC-1. Instead, I'll be leaving all of my legacy gear connected into the Nak and running a single line-level connection from the CA-1 into an analog AUX on the UMC-1.

Piece o' cake ;D

[roadrunner]

Very few HT processors have Tape Monitor Loops or External Processor Loops built-in. These features are primarily found in 2-channel analog pre-amps. Most high quality stereo preamps have at least one processor loop and often both the Tape Monitor and the External Processor Loops. See the Emotiva RSP-1 and RSP-2.

The USP-1 has a Tape Monitor Loop and the soon to be released XSP-1 will have both Tape and External Processor Loops. I am surprised you weren't advised of this when you contacted Emotiva. In today's market Ht processors are geared toward multi-channel processing and Stereo Preamps handle all the 2-channel processing, like Tape Monitor Loop, External Processor Loop, and HT ByPass.

If you are looking for high-end audiophile gear with Tape Monitor and External Processor loops you may want to take a close look at the XSP-1 Preamplifier. This is a fully balanced circuit design that was built from the ground up to complement the Emotiva XPA-1 Power Amp. The XSP-1 is Emotiva's Flagship Preamplifier.

[RPA-1 man]

roadrunner,

The USP-1 does not have a true Tape Monitor Loop. It cannot be used with outboard signal processing equipment or to monitor while recording using a 3 head deck. Imo, this is it's only downfall.

[tesla]

Jan 13, 2012 2:07:51 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

Very few HT processors have Tape Monitor Loops or External Processor Loops built-in. These features are primarily found in 2-channel analog pre-amps. Most high quality stereo preamps have at least one processor loop and often both the Tape Monitor and the External Processor Loops. See the Emotiva RSP-1 and RSP-2.

The USP-1 has a Tape Monitor Loop and the soon to be released XSP-1 will have both Tape and External Processor Loops. I am surprised you weren't advised of this when you contacted Emotiva. In today's market Ht processors are geared toward multi-channel processing and Stereo Preamps handle all the 2-channel processing, like Tape Monitor Loop, External Processor Loop, and HT ByPass.

If you are looking for high-end audiophile gear with Tape Monitor and External Processor loops you may want to take a close look at the XSP-1 Preamplifier. This is a fully balanced circuit design that was built from the ground up to complement the Emotiva XPA-1 Power Amp. The XSP-1 is Emotiva's Flagship Preamplifier.

No worries. My trusty CA-1 still serves me admirably for all my analog stereo needs, and it provides two full loops, which can be stacked.

I ordered the Emo UMC-1 to provide the capabilities that the old CA-1 lacks, such as HDMI switching and extensive digital multi-channel processing capabilities.

The inclusion of at least one full tape/EP loop on the UMC-1 would have been a nice bonus, as it might have enabled me to move forward with a clean swap. However, it is not essential, and the workaround I mentioned above will likely provide a preferable solution anyway.