Choosing a data acquisition recorder often comes down to matching the hardware to your specific signal type and software workflow. On one side, you have the DATAQ Instruments DI-500-16, a general-purpose data acquisition system listed at $635.00. On the other, the Axon Instruments Digidata 1320A, a 16-bit system priced at $99.99, comes with a clear specialization: electrophysiology and patch-clamp recording through Axon pClamp software. Both are used units, so the decision is less about new-vs-used and more about whether you need broad flexibility or a focused lab tool.
Quick Verdict
If your work involves patch-clamp experiments and you already use or plan to use pClamp software, the Axon Digidata 1320A is the obvious choice-especially given its much lower listed price. If you need a data acquisition recorder for general laboratory or industrial signals, the DATAQ DI-500-16 is the higher-priced option, but it does not come with application-specific software listed. For most shoppers on a budget, the Axon offers a clear path to a working electrophysiology setup without the premium price tag.
Listed Price and Attribute Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DATAQ DI-500-16 | USD 635.00 | Condition: Used; Country of Origin: United States | |
| Axon Digidata 1320A | USD 99.99 | Application: Electrophysiology / Patch-Clamp Recording; Compatible Software: Axon pClamp (Clampex, Clampfit); Condition: Used; Country of Origin: United States; Custom Bundle: No |
Where Each Product Wins
DATAQ DI-500-16 Wins for General-Purpose Data Acquisition
The DATAQ Instruments model carries a higher listed price, which often signals a more expansive feature set, but the listing only confirms that it is a used system from the United States. The DI-500-16 designation points to a 16-channel input architecture, which may be ideal for multi-sensor logging, industrial monitoring, or lab experiments that don't rely on a specific vendor's software. If you need a recorder that can handle a broad range of inputs without being locked to one application, this is the unit to consider.
Axon Digidata 1320A Wins for Electrophysiology and pClamp Users
The Axon unit is the low-priced, high-specialty option. Its listed attributes explicitly mention electrophysiology and patch-clamp recording, plus compatibility with Axon pClamp (both Clampex and Clampfit). That means it is ready to plug into a common neuroscience research workflow. The manufacturer is listed as Molecular Devices (formerly Axon Instruments), and the model is the Digidata 1320A, a recognized name in the patch-clamp world. For anyone setting up or maintaining a rig that depends on pClamp, this is the more straightforward choice-and at $99.99, it is also the more budget-friendly pick.
Product Notes
DATAQ INSTRUMENTS DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM DI-500-16
This DATAQ system is a used data acquisition recorder with a country of origin of the United States. It is listed at $635.00, which places it at the high end of this comparison. The description notes that the seller, HGR, offers the product "as is" and disclaims any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose-so you are taking a risk on condition and performance. The plus side is that DATAQ Instruments makes general-purpose data acquisition hardware that are typically well-suited for a variety of signal logging tasks. If you have existing DI-500-series accessories or a need for multiple analog inputs, this might justify the higher listed price. Just be prepared to do your own validation before relying on it for critical experiments.
Axon Instruments Digidata 1320A 16-Bit Data Acquisition System for pClamp Lab
The Digidata 1320A is a used 16-bit data acquisition system built for electrophysiology, with its attributes listing both the application and compatible software: Axon pClamp (Clampex and Clampfit). That is a strong match for patch-clamp labs that need a reliable way to digitize signals and control voltage-clamp protocols. The listed price is just $99.99, making it the more economical path into a pClamp-based setup. However, the attributes also show Custom Bundle: No, so you are getting just the system-not a bundle with amplifiers, cables, or other extras. Also, since it is intended for biological laboratory use, it may not be the right fit for general data acquisition outside of electrophysiology. If your work is strictly pClamp-based, this is the pick.
Final Choice by Use Case
- For patch-clamp and pClamp users: The Axon Digidata 1320A is the clear winner. Its listed software compatibility and lower price give you a direct, low-risk path to recording.
- For general multi-channel data acquisition: The DATAQ DI-500-16 is the higher-priced option, which may indicate broader capability, but you'll need to confirm it meets your input and software needs on your own.
