Which Data Acquisition Recorder Fits Your Lab? Digidata 1550B vs 1550A vs DigiData 1322A vs DI-720-USB

Choosing a data acquisition recorder for your lab usually comes down to three things: how many signals you need to capture, how the unit connects to your computer, and how much you can spend on used scientific gear. The four recorders here cover a wide range of those priorities. One is a 16-bit SCSI digitizer that can be rack-mounted, one is a USB system with amplifier support, and two are Axon Digidata platforms built around low-noise recording. Sorting out which one fits your bench starts with your signal type and your budget.

Quick Take

Pick the Axon Digidata 1550B if you want the top-priced configuration in this group and have the largest budget. Pick the Axon Digidata 1550A if you want the same platform without paying the maximum. Pick the DigiData 1322A for a SCSI digitizer at $249.99. Pick the DATAQ DI-720-USB for a computer-connected recorder at $349.99.

Listed Price Comparison

Decision Matrix

Product Notes

Axon Digidata 1550B plus HumSilencer 1 ANC

The 1550B sits at the top of this group because the title includes both low-noise acquisition and HumSilencer 1 ANC input. If your priority is clean, low-amplitude signal capture, this is the model that maps most directly to that job. For labs recording small physiological signals, that combination is the main reason to look at it. The limitation is exactly that price position: at the top of the range, it requires a much larger budget commitment than any other recorder here.

Axon Digidata 1550A plus HumSilencer

The 1550A is the middle option in the Axon Digidata line. It's listed with HumSilencer, so you still get a recorder built around noise reduction. The limitation is the price: as the second-highest listed unit in this comparison, it's still a serious investment for used lab gear, and it's far above the two budget-oriented recorders below it. If you want the Digidata workflow but can't justify the top price, this is the balance point. That makes it the natural midpoint for teams that want the Axon Digidata approach without the highest figure.

Axon Instruments DigiData 1322A 16-Bit Data Acquisition System

At the low end of the price range, the 1322A still gives you a full 16-bit digitizer with 16 analog input channels, two analog output channels, and 16 digital input and output lines. It has a SCSI computer interface, and the unit powers on with the POWER and READY indicators lit. For patch-clamp and biological signal work, this is a straightforward budget path. The limitation is the connection: SCSI is less convenient than the USB port on the DATAQ unit.

DATAQ DI-720-USB with DI-5B Amplifiers & MESA Interface

If you want a USB-connected recorder, the DI-720-USB is the model that puts that connection in its name. It also comes with DI-5B amplifiers and a MESA interface, giving you signal conditioning in the same box. At a price near the low end, it sits just above the cheapest unit. The trade-off is condition: it was acquired from a university surplus setting, is sold as-is, hasn't been tested by the seller, and may need cleaning after being found dusty. Treat it as a project unit unless you can verify it yourself.

Start with the signal type you record most often. If small-amplitude signals are the main job, the low-noise Axon pair deserves your attention; if you're setting up a more general acquisition station, the 1322A and DI-720-USB cover the essentials at much lower prices.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

• If noise performance is the priority and the budget allows, choose the Axon Digidata 1550B.
• If you want the same Digidata family but not the top price, choose the Axon Digidata 1550A.
• If you need a low-cost 16-bit digitizer, choose the Axon DigiData 1322A.
• If you prefer a direct computer connection and can accept an as-is project unit, choose the DATAQ DI-720-USB.