For budget-conscious musicians, producers, and songwriters looking to realize their creative visions in crisp 192 kHz digital resolution, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD desktop 4x4 USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface presents a welcome and user-friendly solution that's capable of capturing up to four discrete signals at the same time.
The tough, impact-resistant metal UMC404HD interface sports four pro-grade MIDAS-designed mic preamps, accessible via XLR-1/4" combo input jacks. Thanks to its switchable phantom power and per-channel line/instrument buttons, the U-PHORIA UMC404HD is ideal for simultaneous recording of four unique sources such as condenser or dynamic microphones, electric guitar/bass, and keyboards. Add tone-enhancing character to your recordings by integrating analog outboard gear such as compressors and EQs (available separately) through the rear-panel 1/4" insert jacks, available for all four inputs.
Adjust the level for each input from the independent front-panel gain knobs while checking the front-panel LED indicators for signal presence and clipping. If you see that the red clip LED is lit, turn down the gain to avoid clipping. Adjust the monitor mix knob counterclockwise to hear your live input signal without latency when tracking, or turn it to the right to make a blend from the input and computer playback for overdubbing. There's also a nearby switch for setting the monitor mix to mono or stereo.
With its 1/4" headphone jack and two balanced main outputs (mirrored on XLR and 1/4" jacks), the U-PhoriaA UMC404HD has no problem handling headphones and professional active monitors. If you want to check your mixes on different monitors, use the four line outs (mirrored on balanced 1/4" and unbalanced RCA jacks) to connect two pairs of powered speakers. Separate knobs are allotted for easy control of the headphones and main output levels; turn up the speakers without affecting the headphones and vice versa. An A/B button allows the headphone output to be sourced from outputs 1-2 or 3-4 for DJ-style cueing or independent headphone mixes.
All inputs and outputs are treated to high-resolution AD/DA conversion at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Five-pin MIDI I/O ports are provided on the rear panel for connecting MIDI equipment such as a keyboard controller, a drum machine, or a synthesizer. Thanks to its powering options—bus power or connection to an AC outlet via the included power adapter—and Mac/Windows compatibility, the U-PHORIA UMC404HD is both convenient and easy to use. Utilize the generous software bundle comprised of DAWs, virtual instruments, and effects, or pair the interface with popular programs such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, and more (available separately).
The four pro-grade MIDAS mic preamps feature switchable phantom power to accommodate condenser mics or active DI boxes as well as standard dynamic microphones. The XLR-1/4" combo input jacks can also be used to record balanced line-level signals from a mixer or unbalanced instruments such as electric guitar and bass.
