Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Audio Interface Review (July 2024)

Description

In this review post we’re going to be discussing the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Audiophile 18×20, 24-Bit/96 kHz USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Midas Mic Preamplifiers, including an overview of its unique features.

Product Description

The incredible U-PHORIA UMC1820 bridges the gap between your creativity and your fans. This blazingly fast USB 2.0 studio-in-a-box will have you recording your next masterpiece in minutes with all the connectivity required for your microphones, guitars, keyboards, and even MIDI devices.

Record the perfect vocal right to your computer-based DAW thanks to the 8 astonishingly clear, world-class Midas-designed mic preamps, which include +48 Volt phantom power for condenser microphones, all going through studio-grade 24-Bit/96 kHz converters for the best possible sound quality. It also provides I/O support for S/PDIF, ADAT, and S/MUX formats. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, producer on the go, or just need a rock-solid interface for running backing tracks at a gig, the ultra-dependable U-PHORIA UMC1820 will help you shine in the digital domain.

When it’s time to make recording history on your Mac or Windows computer, plug in microphones, instruments, or line-level sources to the UMC1820’s 8 combination XLR/TRS inputs for the ultimate in studio flexibility! Connect and communicate with MIDI devices to add the benefit of control surfaces to your studio workflow. And since the UMC1820 is compatible with all popular recording software including Avid Pro Tools*, Ableton Live*, Steinberg Cubase, and others – it’s ready for anything.

Ever since its formation in the 1970s, Midas has had a long history of innovation and leadership in the world of audio mixing consoles. Employed by the most famous touring acts and installations worldwide, legendary Midas consoles such as the XL4 and Heritage H3000 quickly became industry standards.

Midas has earned its impeccable reputation due to their no-compromise approach to audio and build quality and in particular for their Award-winning Mic Preamps which are considered by industry experts as the industry’s best-sounding designs. Building on this legacy, the XL8 and PRO Series of Live Mixing Systems continue this great heritage of Award-winning audio quality.

Behringer is proud to incorporate a Midas-designed mic preamp for the ultimate in high-quality audio reproduction in both live and studio environments. Find out more about Midas’ amazing legacy by visiting their extensive website.

The UMC1820 mix control allows zero-latency direct monitoring, which means musicians can experience their performance clearly and with no delay or lag in the returning signal, resulting in better performance and recording. The 2 powerful phones outputs have their own level control and Monitor A/B source selected for DJ-style cueing. The U-PHORIA UMC1820 provides 18 inputs and 20 outs and a built-in MIDI I/O interface to connect your favorite MIDI hardware. You’ll have ultra-easy control via your computer for producing a richer performance. On the rear panel of the UMC1820, you’ll find the USB 2.0 port for hassle-free connection, and plenty of analog playback output options.

ADAT input allows you to connect a Behringer ADA8200 (sold separately), expanding to a total of 16 Midas-designed mic preamplifiers, so you can mic the entire band! And there are enough outs to feed separate headphone mixes to each performer. Naturally, the UMC1820 supports all standard I/O formats, including S/PDIF, ADAT, S/MUX, and analog.

Product Features

• 18×20 USB2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface with ADAT I/O for recording microphones and instruments
• Audiophile 24-Bit/96 kHz resolution for professional audio quality
• Compatible with popular recording software including Avid Pro Tools*, Ableton Live*, Steinberg Cubase*, etc.
• Streams 18 inputs and 20 outputs of ultra-low latency audio to your computer, supporting Mac* OS X* and Windows XP* or higher
• 8 state-of-the-art, Midas designed Mic Preamplifiers with +48 V phantom power
• Optical I/Os supporting S/PDIF, ADAT, and S/MUX formats up to 96 kHz
• Simultaneous use of all analog, coaxial S/PDIF, optical ADAT, and MIDI signals
• Zero-latency direct monitoring of all analog inputs while recording DAT input allows for combination with Behringer ADA8200 (not included) for expanding to a total of 16 Midas designed Mic Preamplifiers
• Input/Playback Mix control and Stereo/Mono switch for direct monitoring
• Powerful dual Phones outputs with individual Level controls and Monitor A/B source select for DJ-style cueing
• Main Outputs with Dim, Mute, and dedicated Main level control
• 19″, 1U cabinet with detachable rack-mount brackets
• “Built-like-a-tank”, impact-resistant metal chassis

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong build quality
• Exceptionally dependable
• Positive customer ratings
• Value for money
• Fantastic sound output
• Awesome Mic Preamp
• Free Daw Software Is Included
• Preamps Made By Midas
• Each Channel Has Its Own Set Of Pads
• Many Monitoring Choices
• Many External Hardware Outputs
• Switch To Stereo/Mono

Cons

• Driver Compatibility Issues With Your Setup May Exist
• Talkback Microphone Facility Is Not Available
• Jacks For Headphones Are Limited To Two
• Batches Of 48v Phantom Power Can Only Be Turned On/Off

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Audio Interface Demo

Our Verdict

This 8-channel Behringer interface, like its smaller brethren, offers a lot of power and functionality for the price.

8 Midas-designed preamps with pads on each preamp input (line or mic). There are two speaker monitoring options, a Mono/Stereo imaging switch (excellent for EQ changes), and two dedicated headphone connectors. There are also a plethora of Line outputs for connecting additional hardware.

If you’re on a low budget but still want the capability of an 8-channel audio interface like the Focusrite, this could be an alternative. This product has received numerous positive reviews.

Where to Buy

The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Audiophile 18x20, 24-Bit/96 kHz USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Midas Mic Preamplifiers

$299.00

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

as of July 18, 2024 12:51 pm

Pricing History

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Audiophile 18x20, 24-Bit/96 kHz USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Midas...

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Audiophile 18x20, 24-Bit/96 kHz USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Midas...

$299.00

as of July 18, 2024 12:51 pm

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on July 18, 2024 12:51 pm

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