Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 Audio Interface Review (July 2024)

Description

In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 Audio Interface, including an overview of its unique features.

Product Description

When it’s time to make recording history, you need the best audio interface you can get – and you need one you can count on. That’s why we’re kicking it up a notch with the amazing UMC22, an ultra-compact 2 x 2, 48 kHz USB audio interface with a professional-grade Midas-designed Mic Preamp, combination XLR/ TRS input for your vocal or line input and an additional ¼” Instrument Input (no DI box required). The rich feature-set, which also boasts a powerful Phones Output for the Direct Monitoring of your session, plus 2 Outputs and USB-supplied power – makes the UMC22 the best, and most-portable recording interface in its class.

You take your tracks seriously, and the UMC22 respects them too, providing 48 kHz resolution, for the amazingly-detailed and pristine recording quality your music deserves.

When those creative juices start flowing, you need a fast and easy way to get those musical ideas into your Mac or Windows computer – that’s where the UMC22 comes in. Just plug in a microphone or line-level source to the combination XLR/TRS input and your guitar or bass to the additional ¼” instrument input for the ultimate studio flexibility. The easy-to-use UMC22 is ready whenever you are, ensuring an ultra-clean pathway to your computer’s hard drive for stunningly-professional results – the perfect solution for the solo musician wanting to capture that next big hit!

The ultra-compact UMC22 is totally compatible with virtually all popular recording software including Avid Pro Tools*, Ableton Live*, Steinberg Cubase*, etc., so you can record tracks directly into your favorite computer-based DAW – and mix and master to your heart’s content.

The UMC22 mix control allows direct monitor selection, which means musicians can experience their performance clearly – resulting in better performance and recording. With its powerful Phones Output, Direct Monitor select switch, Status and Signal Clip LEDs, plus USB-supplied power – the UMC22 is ready to go wherever you go.

The amazing UMC22 ultra-compact 2 x 2, 48 kHz USB audio interface allows you to record the perfect vocal or instrument tracks directly to your computer, thanks to the MIDAS-designed Mic Preamp with +48 Volt phantom power for condenser microphones – and studio-grade 48 kHz converter for superb sound quality. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, producer on the go, or just need a rock-solid interface for running backing tracks at the gig, the ultra-dependable U-PHORIA UMC22 will help you shine in the digital domain.

Product Features

• 2×2 USB audio interface for recording microphones and instruments
• Audiophile 48 kHz resolution for professional audio quality
• Compatible with popular recording software including Avid Pro Tools*, Ableton Live*, Steinberg Cubase*, etc.
• Streams 2 inputs / 2 outputs with ultra-low latency to your computer, supporting Mac OS X* and Windows XP* or higher
• State-of-the-art, Midas designed Mic Preamplifier with +48 V phantom power
• Powerful Phones output with Level control and Direct Monitor select
• Status, Signal and Clip indications for perfect overview
• USB port for connection and power
• “Built-like-a-tank”, impact-resistant metal chassis

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality build
• Affordably priced
• Extremely trusted
• Value for money
• Great audio output
• Clipping warning
• Direct Monitoring
• Low latency playback
• Favorable consumer ratings
• Convenient and compact size
• Can be carried around quite easily
• Excellent Midas Preamp built-in
• Tracktion DAW to download
• Easy to use connections and controls
• 16bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz CD quality
• Virtual Instruments and effects are available for download

Cons

• Better on Mac than with Windows
• Lacks a few bells and whistles
• Can be a little noisy with nothing plugged in
• Only 16bit, while competitors are the higher quality 24bit

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 Audio Interface Demo

Our Verdict

When it comes to using it as an audio output for my headphones, the built-in DAC/amp works flawlessly and is far superior to the output on my laptop. I can’t say much about it because I don’t have much to compare it to, but it has a wide range of listening volumes (I usually have it set at 11 or 12 o’clock with my AKG K612 Pros, with all volumes in Windows set to max) and the direct monitoring feature is great for letting me know if I’m talking a little too loud. I don’t like how it muffles the output signal just a little bit, but that’s just nitpicking.

The unit’s build quality is excellent. Looking from the front, the slightly glossy front facade isn’t distracted by reflections because the sheen isn’t overdone, and each knob feels wonderful and buttery smooth to move. Though the modest size of the knobs isn’t particularly pleasing to me, it’s not exactly a problem, is it?

The unit sits just a little higher than the surface on some little rubber feet that do a decent job of preventing the surface from getting scratches from the unit’s shell. Speaking of which, the metal case has a good quality feel to it and is free of any rough edges. My only gripe about the unit is that the phantom power switch is on the back (I prefer having all of the dials and switches on the front for the convenience of access), but because the average person won’t be tinkering with that switch very much if at all, it isn’t a major deal.

Overall, I think the unit is really good, especially considering the price you can purchase it for! The build quality is excellent, and the included features are excellent as well.

Where to Buy

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

behringer Audio Interface (UMC22)

$69.00

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

as of July 25, 2024 4:54 pm

Pricing History

behringer Audio Interface (UMC22)

behringer Audio Interface (UMC22)

$69.00

as of July 25, 2024 4:54 pm

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on July 25, 2024 4:54 pm

Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In

Best Audio Interface (2022)

Best Audio Interfaces Under $100