Zoom UAC-2 USB 3.0 Audio Interface Review (April 2024)
$169.99
Description
In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the Zoom UAC-2 Eight-Channel USB 3.0 Interface, including an overview of its unique features.
Product Description
Take your sound to new heights with the high-speed, high-resolution, low-latency, and ultra-portable UAC-2 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Audio converter.
The bus-powered UAC-2 adds two channels of 24-bit/192 kHz high-resolution audio to any USB 2.0 or 3.0-equipped Windows or Mac computer—even to your iPad.* It utilizes SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology for low latency and includes advanced features such as 4x upsampling, Loopback, and MIDI I/O. Plugin any microphone, line-level device, or instrument and use the UAC-2 for onstage playback, recording to a DAW, or enjoyment of high-res audio in your home or office. You can also use it for fast, low-latency podcasting, gaming, and other live streaming applications.
Now you can get the best out of your laptop at every gig. The UAC-2 is portable, bus-powered (no AC connection required), and built rugged for the road, plus its advanced converters and support for USB 3.0 SuperSpeed ensures superior audio wherever your music takes you. Broadcast your creativity, enhance your gaming experience, and share your performance with the world. The UAC-2’s Loopback function combines the input from connected mics, instruments, and line-level devices along with background music or other audio tracks being played back by your computer and then instantly routes a custom blend of the signals to your streaming software.
Pair a UAC-2 with your DAW and create great audio in any recording environment. Connect a wide variety of microphones, line-level devices, and instruments. Use Direct Monitoring for zero-latency overdubbing. Sync your MIDI controllers, sound modules, and drum machines. Archive your favorite recordings in high-resolution formats. The UAC-2 provides everything you need, in one compact device.
The USB 3.0 connector on the rear panel carries digital signals to and from your computer in addition to providing power to the UAC-2—no batteries or external power are required. Dual front-panel combo XLR/TRS inputs allow you to connect a wide variety of microphones as well as line-level signals from electronic keyboards and music players—even passive instruments such as electric guitars and basses. Dual-balanced TRS output jacks enable you to connect the UAC-2 to amplifiers or self-powered speakers, and there’s an independent ¼” stereo headphone jack with dedicated volume control for private monitoring of the input or output signal.
Dedicated input gain controls and Clip LEDs make it easy to set optimum input levels, and a large Output knob enables fast control over overall output level. A phantom power switch applies +48 volts to the mic inputs, allowing you to use the UAC-2 with studio-quality condenser microphones, and a three-way Direct Monitoring switch enables monitoring of input signal with zero latency in both mono and stereo. MIDI In and Out connectors allow interfacing with devices such as electronic keyboards and drum machines. Last but not least, a Class Compliant Mode switch enables the UAC-2 to be connected to an iPad
Product Features
- Weight: 714 g
- 24-bit / 192kHz
- 2 Inputs / outputs
- MIDI in / out
- Hi-Z Input for guitar or bass
- Input Impedance 5 kOhm
- 2 Balanced outputs 6.3 mm jack
- 48V Phantom power per channel
- Dimensions: 113.9 x 176 x 46.2 mm
- LED display for input and output
- Balanced XLR combo inputs and 6.3 mm jack
- Burr-Brown mic preamp with up to 60 dB of gain
- 4x upsampling during A / D and D / A conversion
- Bus Powered by USB port – no power adapter required
- Independent headphone output with separate volume control
- Insensitive computer jitter thanks to asynchronous transfer
- Compatible with USB 3 and USB 2, Windows, Mac OSX, and iPad
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High quality build
- Very dependable
- Positive consumer feedback
- Worth the investment
- Excellent sound quality
- Perfect for recording and live performances
Cons
- A bit large in size
- Quite expensive
Zoom UAC-2 USB 3.0 Audio Interface Demo
Our Verdict
This gadget has made the musical connection to the internet a lot easier to utilize. Because of the USB 3.0, the latency is really minimal. It breezes through Jamkazam’s audio setup. Connect it to the mixer and get fantastic sound. Thank you to Jason for making all of this possible.
Where to Buy
The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.
Pricing History
Price History for Zoom UAC-2 Eight-Channel USB 3.0 Interface
Statistics
| Current Price | $123.70 | April 9, 2024 |
| Highest Price | $140.75 | November 17, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $117.19 | December 23, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $123.70 | January 1, 2024 |
| $117.19 | December 23, 2023 |
| $140.75 | November 17, 2023 |
Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In
Best Audio Interfaces Under $500
Best USB Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Portable Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Small Audio Interfaces (2022)
Additional information
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 6.8 x 4 x 1.5 inches |
| Item model number | UAC-2 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium ion batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | June 18, 2015 |
| Color Name | Silver |
| Hardware Interface | PCI |
| Output Wattage | 5 Watts |
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