Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD Desktop 4x4 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface (Open Box)

Behringer UMC404HD Overview

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-PHORIA 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).

MIDAS Microphone Preamps

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.

Line/Instrument Switching and Input Pads

Each input has its own line/instrument switch and a pad, which attenuates the input signal to avoid clipping when recording loud sources.

Insert Send/Return Jacks

Add tone-enhancing character to your recordings by integrating analog outboard gear such as compressors and EQs (available separately) through the four rear-panel 1/4" insert jacks, one per input channel. Each jack relies on a TRS configuration in which the send and return are on separate pins, allowing you to use a separately available TRS Y-splitter cable (1/4" TRS to dual 1/4" TS) to make the proper connections.

Headphone and Balanced Line Outputs

With a 1/4" headphone jack on the front and two balanced line outputs (mirrored on XLR and 1/4" jacks) on the rear, the U-PHORIA UMC404HD can drive headphones and a pair of professional active monitors. The A/B button switches the headphone jack from monitoring outputs 1-2 (in the A position) to outputs 3-4 (in the B position)—a great function 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.

Four 1/4" and RCA Line Outputs

Checking your mixes on different monitors is an excellent way to ensure consistency on various playback systems. To do so, use the four line outs (mirrored on balanced 1/4" and unbalanced RCA jacks) to connect two pairs of powered speakers. Consider an external monitor controller (available separately) for enhanced efficiency when integrating multiple sets of speakers.

Front-Panel Input and Output Controls

The UMC404HD's front panel has everything you need for smooth and efficient operation of the interface's primary functions. Adjust the level for each input from the independent gain knobs while checking the LED indicators for signal presence and clipping. Quickly adjust the headphone volume and main output level separately using the dedicated Main Out and Phones knobs.

Adjustable Monitor Mix

Thanks to the interface's adjustable monitor mix, you can hear your input signal without latency during practice and recording (monitor mix knob turned fully counterclockwise), preventing the talent from being distracted by an echo of their live performance. Alternatively, turn the knob to the right to dial in the perfect blend of input signal and playback from the computer when you're overdubbing existing tracks. Press the stereo/mono button to set the monitor mix as desired.

MIDI I/O

Beatmakers, producers, and more can connect their MIDI gear to the UMC404HD's rear-panel MIDI ports. This allows an easy solution for getting an external MIDI keyboard controller, drum machine, or synthesizer to function optimally with your DAW.

AC Adapter or Bus Powered

The UMC404HD compact desktop interface can be powered via USB (USB cable included) or the supplied power adapter, giving you added versatility for studio and mobile sessions. Since the interface utilizes the USB 2.0 standard and is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems, you can easily use it on a variety of computers.

Bundled Software

The U-PHORIA UMC404HD comes with free audio recording, editing, and podcasting software plus 150 instrument and effects plug-ins, allowing you to start production on your next project as soon as possible.