Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 USB Audio Interface

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22

The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 is a 2-input, 2-output USB audio interface for recording a microphone or line source and an instrument into a computer at the same time. Its single MIDAS-designed microphone preamp, switchable 48 V phantom power and direct monitoring make it a practical first interface for home recording, podcasting, voice work and songwriting demos. The interface is USB bus powered, so it runs from the computer connection without a separate power supply, and its metal desktop housing is built for daily desk use.

Key features

• 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with 48 kHz resolution
• One MIDAS-designed microphone preamp with 48 V phantom power
• Combination XLR/TRS input for microphone and line sources
• Dedicated 6.35 mm instrument input for guitar and bass
• Direct Monitor switch for zero-latency input monitoring
• Two 6.35 mm TRS main outputs and a stereo headphone output
• USB bus powered with a maximum consumption of 2.5 W

Inputs and the MIDAS preamp

Input 1 is a combination XLR/TRS connector that accepts a microphone through the XLR section or a line-level source through the jack section, with a maximum input level of +2 dBu for microphones and +22 dBu for line signals. The MIDAS-designed preamp provides the gain for dynamic and condenser microphones, and switchable +48 V phantom power supports condensers that need it. Input 2 is a 6.35 mm instrument input with 1 M ohm impedance, matched to the high-impedance output of guitars and basses. Signal and clip LEDs beside each gain control show when a source is present and when it is overloading, so levels can be set before recording rather than repaired afterwards.

Monitoring and outputs

Two balanced 6.35 mm TRS outputs feed powered studio monitors or another line-level destination, with a maximum output level of 0 dBu. The stereo headphone output has its own level control for tracking and playback. The Direct Monitor switch routes the live inputs straight to the outputs and headphones without the round trip through the computer, which removes the audible delay that makes performing against software monitoring difficult. Input and system frequency response is rated at 10 Hz to 30 kHz, and dynamic range is 100 dB A-weighted.

Digital conversion and computer connection

The UMC22 works at sample rates of 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz. That 48 kHz ceiling is the defining specification of this model and is worth noting plainly: it covers voice, podcast, video and demo recording comfortably, and it is the reason the UMC22 sits below the HD models in the U-PHORIA range, which advertise higher rates. Connection is by USB Type B, and the interface is bus powered from the computer. On macOS it works with Core Audio without an additional driver; on Windows a driver is available from Behringer. It works with popular recording software on both platforms.

Built for a small desk setup

At 46.45 x 163 x 125 mm and 0.5 kg, the UMC22 takes little desk space and travels easily between rooms or locations. A Kensington security lock slot is fitted for fixed installations. For a single microphone plus an instrument, recorded one or two tracks at a time, it provides the complete input, monitoring and headphone path in one compact unit.

The UMC22 suits beginners and small setups that need one good microphone input, one instrument input and dependable monitoring, without paying for channels and sample rates they will not use.

Buying guide: audio interface buying guide

Complete your setup: Pair the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 USB Audio Interface with the RODE NT1 5th Generation Studio Condenser Microphone Silver and the Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor 2.0 Speakers 42 Watts (White) – Auxiliary.