Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD USB Audio Interface

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD USB Audio Interface

The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD is a 4-in, 4-out USB audio and MIDI interface for computer recording, built around four MIDAS-designed microphone preamplifiers and conversion up to 24-bit and 192 kHz. It is aimed at musicians and small project studios that need to record several sources at once — a vocal and guitar, a small ensemble, a drum setup with multiple microphones, or a band rehearsal — without moving up to a large rack interface. Four combination inputs on the front accept microphones, line-level sources and instruments, while a full set of main and playback outputs, channel inserts and MIDI connections on the unit support monitoring, outboard processing and keyboard or controller integration in a compact desktop metal chassis.

Key features

• 4 x 4 USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
• 4 MIDAS-designed microphone preamplifiers with switchable 48 V phantom power
• 4 combination XLR and TRS inputs for mic, line and instrument sources
• Channel inserts, main and playback outputs for flexible routing
• Zero-latency direct monitoring with input and playback mix control
• MIDI input and output on 5-pin DIN connectors

Four preamps and high-resolution conversion

Each of the four input channels uses a MIDAS-designed preamplifier feeding a combination XLR and TRS socket, with individual gain control, a pad switch for level attenuation and mic, line and instrument handling. Microphone input impedance is 3 kilohms and instrument input impedance is 1 megohm, with maximum input levels of minus 4 dBu for microphone, plus 20 dBu for line and minus 3 dBu for instrument. Switchable plus 48 V phantom power supports condenser microphones across the inputs. Input frequency response is specified from 10 Hz to 50 kHz. Supported sample rates run from 44.1 kHz through 48, 88.2, 96 and 176.4 kHz up to 192 kHz at 24-bit resolution, covering standard music production and higher-resolution work in the same unit. Status, signal and clip indicators for each channel help set gain correctly before a take is committed.

Outputs, inserts and monitoring

Monitoring and routing are where the UMC404HD separates itself from simpler two-channel interfaces. Main outputs are provided on balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS connectors, and four playback outputs on TRS plus four on RCA allow additional monitor paths, cue mixes or external routing. A powerful headphone output on a 1/4-inch stereo jack has its own level control and a Monitor A/B switch that selects outputs 1-2 or 3-4 for DJ-style cueing. Direct monitoring is latency-free, with a mix balance control blending input and playback signals and a stereo and mono switch for checking a recording as it is made. Four 1/4-inch TRS channel inserts allow external compressors, equalisers or other processors to be placed in the recording path for individual inputs, a facility rarely found on interfaces of this size.

MIDI, connection and build

MIDI input and output on standard 5-pin DIN connectors let keyboards, controllers and other MIDI equipment communicate with the computer through the same box, keeping a small studio setup to one USB connection. The computer link is USB 2.0 on a type B connector. On macOS the interface works without an additional driver through Core Audio support, and a driver is available from Behringer for Windows. Power consumption is a maximum of 2.5 watts, supplied through the USB connection and the included adapter arrangement, with a Kensington security lock point on the chassis. The impact-resistant metal enclosure, described by Behringer as built like a tank, measures approximately 46 by 292 by 130 millimetres and weighs 1.2 kilograms, wide enough for four front-panel channels while remaining portable between rooms and sessions.

For recording work that has outgrown a two-input interface, the UMC404HD provides four respected preamplifiers, genuinely flexible output and insert routing, direct monitoring and MIDI in a single desktop unit, making it a practical centre for a small studio, a podcast setup with several microphones, or a live backing-track and recording rig.