Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD USB Audio Interface

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is an affordable yet high-quality 4-in/4-out USB desktop audio interface compatible with Windows and macOS.

As the mid-range model of the acclaimed U-Phoria series, the UMC404 HD sports high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz converters (hence the “HD” suffix), MIDI connectivity and, most importantly, a flexible array of inputs and outputs.

Each of the four input channels features a state-of-the-art (phantom-powered) Midas preamp, guaranteeing a pristine and crystal-clear sound.

The UMC404HD also features four separate output channels, available on both balanced 6.3mm jacks and RCA sockets – and the main output is mirrored on balanced XLRs.

The UMC404HD also features a compact but effective monitoring section (with a dedicated headphone amp) which will appeal to sound engineers and DJs alike. And being “built like a tank”, to quote the manufacturer, it can be used in any environment.

As described above, the UMC404HD is a cost-effective 4-in/4-out USB audio interface with high-quality preamps and a wide range of useful features.

It will be of particular interest to “serious” beginners, as it provides more complex recording options such as stereo pairing or multi-miking of instruments and drum kits.

What is more, modules and keyboards as well as other controllers such as drum pads can be accessed via the MIDI interface, freeing up extra USB ports on the computer.

The U-Phoria UMC404HD will feel equally at home in a project studio, on stage, or for mobile recording, given its sturdiness. Of course, the phono outputs and the A/B crossfader will also appeal to DJs.

In a project studio setting, the four analogue inputs and outputs, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD offers a wide range of possibilities.

A singer can record their electro-acoustic guitar in stereo using its onboard pickup for one side and a microphone on the sound hole for the other, while recording their vocals with a second microphone, for example.

Obviously straight-up guitar/voice duos are also possible – as are minimalist drum recording setups, such as the Glyn Johns method, which only requires four microphones.

The additional outputs provide even more flexibility, such as adding extra monitors for A/B comparisons, connecting to a second external headphone amplifier with a specific submix for the performer, or for more specialised tasks such as reamping a guitar or a bass (or any other signal for that matter!).