Behringer UMC204HD review

The UMC204HD is the most hardware-friendly budget option here. Each of its two combination XLR and 1/4 inch inputs feeds a Midas-designed preamp, with switchable +48 V phantom power, a line or instrument selector and a pad switch for loud sources. Two 1/4 inch TRS insert points let you patch a hardware compressor into the signal before it is recorded, something no other pick on this list offers. Behringer lists 24-bit conversion up to 192 kHz, 5-pin DIN MIDI in and out, a mix knob for zero-latency monitoring and a monitor A/B switch. Two TRS main outputs feed speakers and four RCA playback outputs add another monitoring path. It runs on USB bus power in a metal chassis and is class compliant on a Mac. The tradeoffs: it uses an older USB type B port, Windows needs a driver download, the product page documents no software bundle, and the US price did not load in our check. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Beginners on the tightest budget who want MIDI, inserts for outboard gear and extra outputs.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Two Midas-designed mic preamps with switchable +48 V phantom power
• 24-bit conversion at up to 192 kHz
• Two 1/4 inch TRS insert points for external processors
• 5-pin DIN MIDI in and out
• Two TRS main outputs plus four RCA playback outputs

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Inserts let you put a hardware compressor before the recording
• Strength: Pad switch on each input for loud sources
• Strength: Metal chassis and USB bus power
• Weakness: Older USB type B connector rather than USB-C
• Weakness: No software bundle documented on the product page
• Weakness: Windows needs a driver download

Key facts

• Inputs and outputs: 2x4 USB audio and MIDI
• Resolution: 24-bit, up to 192 kHz
• Inserts: 2 x 1/4 inch TRS
• Connection: USB 2.0 type B, bus powered
• Drivers: Class compliant on Mac; Windows driver download

Where it ranks

Behringer UMC204HD is No. 8 in our Best Audio Interfaces verdict.