Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD

I was using a 20 year old Roland USB audio interface until I burned it up after moving to another country with different voltage and didn't realize the wall PSU was not universal voltage.

I wanted to replace it with a similar device. Most of the time the use is just as a DAC which takes input over USB from a Linux box and the analog out goes to a mini stereo system. I was using the recording features on the Roland but I have not tested the Behringer yet.

I was pleased to find not only does the UMC202HD run my Sennheiser HD 25s perfectly well but even the HD 600s sound good via the headphone jack. I think it is surely the best DAC you can buy for 64 Euros...

It runs off USB and even supplies phantom power if you need it. Quite an amazing device. The audio over the headamp is not perfect, it's a little thin, but it is very clear, clean, absolutely without any noise. You will not be able to turn the volume past 50% without the HD 600s becoming uncomfortably loud.

I'd like to see a power button on the front panel and for recording some kind of useful level metering is absent but seems pretty important. However given the tiny size I don't see there is room for it. Personally I wouldn't mind a larger enclosure to get the metering.

Summary: deal of the century on a 192 KHz DAC.

Sure, here are some highlights of the Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD sound card:

Sound Quality: Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD allows you to make clear and accurate sound recordings thanks to its high quality sound conversion technology. It faithfully captures your instruments and vocals with crystal clear sound.

Low Latency: This sound card allows you to record with low latency. This is very important during live performances and recording sessions because it becomes easier for you to play and record without delays.

High Definition: 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution lets you record professional studio quality. This helps you capture the details of your music without losing it.

Durability: The U-Phoria UMC202HD is housed in a solid metal case. This ensures durability and longevity, allowing you to use it safely in stage and studio conditions.

Input/Output Options: It comes with two combi inputs (XLR/TRS) and two outputs (TRS). This offers great flexibility when you want to record or play your different instruments or microphones at the same time.

MIDI Support: The UMC202HD has MIDI in/out ports. In this way, you can integrate with MIDI keyboards, drums and other MIDI devices.

Compact Design: Thanks to its portable and compact design, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD allows you to easily produce music at home, in the studio or on the go.

Reasonable Price: Behringer is known for its affordable products, and the U-Phoria UMC202HD continues that tradition. It is a budget-friendly option if you are looking for a sound card with professional sound quality.

This is my first audio interface. Using it in conjuction with Bandlab for some band projects during lockdown. First off, excellent service from Thomann, well package item and arrived in good time. My first order with them as well.

The setup of this is really easy. Basically for the Windows setup go to the Behringer site and find the latest drivers. Download, unzip and run the setup file. Then plug it in and away you go. Two inputs on this so I can plug my bass and a mic in. Level input is easy, just make sure the clipping light isnt flashing. Best to play throught whatever your planning to record and set the gain for each input. Easy enough. The direct monitoring is great and works at the press of a button.

Only issue I've had is some latency with Bandlab. There is a way of doing a latency test on that to change this but I managed to get round it by fiddling with the sound control panel setting.

Build quality of this unit is really solid. Metal case all round and the controls are smooth and easy to use. Excellent value for money.

I started recording guitar at home and I needed a relatively inexpensive audio interface with 2 channels that records in 24 bit. It is well built, with metallic housing and good and firm plastic parts. It is powered by USB cable when connected with computer. Both chanells (mic and instrument) have gain controls with clipping indicators. It also has real direct monitoring and phantom power for condenser mics. In all, it has everything you need to record guitar&bass or guitar&voice or any other combo except MIDI. I record my guitar with dinamic mic in front of the amp and it's almost studio quality. One drawback is that it doesn't have any software or even a driver ready - you have to dowload the driver from Behringer home page, and after driver installation you edit the settings in your DAW (I use Audacity and I started recording successfully only after I watched 2 videos on Youtube).

I have had this interface for around 4 years now and it has been amazing. It powers my MXL 770 perfectly without any noise in the gain at all. for the price the midas preamps are amazing value and should be suitable for most condenser microphones. For mics like the SM7B you will still need something like a cloud lifter though. Quality is just okay, plastic build with cheap knobs on the front that do the job. One of the best parts of the interface is the balanced outputs on the back of the device, for speakers these outputs perform FAR beyond my expectations!

A definite recommendation from me.

Bought it, so I could try my tube condenser mic I got as as gift (sadly don't know which brand, might be MXL, no branding), and it allows the mic to output decent output.

Works well with instruments as well, such as guitar & bass, but always recommend to use a pedal board or the likes to properly amplify the sounds on instruments.

PROS:
It's cheap, and delivers simple and easy setup on PC, and works well with variety of instruments. Has adequate amount of inputs, for personal use.

CONS:
Should note, that there is a noticeable input delay, even when changing the buffer size, in the UMC Control Panel, provided for the interface. Also, the small lack of audio controls besides of gain/line/instrument switch & pad, but it's quite acceptable for it's price range, so it shouldn't matter much.

Recommended, if you want to start using and learn USB interfaces, should work straight up.

I needed it to record bass, guitars and singing.
Pros:
It does the job very well. Solid built, unique sound and for the bass I prefer this from the other budget 2i2s interfaces. Overall this interface is a very good buy and I recommend it without a doubt.
Cons:
1) As other users have stated, when you use direct monitoring you hear the instrument only in the side of the input. For example when I record from the first input I listen from only the left side of headphones/ speakers and that can be annoying
2) I use ableton as a daw and when I close the sound card driver to listen something else from my pc (outside of the daw), the drivers get stuck and I have to unplug and connect again the interface. This is a driver problem however so it may be fixed someday