For bands and project studios looking to track, overdub, and mix in crisp 96 kHz digital resolution while adhering to a small budget, the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 rackmount 18x20 USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface presents a welcome and user-friendly solution that's capable of capturing up to eight analog and 10 digital signals at the same time.
The tough, impact-resistant metal UMC1820 interface sports eight pro-grade MIDAS-designed mic preamps, accessible via XLR-1/4" combo input jacks. Thanks to its switchable phantom power (in 4-channel banks) and per-channel line/instrument buttons, the U-PHORIA UMC1820 is ideal for simultaneous recording of eight unique analog sources such as condenser or dynamic microphones, electric guitar/bass, and keyboards. If you need to track more inputs, obtain external mic preamps equipped with ADAT and S/PDIF outputs; these can be connected to the optical and coaxial inputs on the UMC1820 to add 10 more input channels (eight via ADAT and two via S/PDIF).
Adjust the level for each analog input from the independent front-panel gain knobs while checking the front-panel LED indicators for signal presence and clipping. If you see the red clip lights, turn down the gain. Adjust the monitor mix knob counterclockwise to hear your live input signal without latency when tracking, or turn it to the right to make a blend of the input and computer playback for overdubbing. There's also a nearby switch for setting the monitor mix to mono or stereo.
With its two 1/4" headphone jacks and two balanced 1/4" main outputs, the U-PHORIA UMC1820 has no problem handling headphones and professional active monitors. Eight additional 1/4" line outs are present, should you wish to hook up more speakers or a multichannel summing mixer. Not only does the interface have separate knobs for easy control of the headphones and main output levels, but it also has dedicated dim and mute buttons for the main monitor feed. A/B buttons allow each headphone output to be sourced from outputs 1-2 or 3-4 for DJ-style cueing or independent headphone mixes.
All inputs and outputs are treated to high-resolution AD/DA conversion at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. Five-pin MIDI I/O ports are provided on the rear panel for straightforward hookup of a MIDI equipment such as a keyboard controller, a drum machine, or a synthesizer. Utilize the generous software bundle comprised of DAWs, virtual instruments, and effects, or pair the interface with popular programs such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, and more (available separately) on your Mac or Windows computer.