Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820/UMC404

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http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UMC1820.aspx
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UMC404.aspx

Those look really good, at least on paper. I think especially the UMC1820 could be a very interesting device. Its hardware features are basically identical to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. The Behringer even adds a few things, such as per-input line/instruments and pads switches (the Scarlett only has those on inputs 1+2) and more configuration options for the headphones. I can't say how it sounds, but I suppose for the target group it'll do fine. I have a Behringer ADA8200 and I can't complain.

And all that for $199(!). If Behringer is able to deliver similar flexibility as Focusrite does with the MixControl software, this thing could become a serious alternative to the Scarlett 18i20, for less than half the price.

I just bought a Scarlett 18i20 last month so I'm not actually in the market for the UMC1820. But I feel the Behringer interface could become a winner. The only thing I find strange is the ridiculously low price. I paid considerably more even for the ADA8200 which is a rather simple 8 channel preamp and 8/8 channel ADC/DAC. I wonder how/if the price is possible without sacrificing some qualities.

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Hi Paterpeter,

Here's my review for the Behringer UMC404 :)

I bought the UMC404 last week and I'm very happy with it.
As for basic soundcards, this is the best quality for this money I guess.
I hope it goes a long way. But for some Behringer products that I have, I must say the built quality is mostly good. (not all Behringer products are quality dough, but I've bought worse from other manufacturers also ;-) )

I was waiting for the HD version, but after informing with Behringer themselves, they confirmed (not directly) that the UMC404 and the UMC404HD are the same, only with new software.
So luckely you can upgrade the UMC404 with the latest firmware and then you also have 192 Khz!!! :D
So I bought the old version for 130€. New HD is 230€ ;-)
http://www.bax-shop.nl/usb-geluidskaart ... -interface

Pro
  • Very very low latency, I have 64 samples at lowest latency setting. No crackles.
  • Good quality inputs and sockets.
  • Comes with lots of free software, if you need it
  • USB powered ! (no extra adapter needed on the road)
  • Direct monitoring knob
  • Very easy to install, no problem with drivers on W8.1
Con
  • No decent manual
  • No thru setting in the software for the channels, directly from input to output (I use this to mix my other live synth with the soundcard, So that's an extra pair of cables spared on stage.). So I made an extra channel in my DAW for it. This way I could check the latency with the direct monitoring and it's great !!! :) I'm very happy.
So I was very surpriced with the ultra low latency on my windows 8.1. (umc404 firmware upgrade 1.12)

I made a semi-leather wrap around it and attached it with velcro to my keyboard stand, I'm looking forward to use it live!

I think Behringer is getting better and better and look at the nice innovative products they offer !
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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Thanks for the review ;) I was looking for more info on these; the Firepower had some issues (latency & stability issues due to - supposedly - drivers) so I hoped this time they got it right :) I'm already using one of their line rack mixers (Eurorack Pro RX1602) to connect all my hardware units so it would be kind of interesting to build a Behringer based home studio, heh :) Still a bit on the fence though...that Roland Quad-Capture with the "Auto-Sens" sure is tempting :) But on the other hand, having more inputs is a must in my case... hmm...
TELURICA - "Made In ___ [INSERT LOCATION]" - EP.
Available now on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/telurica/sets/ma ... t-location

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Yes, I also saw some reviews on youtube, that firepower is a mistake :)
But with this soundcard all went perfect, at least for me, don't know on other computers.
I must say on my w7 desktop the soundcard had some crackling now and then, on any setting. So probably a driver problem also.
Anyway, works great on my w8.1 laptop, alienware 15' with 8Gb and quadcore.
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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Good to know ;) Actually that was my main concern - I will prolly soon switch to a new PC running W8.1 and I was afraid that most interfaces won't have optimised W8 drivers. Thanks for the info :)
TELURICA - "Made In ___ [INSERT LOCATION]" - EP.
Available now on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/telurica/sets/ma ... t-location

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yw :)
thursday first live gig with the Behringer, will let you know if it was a disaster ;-) hahahah
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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Best of luck ;)
TELURICA - "Made In ___ [INSERT LOCATION]" - EP.
Available now on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/telurica/sets/ma ... t-location

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All goes extremely well on stage !!!
Image
I love this card :)
The lowest latency 64 samples, very stable, good inputs and connection possibilities.
Finally !

Somebody interested in my old Terrasonic ? :-P
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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Heh, well then I guess this will be my next audio interface :) There's no alternative at that price - not with 4 combo inputs, anyway :) Still, that Roland Quad-Capture... if only a bit cheaper...
TELURICA - "Made In ___ [INSERT LOCATION]" - EP.
Available now on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/telurica/sets/ma ... t-location

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godly wrote: I was waiting for the HD version, but after informing with Behringer themselves, they confirmed (not directly) that the UMC404 and the UMC404HD are the same, only with new software.
So luckely you can upgrade the UMC404 with the latest firmware and then you also have 192 Khz!!!
Hi godly,
Can you confirm that you've managed to upgrade your "basic" UMC404 to 192kHz ?

This would be consistent with what was announced at the product launch in NAMM 2014 - but now they've given it a new model name that story is being brushed under the carpet. I've been trying to get confirmation that the two products are actually the same inside, but naturally almost everyone is being quite shy about admitting it !

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I can confirm that I upgraded the firmware and that the helpdesk told me that the 404 and 404HD are the same product, but the firmware upgrade :)
http://www.behringerdownload.de/UMC/BEH ... 2_23_0.zip

I'm not sure where I can see if it's 192Khz?

What's the new model ? The 404HD?
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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I don't have the hardware to check - but from what I gather from the readme, the upgrade you have is for the driver (on the computer), not the firmware (inside the box)... so I wouldn't expect a change in sample frequency from this. There is also a firmware update available on the Behringer site - but dating back to last July, so again also unlikely to include the 192kHz update.

You should be able to tell if you have 192kHz available to you in your DAW software, which should only offer availble rates (typically 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 ... and 192kHz). If the 192kHz option is not available, then you haven't yet had the upgrade.

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Ow sorry indeed,
The firmware is below it
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UMC404.aspx
I'll check that in reaper about the 192
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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Hello Everyone,

We at Behringer would like to take this opportunity to clarify some things regarding the UMC404 and the UMC404HD. There has been some speculation regarding the similarities about these products, mainly that they contain the same components. I can say with certainty that this is NOT true.

There were hardware mods implemented to ensure stable operation at 192 kHz. It’s also worth mentioning that updating the firmware for the UMC404 will NOT allow it to perform at 192 kHz the way the UMC404HD does.

Best,

Michael LAPKE
Specialist, Customer Experience, Engagement
MUSIC Group
BEHRINGER
Best,

Michael LAPKE
Specialist, Customer Experience, Engagement
MUSIC Group
BEHRINGER

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mlapke wrote:Hello Everyone,

We at Behringer would like to take this opportunity to clarify some things regarding the UMC404 and the UMC404HD. There has been some speculation regarding the similarities about these products, mainly that they contain the same components. I can say with certainty that this is NOT true.

There were hardware mods implemented to ensure stable operation at 192 kHz. It’s also worth mentioning that updating the firmware for the UMC404 will NOT allow it to perform at 192 kHz the way the UMC404HD does.

Best,

Michael LAPKE
Specialist, Customer Experience, Engagement
MUSIC Group
BEHRINGER
Thank you for the clarification. Most probably the Behringer support gave me the wrong information then. My question was if I should wait for the HD or buy the old version and the support told me that updating the firmware drivers of the 404 would give me the same result. I don't remember the exact words. Maybe it was a misunderstanding.

Anyway, good job! I love the 404. My first decent soundcard in this price range.
If you guys upgrade the drivers, please keep in mind to add a sound thru function. I'd love to see that (I use the card to mix my synths on stage, so I only have 1 output)
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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