Behringer UMC404HD Review (audio performance tested and compared)

In this video we will find out about the audio performance of the Behringer UMC404HD.
Sweetwater US | Behringer UMC404HD: sweetwater.sjv.io/B0eD6q *
Thomann EU | Behringer UMC404HD: www.thomann.de/de/behringer_u... *
Amazon | Behringer UMC404HD: amzn.to/3nbHRjB *
Amazon | Behringer UMC404HD: amzn.to/3pbc4S6 *
Support future videos on Patreon: / juliankrause **
Follow me on Twitter: / thejuliankrause
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Hardware Overview
03:34 - Output Configiration
04:59 - Internals
05:32 - Mic Input Performance
07:25 - Mic Preamp Performance
08:45 - Mic Input Dynamic Range
09:18 - Line Input Performance
10:28 - Insert vs Line Input Performance
10:59 - Main Output Performance
12:53 - Playback Output Performance
13:30 - HP Output Performance
14:58 - Round Trip Latency
15:40 - Verdict
* Affiliate links from which I receive a commission for sales. This doesn't generate any additional cost for you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
** Patreon is a platform where you can voluntarily choose to support the channel by purchasing a monthly subscription.

[@BojanBojovic]

I love German reviews, zero mumbo-jumbo bullshit, all numbers and measures, technically literate and objective. Brilliant video! 🙂👍🖖

Right!?!?!?!

[@peterchoe]

cringe

[@KarolMamot]

Kraftwerk speech style 🙂

[@brainboyandthefunkybunch6516]

@@peterchoe how is that cringe do you have a problem with clear cut info

[@peterchoe]

@@brainboyandthefunkybunch6516 I have a problem with the racialized glorification of a country when it has no pertinence to the quality of data being discussed. That's what's cringe. Are germans all somehow a homogeneous intellectual body?

[@WarrenPostma]

This channel makes audio interface shopping easy.

[@mikechahal9734]

Did you get it? How did you like it?!

[@mattglaz1]

I just want to say that your reviews are easily the best on the internet. You keep everything objective and measureable, and you avoid common myths and focus on the stuff that actually matters. Very much appreciated. Also, I currently use the UMC1820. I don't know if you are planning on reviewing that one, but I'm curious to know how mine compares to the other models because it looks like the 404 suffers a few problems that the 202 doesn't. Thank you for your work!

[@uterzorker5646]

The fact, that the headphone output shows distortion at higher settings is not because of a bad construction, it is fully intentional. The potentiometer is layed out to overdrive the amplifier. When you hear music with 0 dB maximum volume over USB, then the volume setting on the headphone output is intended to be set around 12 o'clock. The additional volume is intended for direct monitoring while recording. Here you set the inputs so, that your DAW get's a signal around -12 dB. If the headphone's output maximum setting was at 0 dB, the headphone volume would be much too low for a decent monitor signal. With this overdrive function you can crank it up to a comfortable monitor volume without any distortion. Perfect! Not many interfaces have this. I would also mention, that the so-called main output is only relevant, when you want to amplify the direct monitoring signal to your speakers. If you do not need this, use the playback outputs to connect the interface to your equipment. I use a regular consumer grade integrated amplifier and connect both the playback and the main output to it, so that i can switch between them and in this case the consumer output level the interface delivers fits perfectly. And it is not correct, that output A plays the same signal as output B. You can choose in your application or in your OS, which of the outputs 1/2 or 3/4 you want to use for playback, so that with the right settings both outputs can play different signals at the same time. For instance in DJ software for playback of two decks connected to an external mixer or one stereo output for the main signal and the other for the PFL signal to use the application's internal mixer. The monitor A/B switch at the front toggles the headphone signal between these outputs, which is exactly the function needed for this purpose. DJs should also check out the cheaper UMC204HD with only two inputs and the same 4 outputs, monitoring section and MIDI interface as in the 404.

[@EricPLandry]

Rates within the best informative and technically rich review videos I've seen on KZbin. All tech with the data to prove and real testing. No opinion based recommendations. Recommendations based on real tests and comparison with other units is extremely useful. You are helping me make well informed decisions on some important purchases. Thank you!

[@ladgrove]

Great review, thank you. I bought this after gifting the Behringer UMC22 to a friend and was so impressed by that little model, I got this version. The latency and sound quality are fantastic. Low noise and if you record at the correct level, I challenge you to find the difference between a converter at this price, and a converter worth 5* as much. I know I couldn't, and so my custom converters have been sold. This thing is a little gem.

[@uncleclunk8485]

I've had this unit for a few years now, searched for answers on certain aspects of it with no good result, you just changed that! thanks so much for a clear and professional review, I learned a lot, for one, I'm using the wrong input to my monitors well done! thanks, Clive.

[@jaxmanyfk]

This is my favourite channel on the web! Numbers, measures, and all the technical data that all the brands never have! Thanks Julian, my best wishes for you!

[@wtulin1970]

Thanks a lot, Julian, I'm going to hear that presonus self-noise ringing in my ears all day! :)

[@fyohox742]

This is the most thorough review for umc404hd. I have no idea of the headache to find all the specs you showed up here because the manufacturer does not supply all of them. Keep it up!

[@fab672000]

Can't stress enough how useful and enlightening these reviews have been for me, much appreciated Julian!

[@darkstareng]

I really appreciate that you talk about the internal chips used. I haven't found anyone else that does that!

[@dougckelly]

you do the best reviews, always covering every detail I want to know about. Thank you!

[@marcfaur]

Best review of this interface so far. I have the UMC404 HD and I'm very happy with it.

[@joelcarson4602]

Thanks, Julian. More informative than many other channels. I have one of these, based largely on your review. Really only using two of the four inputs at the moment, that will likely change. Re-watching this has cleared up a couple of misunderstandings on my part. Currently running a small Mackie 8 channel mixer into it, with one condenser mic and several line inputs. Audio quality seems very good. Keep up the great work, we need it.

[@kevinsam3]

Great review. You always put a lot of work into your reviews. Much appreciated brother.

[@simon_patterson]

That is an incredible analysis. Extremely useful. Thank you!

[@jamesfrancisco3130]

I appreciate your in-depty review of the UMC404HD. I bought one a couple years ago when they first were introduced. My favorite online store was selling them for $99, which was incredible! Before that, I used the Steinberg UR22, but I was always disappointed in the noise level. The Behringer unit is much quieter, and to me, the other negative items you mentioned are not as important... especially now that I know to not overdrive the inputs! Thank you for an excellent review!

[@AbrahamRomney]

just subscribed. Love all the real data on these. That's a lot of work to measure this stuff. Thanks.

[@Richies_Beer_n_Gear]

Having done a lot of live multitrack recording, please allow me to clear up how this design makes sense. Connect the TWO balanced stereo "MAIN" outputs (TRS / XLR) to TWO remote headphone amps. Connect the "A" balanced stereo output to a remote headphone amp. All of the above receive the IN/OUT mix. The "B" balanced output receives no live input mix, only DAW output (send this to the engineer's monitor speakers). The "MON A/B" switch allows the local headphone amp on the unit to switch between the above two. This allows the engineer to send a live input / DAW output mix to three remote headphone amps, all stereo and fully balanced, while retaining a stereo balanced line output (B) from the DAW to monitor speakers and the headphone output on the unit, while being able to switch his own headphones to monitor the live mix (A) that is being sent to the remote headphone amps. It is actually an excellent design, but you have to think about it to know why.

[@emilionegrete5513]

genious!!!!

[@nononononegative]

Is this explained in the manual? Seems like a big oversight if not.

[@Richies_Beer_n_Gear]

@@nononononegative Not that I know of, I figured it out on my own and decided to share it here to hopefully help others.

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

@@Richies_Beer_n_Gear and you have helped. Thanks sir

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

@@Richies_Beer_n_Gear hey Richard, if you were to just need this to connect to a consumer line level device, what would you stick between this device and the device to get the right gain between the two?

[@albertoperezpuyal3740]

Spectacular review. The best I've seen about audio interfaces. Thank you!

[@christophersmay4508]

Thank you for this most useful review, as I have on of these units on the way to me right now!

[@okay1904]

Thanks for providing such a relevant unbiased review of affordable audio interfaces, for most of the available devices. Highly appreciated, and I have learned so much from your videos. What is so spectacular is that, for over two decades we have had audio interfaces, and you have from nowhere, popped up to highlight so many issues with these devices that are never covered in the magazines and on forums. Highly valuable youtube channel. I do hope you can evolve a more consistent format , of points to compare, so that, in a similar manner to your headphone comparisons, its also much easier to compare the other audio quality parameters. I acknowledge this is a lot of work, but you are the only one doing this, so just take this as a hint for improvement, not as a criticism.

[@joriliilyoekke6634]

Thank you Julian for making these reviews

[@Mr_A_Mia]

Thanks for all your videos Julian.

[@57RickH]

Thanks for the review. I have had the model UMC202HD for a few years and it has always done a great job, never any issues. I am looking at this unit now for the additional mic inputs.

[@musicbydavidyoungs]

Good review, thanks man. No tedious unboxing, no BS and good tech content. Nice one.

[@justdandy1]

Excellent review, just what I was looking for.

[@BorderRebels]

A clear, concise, balanced and well-presented review; thank you!

[@dehamellin]

Hey, great review. Keep 'em coming

[@HRLDmusic]

Just sub, I am now a fan. Keep making this content :)

[@ronaldirawan3643]

You are the best. No Bias. I have just bought umc202 2 month ago because your review, no regret. Nothing weird. All good. Big Thanks 👍

[@CharltonGomes]

Very detailed info! Thanks Julian!

[@mellowyellow5427]

Such a good video!!! So well explained and reviewed.

[@markhaglund1565]

Love your channel, super helpful!

[@WestalSage]

Absolutely awesome technical review!

[@weedeeeter]

Very thorough! Well done 👍

[@MorisoniProductions]

Excellent comprehensive review. Thank you!

[@PeteOHair]

Thank you for great content Julian. Very informative and well researched. Helped me to make a decision ;-)

[@moomamedia5414]

Excellent review. Thank you, Julian.

[@vikingsofvintageaudio7470]

I love your reviews, thank you so much for your content!

[@JulienMARY]

That's great review, with clear tips regarding how to get the best out of this gear, based on measurements.

[@dessiplaer]

Great review. Lots of good info!

[@jschx2371]

Very usefull Professional Review. Thanks julian!

[@Beatprozessor]

best most detailed audio interface reviews on youtube! thanks!

[@johndrummondsongs]

Superb review!

[@joshuasy10]

I have this interface, this video was surprisingly helpful

[@johnumm2472]

*such* a great technical review

[@botehot1854]

Hi. Thanks for the explanation. I'm new to this subject. Really appreciate

[@JJMasterDigital]

Thank you for clear explanation with diagram for output which i can not find on product manual, it really help

Excellent review.

[@abominablemusic]

Wow, very detailed review!

[@Protegit]

Great video! I have one suggestion tho. At the end of these gear review videos you could provide different alternatives to the products you reviewed and maybe link your reviewes of the alternatives in the description!

[@BAK87]

Just wow... well done man!

[@FacultadDeSonido]

Great information and comparison using your graphs.

[@Alex_Martz]

Excellent review! this is the way they should be done, hard data and facts!

[@BGRecon]

I've used this for years. Love it, could be better but for the most part it works for me and my podcast.

[@DM-hv6sc]

Thank you. Great review, and very useful.

[@ZachariahConnor]

I've owned one for 4 years now, still working perfectly

Thank you for not acting like an idiot or over over crazy. This was the best review i have ever seen on youtube. Thank you, danke, teşekkürler :)

[@TheSubstrance]

Love your reviews man! Hands down the best interface reviews on KZbin. Could it be possible to ever see higher-end interfaces such as the Clarett range or the Babyface Pro?

[@JulianKrause]

Absolutely, I currently have the Clarett 2Pre on the test bench. I will make a video about it soon 😉

[@musicmaestrodj]

Awesome video. Thanks so much!

[@MacLamar]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@godbeforeme]

THANK YOU! I've been looking at so many listings and videos trying to find out if the playback outputs are balanced TRS or unbalanced TS. Thanks a ton!

[@WallysaurRex]

Your reviews are so comprehensive, I love them. Keep it up. I would like to hear your thoughts on this interface compared to the presonus 24c.

[@dipoput]

I don't think you need to worry about that much, Yui. Just get the Behringer.

[@sirnigelcogs]

Another very detailed video. It would be nice if you could add the Allen & Heath Zedi 10 mixer to your list so you could do a review like this of its built-in USB audio interface.

[@d7r_tv]

Got the MOTU M2. Super satisfied thanks for your reviews brother.

[@ArielSasson]

Same here. Keep up the great work!

[@kalidesu]

yes

[@skorpers]

When it gets the single channel option in the drivers it's going to be perfect!

[@dantezero5404]

Motu M2 out of stock

[@VladimirDonkov]

No one has ever made such a great review! Well done! P.S. It's true that the playback outputs lack direct monitoring, but I've found a way to direct monitor all 4 channels separately - using the inserts as line out (cables with special wiring required). Now I can record 4 tracks and route them separately to the mixer and adjust some balance, EQ and effects there while recording the dry signal.

[@xXseyer]

Can you make a video of this? More thanks! ❤️

[@VladimirDonkov]

@@xXseyer hey, sorry for the loooong delay :) All you need is a TRS to TS cable (4 of them, actually) wired as follows - S to S, T to T and also T bypassed to R on the TRS. This way, the input of the insert is bypassed to output, but also part of the signal goes to the mixer, right after the preamp. This interface is amazingly good for its price. Only the mix output is a bit quiet.

[@todosniveles9406]

@@VladimirDonkov soundz interesting this! but could you explain a little more about its usage and + other possible applications? from what i understand your using the playback outs and want to be able to hear + record whats going through the inputs simultaneously? when you say your sending them to a mixer, are you referring to another analog mixer for monitoring/recording? thanx

[@peterorany]

Excellent data thanks so much

[@worthekikelektronik]

Thank you for confirming the distortion I hear on the 204's monitoring.

[@deadcatforcutie9349]

total support for your kind of review - I get sick of all the fancy-commercial-like talking. keep up the good work

[@phillean]

Another great review, very useful for me, helped me decide to order this model. One thing I notice in reviews of interfaces generally is that no one mentions the quality of the analog to digital conversion. Does that mean the conversion is such high quality in most devices now that there is no need to mention it ?

[@shamusenright5387]

Thanks Jules. You answered my question as to whether I should use the pad or not when recording my snare drum. Best just to turn the input to a low level. Cheers.

[@nistakmahmud]

I Love your reviews....

[@SaccoBelmonte]

Nice to see Behringer improving their quality substantially. This one would be perfect for beginners and also small studios. Great reviews man, super detailed!

[@96elixx]

What about a review of the tascam 102i/208i series? :) Great work as usual Julian!:)

[@taylorsharp5928]

I picked up one of these on sale a while back for only $100 but I recently replaced it with the Motu M4. Thanks for the detailed reviews!

[@aperson4051]

How much better was the M4? I expect that it blew you away?

[@taylorsharp5928]

@@aperson4051 I wouldn't say I was blown away. If you use the 404 making sure to stay in the low distortion sweet spots, it's pretty solid. In everyday use, I couldn't tell much difference between the two. But it's nice to not have to worry about finding the sweet spot for low distortion with something like the M4. Also the headphone amp on the 404 is garbage, but I used line out 3/4 to a headphone amp.

[@MrCelsoAguiar]

excellent review, no bs and full of data to consider. @Julian Krause any chance you do a review on the Tascam 208i?

[@bernardobento5943]

Awesome Review! One thing though: I have this audio interface and I drive it without the power supply. Only with the USB cable. One time I even managed to record 3 different microphones with only the USB power. Cheers!

[@chrismamm]

Same here. I just measured the current my UMC404HD draws from the USB bus and got the following values: When using external power supply: 0.00 A No external power supply, phantom power off: 0.37 A No ext ps, phantom power on: 0.37 A No ext ps, phantom power on, one condenser mic connected: 0.42 A However, when phantom power is switched on (or the interface is connected with phantom power enabled), there seems to be a current spike, that goes slightly above 0.5 A. This might trigger the over-current protection in some computers or USB hubs.

[@David_Logr]

I also run it USB-only, actually lost the psu, lol

[@Valsi876]

I just bought this, and it works great for my needs.

[@williamf.9615]

I've had the UMC202HD for a few years now. I have no complaints. It feels solid, it's very low on noise, latency is fine and the sound is neutral. The next upgrade I would make is a Thunderbolt interface like a UAD Apollo Twin Duo because of the DSP's. Friends have Focusrites and Steinbergs. They don't sound much different.

[@GiancarloXmusic]

Can confirm, I've had the UAD Apollo 8 duo (black version), the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and now I have the UMC404HD but haven't used it yet. The focusrites are solid clean interfaces, the Apollo however is clearly cleaner and sounds a lot more "alive" whereas the other interfaces seem more passive and transparent

[@christopherk.6330]

Thank you very much Julian. Your videos always are top notch with excellent production quality. I do have a few questions if you have the time! 1. Do you know what the sidetone/headphone monitoring latency is for this interface? it sports a “zero latency” monitoring but ive heard there is no such thing as true 0 ms latency. 2. Will you ever review/tear down the GOXLR? I am looking to get one of these and am a little concerned with the 4.5ms of monitoring latency. Not sure if 4.5ms is good, would love to hear your thoughts on this! Thank you. I hope all is well, take care!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Jules your German efficiency and dead pan delivery are on the money!

[@peterchoe]

cringe

[@Neil-Aspinall]

@@peterchoe What do you mean Pete?

[@aaroncobeng]

AND I WAS JUST THINKING OF GETTING THIS. Very timely

[@JulianKrause]

Finally my mind reading lessons pay off :)

[@killaken2000]

for me it was a toss up between the motu m2 and the ssl2+ but I went with the motu m2 after seeing Julian's shootout video. I'd imagine the motu m4 is also just as good if you want more inputs.

I have the 202 and I was thinking of upgrading to a 4 input unit :)

[@randszzob8590]

@@JulianKrause I actually thought of you reviewing this unit the day before you released it, so my mind control techniques are working well! :) Great review. As an engineer, I want to see the real specs, and that's what you provide. PS The MIDI lights do not indicate audio, Julian. The "D" is for... PPS I enjoyed the 'gain' joke.

[@gerardopujado1868]

Spot on. Excellent review. Any chance to run a review of the umc-204hd? Wondering whether its performance would lean towards the 202 or the 404. Thanks!

[@carl-magnusconsitt7389]

You make the best reviews without no doubt! Better than "sos" and all the others! Wow, keep up this shannel and you will be contacted by all the big names to make reviews! 5 points

[@jcisme]

Awesome review Julian.. Is this a good candidate for recording with an external preamp (like a Great River) via the inserts ?

[@bmsmusician]

Great videos comparing different lower priced interfaces! Are you planing to try more high end end interfaces such as Apogee, Universal audio? Would be really interesting to see the numbers compared to these lower priced.

[@KarelBata]

Where did this unboxing fetish come from? LOL

[@Erdie65]

Sehr sachlich un kompetent, ohne Hokuspokus, das liebe ich. In der Audiobranche grassiert ja sonst eher Emotion und Aberglaube, besonders bei Mikrofonen 😉 Daher ist es sehr erholsam soetwas wie Deinen Kanal zu sehen.

[@onemanband3579]

I bought the UMC 1820 a few weeks back. Works great. Has 48v on the front in two groups of four.

[@aretoocrazy]

I bought a UMC 1820 almost 2 years ago. I love it. I haven't had any issues with it. I use it almost every day. I have a Behringer Ultragain Pro 8 A/D hooked up to add another 8 inputs. I only use 44.1 since I don't think it makes a difference to what I do. My main DAW is Studio One, but I use it for everything.

[@onemanband3579]

@@aretoocrazy I'll probably get the Ultragain too, it would be stupid not to at that price.

[@RhythmicSensations]

It's also worth mentioning that the mono button is part of the monitoring area and has no affect while recording through usb.

[@englishguy9680]

Glad I watched this, was considering many options and the low price of the Behringer makes it tempting however I assumed you would be able to switch between A and B monitors so glad I didn’t pull the trigger. Gonna go with Motu instead. Thanks 👍

[@carlosalves4444]

Wow full on in depth, really good straight to the point no BS. thanks. So in your opinion what is the best bang for buck performance sweetspot USB AI if you don't need 4 mic inputs? any recommendations?

[@HermogenesRivas]

Good review. I bought this unit and it's been 2 months now and I'm quite satisfice with the performance. There are a couple things I would like to share about this interface, if you connect it to the outlet and USB at the same time when the PC sleeps and wakes up, most of the time in my case, Windows 10 doesn't recognize it so I decided not to use the power supply anymore; this unit has the same issue of the sleep and wake up when it is connected through a passive USB hub not like my old UR12 which had no problem at least in my last two PCs. I use this interface with OBS and ASIO plugin to have access to all inputs and control each independently, that's the beauty for that price ;) Here is my question, which microphone you used to record yourself in this episode? I saw 48V activated and I'm quite sure you are using a shotgun mic, Sennheiser? I was expecting this review for a long time in order to decide if I should buy it or not, but according to the specs and test you made I am quite sure I made a good investment. Keep working Julian Krause, one of the best channels about audio gear in KZbin!!! (￣ー￣)ｂ

[@alexwave849]

Hi Man, congratulations on your videos, I have been a subscriber to your channel for a while and I find your videos always very interesting. I wanted to ask you a question, I have to get my new sound card and I'm really torn. The options are: Behringer UMC404HD Focusrite 8i6 3rd Gen M-audio Air 192/14 Motu M4 SSL 2+ Audient EVO 8 Audient iD 14 MKII What interests me above all is of course the stability, the latency, the quality of the pre and the converters and lastly the after-sales assistance. I forgot .... everything works on Mac mini server with mojave. Thanks in advance.

[@aurelianepuras]

Nice! 👍

[@raveniskcrow3638]

As always this was a great presentation of the UMC 404hd. I am aware that you have limited time to put this presentation together but I have a general thought for all content creators; How come the discussion of the midi ports are left out? I have purchase audio interfaces where the midi ports just didn't work. Also, you didn't discuss DAW application. With the behringer does it come with a driver? I check Ableton and found that it is not listed in the preferences. So along with the variables you have discuss it would have been great to know what the setup will be like. With all that I have written, whenever I want an honest, and detailed analysis of a product I check with you first. Please keep up the great work.

[@MadelnMachines]

Probably the most useful audio interface review i've seen. Excellent job! Is the UMC1820 likely to be the same all around? What would you recommend to step up to if you want a significantly better interface? Personally I'm debating whether to go for something like the Behringer, an RME digiface with ADA8200 / Audient Pres / Ferrofish expansion options, or whether to go big and buy a high priced interface like the RME UFXII which I'm sure will serve me well for 10-15 years. MOTU do a lot of options like the 16A that have lots of inputs or the 24AI and there's the Presonus 2626 which should give very low latency like RME although the longevity of support might be lacking. There's also the studiolive III 24R. I'm mainly looking for reliable rock solid performance over many years and as low latency as possible with lots of line inputs (At least expandable to 16 if not 24). Audient Evo 8 is another option that ticks the box. The just released Arturia Audiofuse 16 rig seems very useful but I don't know about their support / drivers or audio quality. I'm on Mac OSX by the way.

[@carlroescher1666]

This is a review like it should be. No nonse. I wonder if it is possible to crank up the output of the UMC by changing some resitors in the opamp output circuit to match -10dBv and +4dBu. A schematic would be welcome. Great Job Julian. Thanx.

[@josephreynolds1220]

I’ve had one of these for years, and it’s my go to for when I’m traveling. Who else has inserts on an interface? I chain a compressor and an exciter to the insert and put a preamp in between the mic and interface, and I get audio gold even before mixdown.