Behringer U-PHORIA UMC 204HD Interface walkthrough 

Monitor A/B is intended for reference mixing purposes. In a recording studio, it's common to have two sets of studio monitors (speakers) to test your mix. Some engineers like to have their BEST speakers on "A" and then a more common "consumer" speak on "B" to see what it might sound like on a TV or car radio. This is useful if you want to quickly compare the mix on different speakers. The MIX knob is a blend between the inputs (stereo or mono, based on what you choose) and the playback (PB). Your DAW output will play the loudest if you have it pointing all the way to PB and progressively gets softer when you turn it toward IN.This is especially useful when tracking VOCALS and you want to hear your mic really loud and want to dial in the overall level of the other instruments recorded. Traditionally, you would need a separate device to do this and have an engineer control the output level. This gives the singer or musician FULL control to quickly adjust their live instrument AND the playback. If you want to record something in real time, you can blend in the sound of the live/zero-latency input without having to bog down your DAW or computer.

One of the things I love about this channel is that when he reviews less expensive audio equipment, he never put it done , or calls it cheap like other reviews do, Or you can tell their bias towards the more expensive before they even test it out

"Instrument" provides more gain (and is thus for lower level signals) than "line". Unfortunately, there's no real datasheet for the device, however I've measured this and "line" will accept between +24 dB(V) and -26 dB(V) for full scale, the former with minimum gain, the latter with maximum gain, while "instrument" will accept between 0 dB(V) and -50 dB(V) for full scale. This is on the TRS input. (It's actually TRS. It's symmetrical.) The XLR will accept between 0 dB(V) and -50 dB(V) without pad, so it's the same amount of gain as the TRS on "instrument", but the impedance is lower. Since the interface has a 20 dB switchable pad on the XLR input, the XLR will accept between +20 dB(V) and -30 dB(V) with the pad engaged. The impedance of the TRS and XLR inputs are different though. While the TRS input is very high impedance (~ 1 MOhms), impedance of the XLR input is lower (6 kOhms with the pad disabled, 18 kOhms with the pad engaged). The stereo/mono switch will only sum the inputs for monitoring, so that you hear both sources on both sides of your headphones. The inputs will always be recorded separately. Like you said, the interface is a 2-input, 4-output interface. The monitor A/B switch will switch between the mix of inputs 1/2 and outputs 1/2 (when in the "A" position) and the outputs 3/4 (when in the "B" position). When the switch is in the "B" position, the mixer gets disabled (which honestly is not documented anywhere, so it almost seems like a mistake, but it does happen), which is why you don't hear yourself any longer. Behringer says it's for "DJ-style cueing", since most DJing software will route the "left" channel of "Deck A" to output 1, the "right" channel of "Deck A" to output 2, the "left" channel of "Deck B" to output 3 and the "right" channel of "Deck B" to output 4. This is useful when you want to route two separate decks from your computer to mix them "in hardware" using a mixing console. (When I DJ, I always do it this way.) so you can use the monitor A/B switch to switch between your decks when using a DJ software. (However, to be honest, I would rather use the monitor output from the mixing console for this switch channels by enabling the appropriate "PFL" buttons on the mixing console.)

I really needed a video like this one. I was literally puzzled about the various knobs and inserts on the front and back of the Behringer, but now it's all clear. Very clear, in fact!

I just ordered mine (using you're link as a little thank you) and it should be arriving this week! I'm very excited to start recording something amazing!

Actually nice to watch you review it. I just got it today and it doesn’t seem to work yet but watching you gave me hope. 👍🏾

nice to see you out of the booth sometimes :D great stuff you do, thanks for all the work

Thank you so much for the review. I was looking for some review like this, with more personal aproach. Thank you

Thanks for the review, you answered a question I had about it that's not in the "quick start guide". Nice one!

I just bought the UMC404 last week! So glad you did this review. As usual, you're spot on! It's amazing that they sell a unit this good for such a low price. The "midas" preamps are incredibly quiet, the knobs feel good, it looks great sitting on my desk, and it's plug and play with a Mac. Even though it's made in China, this thing still is a no brainer. And it pairs great with the E100s!

I currently use the Steinberg UR44 and have been really happy with it, I record onto my ipad @96 and then transfer the files to dropbox, works like a charm! thanks for this Mike!!

Dude! You are great. I wish you were covering this from a music studio point of view because your delivery is on point! Like a laser pointer pointing at a pointer dog.

I'm a fan of chilling tales and nosleep! Your voice is awesome. Keep up the good work

OMG Im so glad I found your video. I was fumbling around with my UMC204hd. Like this very much!

been trying to figure this audio interface out ... for ages, thank you :)

This thing is really good. Just got one today. It replaced my audient id4 which was not working properly. Just as functional, sounds good, has inserts, headphone amp is louder, preamps are hotter. One thing I prefer over the id4 is that there are separate levels for monitors and headphones so I can leave both as is and not have to adjust when I switch. Although I do miss the monitor mute and dim buttons I think I'll get over that. Pleasantly surprised. All this for less than 1/2 the price of the id4 too. Great little box with a lot of functionality. Should have gotten this to begin with.

I just bought the Yamaha MG10 Xu, i think this can be a really good and affordable interface/mixer to review. Love your work.

You and Podcastage are the best, keep it up :)

Can we Connect two Condenser Microphons at a time with Phantom Power on .... in "Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD"? and record as Stereo in Cubase pro

Hello Sir, When I connect a microphone to the 1st input of the UMC202HD Sound card, I get it from the right when I connect the headphones to the 2nd input from the left. I have made all the sound card settings in cubase etc programs, but in general, how can I solve this problem except for recording, I would appreciate it if you could help me.

That was fire - very clear and detailed

As described in your very informative video, I followed all the rules but I have a problem in that I have no control whatsoever over the main volume control. The sound goes direct into the speakers like it supposed to, but I cannot select the output device so that I have control over it via the main volume control. Under system preferences, it says under output "the selected device has no output controls"?

Many thanks Booth Junkie for the explanation!

Is there any type of devices that can give you an Amp and Phantom Power at the same time?

Bro do i need to install driver for mixer Beringer xynyx usb1202 as initially logic was not taking signal? Thanks for the tutorial. Regards Hari

Mike, would you put this on par or a step below the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the Solo? I know this is an old video but I'm hoping to get started with voiceover and am looking at a number of options for taking the next steps up to XLR setups and possibly graduating to Reaper, etc.

i just bought some HS8 monitors and right now im not happy lol. the volume on them is sooo low. yes i turned up all the main out and mix knobs. plus the knobs on the back of speakers... when i unplug the trs cables half way i get louder volume but still not loud enough and plus there is a hiss when i unplug the cables half way... what do i need? more expensive cables?? im using the UMC404HD Audio interface... i can barely hear this video the sound from my monitors are depressingly low....

I have a question... so I ordered this based on your video and I am curious... can I play music from my computer to live stream or do I need to buy another device/cables for that and if so what kind of device/cables would I need? Thank you

hey i have a problem i have the same interface and when recording its just recording loud white noise pls help

Thank you for taking the time to review consumer/prosumer hardware. I don't take it for granted when a professional takes the time to review that kind of stuff for us ordinary people. I've been looking at the similar UMC202HD and wondered about the noise out of the Midas preamps. Thanks again for the help.

I turned up the sound and could hear the white noise increase when you cranked up the gain knob for the test around 9:40 BUT when you turn off you mic isn't that unloading it as well so it is the same as if you yanked the mic out? If that is the case every interface I have ever tried will get very noisy when it is not properly loaded by the impedance of a microphone.

The Mono/Stereo button to the left of the MIX knob is purely for monitoring purposes. It does not determine whether the input is stereo or mono in your DAW. It controls whether the monitor (PHONES) in stereo or mono. If you are tracking a stereo instrument like a stereo guitar patch with two instrument cables (L and R), and you want to monitor in stereo, you can hear the channel 1 in the left ear and channel 2 in the right ear. Same thing if you're recording an piano or anything that has a LEFT and RIGHT output. On the other hand, if you're just recording a piano with one mic (or a voice) and want to hear the MONO signal in both headphones, select MONO and it will be easier to hear.

Good vid. I'm getting the 404HD tomorrow. Very excited about it!

I wondered that if we would still needed cloud lifter tho this interface we had with sm7b ?

Why is it when I record on the four channel when I playback I only get audio out of 1 and 2 3 and 4 no audio computer show 3 and 4 playing but no sound coming from the berringer 404 am I doing something wrong

I have an Alesis Q49 Keyboard/Controller with a Midi output (5 pin). When I plug this into the 204,s Midi in, I recieve no signal from the Q49. It does not light up as it would when pluging Q49 directly to PC via USB port. Do I need a 9v psu to Q49 to get Midi signal to UMC204HD. I cannot find anyone including Alesis to give me an answer. Please help. Have considered a usb hub and plug Q49 and 204 HD into that. It is driving me crazy !!

We actually switched from scarlet units to these but the 404 model as well as they have been rock solid so far as quiet no question as the Scarlett was also

I've been happy with my 204HD, just wish my mic was as nice as this! Baby steps...

can someone help me. I have the same interface connected to 2 rokit 5s and ther not very loud however when I connect my rokits to me pioneer mixer it is much loader and amped. so idk why its so quite on my interface

Hi, I have a Berhinger mic100 (a tube preamp) for a mic. Can connect this preamp to the front input port of U-Phoria ? I must switch it to the "Line" mode? Thanks

my laptop doesn't even detect the interface, I also tried instaling some drivers directly from the behringer page but still I haven't been able to test it out :/ do you happen to know by any chance what can I do ???

Is there a way to connect mp3 player or phone to supply music to play together with an instrument? For example drumless mp3 and electronic drumset?

So I just got this one and I can’t seem to get any sound out. The moment I switch it to UMC ASIO driver it loses all sound, whilst showing that theres an input with a signal. Is there a fix for this?

So good to hear you again. RU-vid has not been pointing your many shows my way. I hope it’s because you’ve got some “Huge Book Deal”. All the best!

Hi, I need a cheap multiple output audio interface for live use and this 204hd suit my budget. I just wondering if you can help me with my question regarding the outputs. 1. are the Main Out and Playback Out can be routed separately on the DAW? 2. If can, are there 4 or 6 separate out? 3. the A/B switcher is just work on monitor out (main out)? or its also mute the output signal on either A or B too? Btw what I need is for everything to work, I dont need it to mute the playback, if its work as 6 outs simultaneously

If I was wanting to simply output my computer's audio (not recording or anything) to a pair of active monitor speakers (JBL LSR305), is this suitable? Can I use one or either of the main/RCA outputs? The monitors are active, so I'm wanting to check that this has an un-amplified output. The monitors take balanced TRS and XLR input. Thanks!

Nice video sir! I’ve got a 404 on the way and am quite a novice at recording. I love your personable style and good basic info. You are also honest. You don’t try to pretend you know something if you don’t have the data yet. Your video is clear, great lighting and quality sound. I like your voice too, no wonder you’re doing voice overs! Thanks again. Keep up he great work. Leaving a link to my guitar/music theory videos. In case anyone is interested. Why bother with music theory?

Sir! I have a 204HD and having a big problem. I have two pair of active monitor speakers, but if i connect them to the playback outputs, then only one pair will be playing sound. I dont understand what is the problem. pls somebody help me thanks

Ok I have a question if I'm using headphones for monitoring a single mic will I get audio for both headphones or will I just get only one headphone working?

Looking through random videos about audio my interface, I was very pleased to notice a correlation to my favorite horror fiction podcast. I’m so excited, tonight there will be no sleep.

I recently bought a UMC204hd. I am not getting signal from my mixer to the box. I returned it to the seller and he says something like Did i configure the inputs on a computer? Please does this make sense? Shouldn't i see the signal led blink when plugged to my mixer?

3:36 I’m confused. I’m new to this, but did you say that backward? Wouldn’t Instrument mean a weaker input signal and, thus, activate the preamp? While Line would mean a hotter input signal and, thus, attenuate (or deactivate?) the preamp? Or is the difference between dynamic and condenser mics? With the condenser using phantom power, does that raise it to Line level? Or is the issue that Instrument is unbalanced and Line is balanced? Confused.

Hi There, I'm lost in how to use direct monitoring on UMC404HD. It is almost the same your. I'm using Reaper and I'm not rearing direct on phones (I don't have external monitors) Can you help me, please?

The mix knob controls the DIRECT MONITOR (not different inputs) and the A/B button changes between the different Monitors connected

Am I able to use this to record directly into my iPad via lightning connector? I have the camera connector adapter. I just want to record audio into the Anchor app for vocal commentary. Thx in advance.

Hello i have a question i want to buy the UMC202HD or The UMC204HD but I dont know which one i need, i want to use for play a MIDI keyboard i am new on all the things about midi so i dont know if i should to conect the midi to the computer or the interface

Can anyone tell me how I can get this interface to unity volume so I can calibrate my studio monitors?

Hi, thanks for explaination. But do you know how to configure cakewalk bandlab software about "send return"?

I plugged this into windows 10 computer and it took me hours to get computer working again I had no desktop nothing on the screen. not sure if windows loaded wrong driver or what for it? I downloaded driver for it but got to say a little worried of installing driver and plugging it back in again ...got it working good had to buy another computer I don't recommend running on a gaming computer

Just don't try to output the sounds in a Motif 6 synth. I tried and you can see the green lights showing that the sound from the synth is hitting the inputs but no output and no sound in the speakers. And it is set up correctly as my midi sample tank sounds play thru the speakers and my vocals also without a problem.

If im getting a buzzing noise feedback in obs/audacity with a shure sm-58 what would be the best solution? I have the gain at maybe half. Thats it.

Congratulations for the great review! I just bought my interface. When I tested with my bass I put the "mix" volume at max volume, the sound goes away. I use a Mac. Can you help me? Thanks.

audio mixers or audio interface when requiring phantom power ?

Hey Booth, can you help me with my EDIROL 24 bit? I'm trying to set it up and watched a youtube video but it's not working out the same for me.

I think you may have covered every piece of equipment I own. Are you peering through my windows to see what I may have bought? Maybe I just look for the cheapest stuff. Have you ever covered the MXL BCD-1? That's the only thing I own that I think you may not have touched on.

Since the comments are full of interface recommendations, I'll throw mine out there. It's an M-Audio M-Track Plus. I don't know the original MSRP because I got it for $20 at a garage sale. It's similarly featured, but might have a louder noise floor in comparison in my quick testing. I'm pretty happy with it's performance, and use it to drive my studio monitors, and headphones. If you get a chance to get your hands on one I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

That was in 2017. Meanwhile "Behringer-Bashing" is out of fashion (for a damn good reason) and this guy was already ahead of time. Thx for sharing this. Much appreciated.

Your video is very helpful!

Hey brother... the 2 main-speakers outputs in the back of the 204HD are they also the playback speakers or do I have to also buy rca to 1/4 inch monitors and connect to the RCA PLAYBACK??? I have the unit your describing and haven't worked out this issue yet??? Note... I have my powered Rockville Monitors connected to the Main-Out left and right plugs on back but... the play back sounds LOW! I TRIED ... raising volume on my PC and the Amp/interface 204HD and it sounds way to low for my powered speakers got umf in them it a 2way system plus an 10in Sub and I can't get it loud enough to rumble iether speakers he's or Lows. Hmm maybe you can help me understand Sir??? Thank you brother.

Stereo/mono switch is for main monitor output. Won't work for headphones. To combine two inputs you just need to select stereo input to your audio track in a DAW you're using and chose required inouts if you have mora than two.

Great video bro! Thank you!

I just got a Behringer 404HD and a ha400 micro amp. More equipment than I know what to do with. Have no idea how to get it to work. Can you guide me where to go to get this stuff to work? Thank you!

Great job!! New sub here! Love the review I just bought a 4 input!!

Can i use it for live performance ? I need the daw for autotune and 1/2 for main and 3/4 for custom mix on In Ear Monooring. Will it work ?

I also use the 404hd solid performance. Hooked up to a MacBook Pro and SamsonCo1 condenser mic. smooth as butter. Using Abelton live. It works for me and my episodes. Very affordable.

I want to podcast using UMC202HD, but I am novice to the audio interface ...can u please share the ideal interface settings for podcast for deep and crystal clear voice

Can you use the interface without a computer? Like powering this device through a usb charger?

Hi Sir I m Begineer I want to record poetry plz Suggest me Beringer is Good or bad ? if good then what is tracktion ? I confuse I need to buy DAW ? Or not

I have an 1820 that I run for my drums and VO and love it.

I can't get his interface working in windows. I have REALLY low mic input volume. +48 on Pad OFF I have both the UMC22 and this. The former has full loud mic input @9 oclock and the UMC204HD has barely any Mic input volume with the gain all the way up. I have tired the ASIO drivers, Re-installing windows (1903) and loads of other troubleshooting, Are you running 1809?

What happens if you use phantom power with an electro voice re20? Will it mess up the mic? ❤️❤️❤️

I got no mic input from that device if i have a mic preamp connected to it.

I wished you would have tested it too while having it, with your Shure SM7B and see how much noise would be generated and if the gain would be sufficient without a cloudlifter.

Hello friend could you tell me the reference of your preamp?

Great review

my girl friend would love to do voice overs for cartoons any tips any knows how to get to it professionally

What software would you recommend to use with this? Would you recommend MainStage?

Can I record multi tracks in my DAW, without TRACK BLEED? Example of my question: Track ONE... MUSIC in STEREO.. L+R Track TWO... FIRST VOCAL,,,, without hearing TRACK ONE in track two. Track THREE... backup vocals... without hearing any other track in track three. Thanks for your time and efforts.

thanks for going into detail mentioning its usb powered, was looking for a power pack for a second hand buy ebefore i got it lol

Can you tell me why you did this 09:35 demonstration please? I'm not sure what you are trying to teach me? How does that benefit you in the studio? Like what situation? Apologies, I'm at the start of my studio journey here

Thank you sir, its really helpful.

Thank you, very helpful review! I've been looking at the Behringer stuff because many people seem to really like their value for money. There are some people who recommend saving up for something 'good', which is why I have been saving for a Presonus iTwo which costs twice as much. All I need is a decent interface for live streaming and occasionally recording bass (and guitar). I have a Sansamp DI so I don't think I need to worry that much about the preamps in the interface, all I need is something to get the audio onto my pc. Anyway, it looks like I'm going with the Behringer! If I happen to get a lemon, I can always send it back. If not, then I just saved €76 thanks to your review.

Great presentation. Could I ask if the unit is compatible with Mac OS High Sierra?

Could it be, that when there is no signal (SIG), the preamp kills all output? I couldn't hear squad when you turned it up (though it could just be very quiet). Good with another video :) Great job.

Has anyone tried to midi this to a fractal fx? My Mac shows this device as an option yet won’t let me lock them in... no signal

Thanks for the video! Just ordered its big brother 404.. I hope it's at least as good :) Got AKG C214 on the way as well (I listened to a ton of samples/videos about it and I liked it a lot) so.. I'm ready to try recording voice/guitar/random stuff =)

Is the audio coming straight from your interface directly into your camera?

Does this interface really work nice with a SM7B?

I would love to hear a test with the SM7B. Do these two devices work well with each other?

Would this be used to have 2 people using 2 different mics and transition from XLRs to USB into the computer? Im trying to record 2 people at the same time with XLR mics. Thanks!