The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is one of the most talked-about budget audio interfaces in the home studio world. With four mic/line inputs, solid 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, and MIDAS preamps, it aims to bring professional recording features to creators who don’t want to break the bank. Let’s break down how it actually performs.
Build Quality 🛠️
The UMC404HD comes in a sturdy metal chassis that feels far more durable than its price suggests. The knobs and switches have a decent resistance, though not quite as premium as what you’d find on higher-end interfaces. It’s compact enough for a backpack, yet heavy enough to stay put on your desk.
Inputs & Outputs 🎤🎹
This is where the 404HD shines. You get:
- 4 combo XLR/TRS inputs with MIDAS preamps.
- Insert points on the back (rare at this price).
- MIDI I/O for older gear and controllers.
- Main outputs + 4 line outputs for routing flexibility.
For podcasters, this means you can plug in multiple mics without a mixer. For musicians, you can track a whole band at once.
Preamp Performance 🎚️
The MIDAS preamps are clean and surprisingly quiet for a budget unit. Gain is sufficient for most dynamic mics, though some low-output mics like the Shure SM7B may still need a Cloudlifter or FetHead. Compared to M-Audio’s M-Track 2X2M or the Audient iD4, the noise floor is slightly higher, but still perfectly usable for home studios.
Latency ⚡
On a decent system, the 404HD delivers usable latency for real-time monitoring. It won’t rival higher-end interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 or Audient iD14, but for tracking vocals, guitars, or podcasts, it gets the job done without noticeable lag. The direct monitoring switch also helps when you want zero-latency recording.
Overall Sound Quality 🎶
At 24-bit/192kHz, recordings come out clear, detailed, and accurate. It doesn’t color the sound much—what you put in is what you get out. Monitoring through headphones is clean and loud, though not quite as rich as interfaces double the price.
Comparison 💡
- M-Audio M-Track 2X2M → Sleeker design, slightly cleaner preamps, but only 2 inputs.
- Audient iD4 → Warmer, more detailed preamps, but only 2 inputs and fewer routing options.
- Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 → Similar features, slightly better drivers, but usually more expensive.
The 404HD is unbeatable if you need 4 inputs at this price point.
Pros ✅
- Excellent value for 4-channel recording.
- Sturdy build quality.
- MIDAS preamps sound clean and reliable.
- Inserts and MIDI I/O at budget price.
- Works well for both music and podcasts.
Cons ❌
- Preamps have slightly less headroom than Audient/Focusrite.
- Drivers can be finicky on some systems.
- Headphone output could be more powerful.
Who It’s For 🎯
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is perfect for:
- Home studios needing multiple inputs.
- Podcasters recording up to 4 guests.
- Bands & small groups tracking together.
- Budget-conscious creators who want versatility without overspending.
Verdict ⭐
The Behringer UMC404HD punches way above its price. It’s not flawless, but considering its 4 inputs, solid preamps, and reliable performance, it remains one of the best budget multi-channel interfaces available.
Rating: 4.3 / 5
