Pros
Affordable for the quality offered
Good sound quality and clear conversion
Solid construction, durable for mobile use
Simple setup with right drivers
Phantom power available
Useful features like direct monitoring and insert patches
Works well with various DAWs
Offers good value for beginners and budget-conscious users
No significant noise issues with standard mics
Compact design, easy to carry around
Cons
Limited support for low-output ribbon mics without external preamps
Phantom power not individually selectable per input
Some compatibility issues with certain DAWs (e.g., Adobe Audition)
Main Product Advantages
9 Value for Money
The Behringer U-Phoria UM2 offers excellent value for its price point. It competes well with higher-priced alternatives in terms of sound and build quality.
8 Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Behringer U-Phoria UM2 is generally well-regarded. It provides clear and solid audio with minimal noise issues unless the gain is maxed out. However, it struggles with low-output ribbon mics which require additional equipment like a Cloud Lifter.
8 Portability
The device is lightweight and portable, making it a suitable choice for mobile recording setups.
7 Build Quality
The build quality is decent for the price, featuring a sturdy but simple design. Some users noted it feels durable enough for regular mobile use despite the plastic construction.
7 Preamps
The mic preamps are described as good quality and relatively quiet. However, they don't handle low-output ribbon mics well and phantom power is not individually selectable.
6 Driver and Software Support
Driver and software support is inconsistent. Some users reported difficulties with DAWs like Adobe Audition and Cake Walk. The device generally performs well with Reaper and standard ASIO drivers but lacks proprietary software support.
6 Compatibility
The device offers moderate compatibility with various DAWs and operating systems. Users experienced mixed results with Windows and macOS drivers.
6 Monitoring Features
Basic monitoring functionality with direct monitoring available. However, it lacks detailed monitor mixing controls, which can be a drawback for some users.
5 Ease of Setup
Setup can be challenging due to unclear instructions and the need for driver downloads. Issues with compatibility on some DAWs were reported, requiring user troubleshooting and occasional restarts.
5 Customer Support
Customer support is lacking, with users reporting issues registering their product and receiving support for software and driver issues.
Overview of Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface
When it’s time to make recording history, you need the best audio interface you can get – and you need one you can count on. That’s why we’re kicking it up a notch with the amazing UM2, an ultra-compact 2x2, 48 kHz USB interface with a studio-grade XENYX mic preamp. This device features a combination XLR/ TRS input for your vocal or line input and an additional ¼" Instrument input, eliminating the need for a DI box.
Key Features
The Behringer U-Phoria UM2 boasts an impressive set of features. Notably, it includes a high-quality XENYX mic preamp, ensuring that your recordings are clear and professional. Additionally, the combination XLR/TRS input provides flexibility for different types of audio sources, whether you're recording vocals or line inputs. The ¼" Instrument input is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for an external DI box.
Another standout feature is the powerful phones output, which allows for direct monitoring of your session. This is particularly useful for real-time audio feedback during recordings. The device also includes 2 outputs and is powered via USB, making it highly portable and suitable for on-the-go recording setups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface stands out as one of the best and most portable recording interfaces in its class. With its rich feature set, including a studio-grade XENYX mic preamp, versatile input options, and robust monitoring capabilities, it’s an excellent choice for anyone serious about their recording endeavors. Whether you're a professional musician or a budding podcaster, the UM2 provides reliable performance and high-quality audio recording.
