Overview

The Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 is a USB audio mixer introduced in Japan in February 2024 at around 132 USD. It targets livestreaming and podcast production with 24-bit/192 kHz USB audio, loopback, +48 V phantom power, and USB-C bus power (5 V / 500 mA). I/O is practical for creators: XLR/TRS mic combo, Hi-Z 1/4” guitar input, stereo 1/4” keyboard inputs (L/MONO, R), USB stereo in/out, and a 3.5 mm headphone out. The chassis is compact at 127 × 131 × 44 mm and 334 g, intended for desk-friendly setups. [1][3]

Scientific Validity

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Official measured frequency response (USB input → monitor output): ±1.5 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz) under defined conditions (loopback ON, max USB input, medium monitor volume @1 kHz) [1]. This is outside a transparency-target of ±0.5 dB. No official THD+N, S/N, or dynamic-range plots are published. While the device supports 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, the absence of comprehensive distortion/noise data limits quantitative assessment; therefore the score remains conservative.

Technology Level

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The AT-UMX3 combines established elements—24-bit/192 kHz USB audio, USB-C bus power, loopback, and phantom power—without disclosed proprietary converter topologies or novel DSP. Implementation quality appears competent, but nothing suggests category-leading innovation.

Cost-Performance

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Comparison target (equal or better key functionality): Yamaha AG03MK2—a mainstream streaming mixer/interface offering 24-bit/192 kHz, loopback, USB-C, and +48 V phantom. The official shop price is 199.99 USD in the U.S. [2].
AT-UMX3 price reference: launch price 132 USD in Japan. [3]

With matching core streaming functions and general availability, AG03MK2 represents a fair benchmark; it is significantly more expensive than AT-UMX3. Within the scope of equal-function competitors verified here, AT-UMX3 achieves the top cost-performance rating.

Reliability & Support

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Audio-Technica’s brand history supports baseline reliability. As the company’s first USB mixer, long-term firmware/driver cadence specific to this line isn’t yet established publicly. Warranty/support appear standard; nothing notably above the norm is confirmed.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The control layout and I/O map are aligned to streaming tasks: single-mic focus with Hi-Z and stereo line for instruments, loopback for program audio, and USB-C bus power for tidy setups. The compact 334 g body and 127 × 131 × 44 mm footprint promote portability. Publishing fuller measurement data (distortion/noise/linearity) would further validate the engineering choices, but the existing design is coherent for the intended creator workflow, warranting a slightly higher score.

Advice

If your workflow needs 24/192, loopback, USB-C bus power, and phantom power in a compact desk unit at minimal cost, the AT-UMX3 is compelling. If advanced, verified low-distortion metrics are a priority, watch for third-party measurements or consider interfaces with published full test data; otherwise, this mixer covers creator-oriented essentials at a notably low typical price.

References

[1] Audio-Technica — AT-UMX3 Specifications (official): https://www.audio-technica.co.jp/document/AT-UMX3/en/Content/Accessory/AT-UMX3/specifications/specifications.html
[2] Yamaha — AG03MK2 official shop page (24/192, loopback, USB-C, price): https://shop.usa.yamaha.com/en/p/pro-audio/pro-audio-mixers/live-streaming-mixers/ag03mk2-3-channel-live-streaming-loopback-audio-usb-mixer
[3] Notebookcheck — Japan launch timing and ~132 USD price: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Audio-Technica-Japan-unveils-AT-UMX3-USB-audio-mixer-for-podcasters-and-live-streamers.803347.0.html

(2025.10.8)