Overview

The UMC204HD is a 24-bit/192 kHz USB-powered audio interface offering 2 inputs, 4 outputs, MIDI I/O, inserts, and direct monitoring. Its I/O count and routing flexibility suit home recording, streaming, and simple outboard loops. This review focuses on measured performance and user-visible functions rather than brand perception [2].

Scientific Validity

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Third-party measurements at 44.1 kHz show a clear rise in distortion near full-scale; above roughly −3 dBFS performance worsens, while backing off the level drops distortion below −100 dB and lowers the noise floor by about 35 dB [1]. The manufacturer lists 110 dB (A-weighted) dynamic range and 10 Hz–43 kHz (0/+0.3 dB) frequency response, but those are catalog specs; in practice the unit doesn’t consistently reach transparency versus today’s best interfaces, hence this score [2].

Technology Level

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Feature implementation is solid for the price: 24-bit/192 kHz operation, MIDI I/O, analog inserts, and a mix-balance direct monitor control [2]. However, as a bus-powered design at this price, noise and distortion control is behind modern upper-tier competitors. It’s competent engineering rather than novel innovation.

Cost-Performance

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Street price is about 120 USD. Among finished products with equal-or-better user functions (2-in/4-out plus MIDI) and practical measured performance, we could not find any cheaper option. Typical alternatives such as the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (4-in/4-out with MIDI, ~199.99 USD) [4][5] and MOTU M4 (4-in/4-out with MIDI, ~269.95 USD) [3][8] cost more. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 (~99 USD) includes MIDI but only offers 2 outputs, so it is not equivalent [6]. With no cheaper equivalent, CP = 1.0.

Reliability & Support

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Default warranty is one year, extendable to three years if you register within 90 days (terms and exclusions apply) [7]. That support level is average for this segment. Frequent firmware updates are not critical for this category, but we recommend registering for the extended coverage.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Prioritizing generous I/O and routing at low cost is rational. Still, measured behavior near full scale and modest noise performance mean it doesn’t fully pursue “transparent-by-measurement” goals like the latest top performers [1].

Advice

If you need 4 analog outputs plus MIDI on a tight budget, this is a strong pick. If you value higher measured performance and nicer metering, consider Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (~199.99 USD) [4][5] or MOTU M4 (~269.95 USD) [3][8]. If two outputs suffice, PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 (~99 USD) is cheaper, but it doesn’t replace the UMC204HD’s 4-out and insert flexibility [6].

References

[1] Audio Science Review, “Behringer UMC204HD Audio Interface Review” (2019-11-12) https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/behringer-umc204-hd-audio-interface-review.9856/ (notes: 44.1 kHz, rise past −3 dBFS; ~35 dB noise reduction with level back-off)
[2] Behringer, “U-PHORIA UMC404HD/UMC204HD/UMC202HD/UMC22/UM2 Quick Start Guide” https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/374154.pdf (110 dB(A) dynamic range, 10 Hz–43 kHz FR, inserts, direct monitor)
[3] MOTU, “M4 Specs” https://motu.com/en-us/products/m-series/m4/specs/
[4] Focusrite, “Scarlett 4i4 [3rd Gen]” https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-4i4-3rd-gen
[5] Focusrite, “Scarlett 3rd Generation – Price info” https://us.focusrite.com/scarlett-3rd-generation
[6] PreSonus, “AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary” https://www.presonus.com/products/audiobox-usb-96-25th-anniversary
[7] Music Tribe (Behringer), “Warranty Terms & Conditions (90-day registration for up to 3 years)” https://store.musictribe.com/legal/warranty-terms-and-conditions
[8] Sweetwater, “MOTU M4 USB-C Audio Interface – Price” https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M4–motu-m4-4x4-usb-c-audio-interface

(2025.8.21)