UMC202HD vs UMC204HD: The Better Audio Interface For You

Are you stuck figuring out which audio interface would be better for your music studio?

Are you torn between two well-known audio interfaces but can’t firmly decide? Don’t worry because I’m here to help you.

It’s a battle between two excellent options. Welcome to the UMC202HD VS UMC204HD showdown!

A Quick Rundown of Their Common Features

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD and Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD are both great audio interfaces to choose from.

However, even if they sound (and look) alike, there are quite some differences that I’ll dive into.

They’re different when it comes to:

• Specs
• Price difference
• Recording microphones
• Popular mixers like Ableton Live, Cubase, etc.

And the ability for you to experience playing live in your home studio! Let’s begin!

And the ability for you to experience playing live in your home studio! Let’s begin!

MIDAS Preamps

Behringer UMC202HD coming up first!

The Behringer UMC202HD is designed with MIDAS preamps instead of sticking with the older Xenyx ones.

With these built-in MIDAS preamps, you can utilize a condenser microphone with a +48 Volt phantom power connected to the XLR outputs.

I was pleased to find that the speech quality was very transparent, plus the UMC202HD has plenty of space for mileage on the gain knobs.

In short, the MIDAS Preamps of the Behringer UMC202HD provide you with a stellar performance.

How about the Behringer UMC204HD?

The MIDAS Preamps of the UMC204HD have the distinction of being “award-winning.”

Are they really?

The audio produces a crystal clear output. Its MIDAS Preamps 2 x 4 sound card with 1 MIDI will spare you from upgrading your microphone.

It features two MIDAS-designed mic preamplifiers with +48 Volt phantom power. It adds a remarkable audio quality output that allows users to use this audio interface alongside music applications and video productions.

Since an audio interface is about music quality, Behringer further equipped this model with 24-Bit/192 kHz converters to take the audio quality to the next level. 

Winner: Behringer UMC204HD!

Build

The Behringer UMC202HD features a metal casting that’s surprisingly light and portable.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about its knobs. The Behringer UMC202HD has buttons and knobs made from plastic that don’t feel as premium.

It feels a bit cheap, but at this price, you can excuse Behringer for saving on construction costs.

The case has well-rounded edges, too, which will reduce the risk of your interface getting damaged from accidental knocks and bumps.

Moving on to the exterior of the UMC202HD stereo box, the circular controls and push buttons feel well-made and have a nice smooth texture.

What does the Behringer UMC204HD have against that?

Whether you’re producing music with different instruments or using a mic, I recommend looking for a strong and easy-to-use product.

The U-Phoria UMC204HD appears to also have a tank-like build with its metal chassis that can withstand both impact and extended use. 

Longevity won’t be a problem with this model!

The uneven construction and high-quality components add to the value of this stereo box which explains its competitive price.

It was also designed to be more portable and easy to add to the rest of your home studio gear.

If it’s your first time using this device, the control panel might seem a bit confusing, but the manufacturer offers beginner guides and user manuals in multiple languages. 

Winner: Behringer UMC204HD!

Volume Knobs, Gain Knobs, etc.

I’ll start with the U-Phoria UMC202HD. This is a 2×2, 24-bit/192 kHz audio interface that you can get for an affordable price.

The front panel has two (2) XLR/TRS combo inputs and gain knobs to the right. 

The structure is a bit different than most audio interfaces because of the inputs coming before the gain controls.

Above each knob are two buttons, one to switch between line level and instrument, the other, a pad that decreases the XLR/TRS input by 20 dB. 

It doesn’t have a full-level meter, but it has signal and clipping indicators for each channel.

On the right side of the front panel, it has:

• Direct monitor on and off switch
• 1/4″ headphone jack with volume control
• Master volume for the main outputs
• Direct monitor switch for zero-latency monitoring
• Phantom power indicator

The back panel has:

• USB connector
• Kensington security lock
• 1/4″ balanced TRS outputs

It also has a pad switch function to combat hot signal feeds; this feature is typically found on more expensive/external preamp gear.

The Behringer UMC202HD also integrates SEAMLESSLY!

The input volume knob helps regulate the incoming monitor volume, and the selector buttons allow users to bump the signal up or down, depending on what’s coming from the studio.

The Behringer Company also added a volume knob to control the headphone output.

On The Other Hand

I have to warn any beginners now: the U-Phoria UMC204HD has a pretty complicated control panel. Luckily, it comes with a guide and a manual.

It has a great feature called the “Mix” knob, which allows users to monitor their microphone input into the headphones.

This “Mix” knob makes chatting with your friends a lot more interesting!

The U Phoria UMC204HD is also jampacked with:

• Switchable input pads that accommodate even extremely hot line-level signals.
• Tip-send/Ring-return 1/4″ insert points that incorporate outboard processors.
• MIDI In and Out ports that connect keyboard controllers and other MIDI gear.
• USB 2.0 audio interface mix control that gives zero-latency input monitoring.

All of these let you experience your performance clearly, with no delay or lag in the returning signal.

Each channel comes complete with essential controls like:

• Dedicated gain controls
• Line/Instrument level switches
• Audio signal pad switches

It comes with multiple LED indicators that make surveilling easier.

The UMC204HD has versatile and intuitive controls that exceeded my expectations. It’s great whether you pair it with dynamic or condenser mics.

It’ll also work well with electric guitars, keyboards, and a bass!

You’ll have a worry-free time recording with the UMC204HD!

Winner: TIE!

OS Compatibility

The Behringer UMC202HD gives professional audio quality compatible with a simple interface, which is pretty good.

There aren’t any drivers required for Mac OS X, so it should work straight out of the box!

On the other hand, Windows users will need to download and install a dedicated UMC driver before connecting the audio interface.

The newest version will always be available on Behringer’s website along with extra bonus software such as:

• Ableton Live
• FL Studio
• Steinberg Cubase
• Avid Pro Tools

For its price, I’d say the Behringer UMC202HD’s a good deal!

How Compatible is the Behringer UMC204HD?

As for the U Phoria UMC204HD…

It has a USB 2.0 port for a simple and easy connection to your computer, along with a bunch of analog playback options including ¼” TRS, RCA, and XLR.

The UMC204HD also features 2 analog inserts for use with external effects such as compressors, gates, and EQs, etc. 

This’ll allow you to add nuance to your performance and explore new sonic realms.

The UMC204HD gives a professional audio quality compatible with some of the most popular DAWs, including:

• Ableton Live
• Steinberg Cubase
• Avid Pro Tools

The unit can be used with MAC OS X as well as Windows XP or newer versions.

Just remember to check whether your OS is a compatible version before purchasing.

Winner: UMC204HD

Main Differences Between the Two

The main differences between these interfaces are their price, their recording quality, and their professional results!

U-Phoria UMC202HD

Sound Quality

On this aspect, the Behringer UMC202HD performs astonishingly well for an audio interface at a budget price.

I don’t think it’s going to be competing against expensive devices any time soon, but it’s capable of making fairly transparent output with ultra-low latency.

• UMC202HD has a very low noise floor because there’s hardly any hiss, even when cranking the input gains to the maximum.
• It offers a bit depth of 24-bit and a sample rate of 192 kHz. This ensures your vocals don’t go off like you’re recording in a rain shower.
• When connecting instruments via the 1/4” TRS inputs, the recordings have good detail both at the low and high frequencies. 
• When playing instruments at different loudness levels, the UMC202HD demonstrates its excellent dynamic range in capturing very quiet to loud sounds.

USB MIDI Interface

You can use UMC202HD’s 2-channel USB cable to create your next hit without the hassle.

All thanks to the various ports available for:

• Mic
• Guitar
• Keyboard
• Headphone jack

This makes the model truly versatile. You can use it for multiple purposes:

• To create vocals through the interface
• Set up to record with different audio equipment.

On top of that, you get 150 downloadable instrument and effects plugins!

You can check out my in-depth review here!

U-Phoria UMC204HD

Recording Sound Quality

When it comes to making recording history, what can you utilize with the U Phoria UMC204HD to yield professional results?

• Mics
• Audio equipment
• Line-level sources

Just connect them with the 2 combination inputs for the ultimate in-studio flexibility!

The UMC204HD can even link with MIDI devices to add the benefit of control surfaces to your studio workflow. It’s a whole studio in a little black box!

At under $120, the U Phoria UDM204HD is one of the best options in the market!

I found that it offers a wider variety and number of inputs and outputs than most of its comparably-priced rival music interfaces.

Its interface is suitable for:

• Free audio taping
• Editing with Pro Tools
• Podcasting

And has extra inputs of 150 instrument/effects plug-ins that are available to download at the Behringer website.

If you’re the type of musician that needs more inputs, I suggest you get the UMC204HD.

USB MIDI Interface

As for UMC204HD’S midi interface, you record your tracks seriously, and the UMC204HD respects that.

It provides up to 192 kHz resolution for even the most demanding applications in music as well as video post-production.

Work with confidence and accuracy in your preferred recording software for professional results every time!

Final Showdown: UMC202HD vs UMC204HD

It’s time for the final showdown in the market! UMC202HD VS. UMC204HD! Who will be the champion?

In most cases, when outweighing the pros and cons, people are lured to the product that has more features.

But you’re wiser than that right?

UMC202HD: Pros and Cons

UMC204HD: Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Both of these models are perfect for beginners, and they both share several features.

The UMC204HD is more enhanced, but I don’t think that means the UMC202HD is less functional.

Overall, the decision is YOURS as a musician!