Behringer U-Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface

zZounds' Take on Behringer UCA202

Are you looking for a simple upgrade to your computer's stock audio hardware? Do you want to record high-quality stereo audio to your laptop? Are you searching for the most affordable audio interface for computer DJ applications? The Behringer UCS202 USB Audio Interface does all this and more in one of the smallest, simplest, and lowest-priced packages around. It's a quick, simple, reliable solution for a wide range of audio applications.

High-Quality, Industry Standard Connections

Look at your computer's audio output. What is it? A 1/8-inch mini stereo jack, most likely. That's fine for plugging in headphones, but a terrible way to connect to external sound systems, stereos, PAs, mixing boards, or any other audio hardware. The UCA202 easily connects to your outboard pro audio gear, and you even get an optical S/PDIF digital output for connecting to high-end digital equipment. Now, take a look at your computer's input. If it has one at all, it's most likely the same deal--1/8-inch mini-jack. Again, the Behringer UCA202 provides universally recognized RCA inputs for bringing a wide variety of audio sources and equipment into your computer for pristine recording. You also get a dedicated headphone output for direct monitoring of both the ins and the outs on the UCA202.

Greatly Improved Audio

You computer's built-in audio system has a number of limitations, especially if your computer is a laptop. Machine noise and other electrical interference can disrupt, distort, or otherwise ruin recording and critical listening and playback situations. The Behringer UCA202 solves this problem by placing your sound card at the end of a USB cable run, far from your machine's noisy electrical components. It seems like a such a simple solution, but this arrangement greatly reduces interference and provides a wonderfully low noise-floor for recording and professional playback. Plus, the UCA202 provides analog-to-digital audio conversion at 48kHz, which is even better than a CD's 44.1kHz sampling rate.

Super Simple Setup

As a USB device, the UCA202 is the textbook example of a Plug-N-Play device. Compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, the UCA202 requires no additional software drivers to work. Relying on your operating system's sound architecture, the UCA202 is instantly compatible with just about every audio software on the market, from multitrack DAWs like Logic and Cubase to audio editing programs like BIAS to DJ software like Itch. Spend time making music, not troubleshooting your hardware.

The applications for the Behringer UCA202 USB Audio Interface are practically limitless. Whether you're an electronic music producer, latptop DJ, mix engineer, audio archivist, or just a lover of music, the Behringer UCA202 is just about the easiest way to add a professional audio interface to your computer.

Manufacturer's Description for Behringer U-Control UCA202 USB Audio Interface

The Behringer U-Control UCA202 provides two analog mono inputs and outputs (for monitoring), USB connectivity and an additional S/PDIF optical output for direct analog-to-digital conversion. The stereo headphone output on the UCA202 features a dedicated level control and lets you listen to both the input and output.

Imagine the Possibilities

When used as a professional interface between a mixing console and your computer, myriad options become available. Some of these might include connecting the UCA202 RCA outputs: to the TAPE INPUT jacks of your mixer; to powered monitors or to the input channels on the mixer. Connecting to the mixer input channels allows you to use the Aux Send feature of your mixer to build an extremely versatile monitor mix for recording sessions. These are just a few of the possibilities; let us know how you use your UCA202.

Tons of Free Software

To truly get the most out of your UAC202, you will need recording and editing software. So, we decided to give you lots of free software to choose from.

KRISTAL Audio Engine is a powerful multi-track recorder, audio sequencer and mixer - ideal for anyone getting started with recording, mixing and mastering digital audio. Kristal's main features include:

- Mixing console
- Audio sequencer
- 16 audio tracks
- 32-bit floating point audio engine
- Sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz
- 3-band parametric EQ
- 2 VST insert slots per channel
- 3 VST master effect slots
- ASIO low-latency audio driver support

Audacity is an easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. With Audacity you can:

- Record live audio
- Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs
- Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files
- Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together
- Change the speed or pitch of a recording
- And much more...

If you're ready to take your projects to an even higher level, XT Software's energyXT2 is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or web-ready recordings. energyXT2 includes built-in synthesizers, which can be accessed directly via an external controller or programmed by step-write mode. There's even a built-in drum machine and internal multi-FX processor. To learn more about energyXT2 Compact BEHRINGER Edition, or to download the demo, click here.

UCA202 Value

For a fraction of the cost of an over-priced USB audio interface from those other guys, you can have state-of-the-art digital conversion, world-class recording and editing software and hassle-free connectivity between your PC or Mac Computer and any piece of audio equipment.

Bridging the gap between your music and the rest of the world--the BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UCA202.

Features

- Ultra-flexible audio interface connects your instruments, mixer, etc. with your computer for recording and playback
- High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality
- Works with your PC or Mac computer--no setup or drivers required. Free audio recording and editing software downloadable at Behringer's website
- Stereo Headphone output with dedicated Level control lets you monitor both input and output
- Additional S/PDIF optical output for direct digital conversion
- Powered via USB--no external power supply needed
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
- Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany zZounds is an authorized dealer of Behringer products.

The UCA202 is PC and Mac-compatible. Therefore, no installation procedure or drivers are required for the correct functioning of the UCA202.

Minimum Requirements Windows
Intel or AMD CPU, 400MHz or higher
Minimum 128MB RAM
USB 1.1 interface
WIndows XP, 2000

Minimum Requirements Macintosh
G3, 300MHz or higher
Minimum 128MB RAM
USB 1.1 interface
Mac OS 9.0.4 or higher, 10.X or higher

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Shipping Weight: 1 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 2 in