Zoom UAC-2 SuperSpeed Audio Converter USB Interface

No longer available at zZounds
Record two mics, instruments or line ins at 192 kHz/24-bit resolution with Zoom's USB 3.0 audio interface. You get MIDI I/O and 1/4" outs for your monitors.

Take your sound new heights with the high-speed, high-resolution, low-latency, and ultra-portable UAC-2 USB 3.0 Superspeed Audio converter. The bus-powered UAC-2 adds two channels of 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio to any USB 2.0 or 3.0-equipped Windows or Mac computer -- even to your iPad (Optional power adapter and Apple Camera Connection kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter required). It utilizes USB 3.0 SuperSpeed technology for low latency and includes advanced features such as 4x upsampling, Loopback, and MIDI I/O. Plug in any microphone, line-level device, or instrument and use the UAC-2 for onstage playback, recording to a DAW, or enjoyment of high-res audio in your home or office. You can also use it for fast low-latency webcasting, podcasting, gaming, and other live streaming applications.

Live performance

Now you can get the best out of your laptop at every gig. The UAC-2 is portable, bus-powered (no AC connection required), and built rugged for the road, plus its advanced converters and support for USB 3.0 SuperSpeed ensures superior audio wherever your music takes you.

Webcasting, podcasting, gaming, and live-streaming

Broadcast your creativity, enhance your gaming experience, and share your performance with the world. The UAC-2's Loopback function combines the input from connected mics, instruments, and line-level devices along with background music or other audio tracks being played back by your computer and then instantly routes a custom blend of read more the signals to your favorite streaming software.

Recording and archiving

Pair a UAC-2 with your DAW and create great audio in any recording environment. Connect a wide variety of microphones, line-level devices, and instruments. Use Direct Monitoring for zero-latency overdubbing. Sync your MIDI controllers, sound modules, and drum machines. Archive your favorite recordings in high-resolution formats. The UAC-2 provides everything you need, in one compact device.

Desktop audio enhancement

Think your headphones and speakers already sound pretty great? Try plugging them into the UAC-2 instead of your computer's audio outputs and treat yourself to the true experience. Now you can enjoy the ultimate in streamed high-resolution audio--all the way up to 24-bit/192kHz--in full fidelity.

Complete connectivity

The UAC-2 is an incredibly versatile interface. It works with everything from legacy USB 2.0 laptops and desktops all the way up to the latest-generation Mac or Windows USB 3.0-equipped computers. Or plug in an AC adapter and Apple Camera Connection kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately) and use it with your iPad.

MIDI

The UAC-2's MIDI input and output connectors ensure rock-solid synchronization between your computer and devices such as electronic keyboards, controllers, drum machines, and synthesizer or sampler modules.

USB 3.0 SuperSpeed

The USB 3.0 SuperSpeed transfer protocol supported by the UAC-2 is ten times faster than USB 2.0 and six times faster than FireWire 800. The result? Low-latency (2.2ms roundtrip @ 96kHz / 32 samples) for improved performance from your DAW software, and a stable data stream that is unaffected by computer jitter (slight variations in timing), so there's no need to connect an external master clock source. What's more, the extra bus voltage carried by USB 3.0 (900 mA, as opposed to the 500 mA carried by USB 2.0) allows for the use of higher-end electronic components such as the advanced preamps and converters in the UAC-2.

The Hardware

The USB 3.0 connector on the rear panel carries digital signal to and from your computer in addition to providing power to the UAC-2--no batteries or external power required. Dual front panel combo XLR/TRS inputs allow you to connect a wide variety of microphones as well as line-level signals from electronic keyboards a

Features:

- 2-in/2-out USB 3.0 SuperSpeed audio interface
- Support for recording and playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Loopback function for webcasting, podcasting, gaming, and other live streaming applications
- Low latency overdubbing and direct monitoring for zero-latency monitoring in mono or stereo
- Two combo balanced XLR/TRS input connectors accept both mic- and line-level signal
- Hi-Z switches allow direct connection of electric guitar or bass
- Switchable +48V phantom power
- Two balanced TRS output jacks for connection to amplifiers or self-powered speakers
- 1/4" headphone jack with dedicated level control
- Independent gain controls and clip LEDs for each input
- Large knob output volume control
- Direct Monitoring switch for zero latency monitoring in mono or stereo
- MIDI In and Out
- Compatible with all popular DAW and streaming software, including Cubase, Logic, Garage Band, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and others
- High-performance mic preamps with up to +60dB of amplification
- 120dB of dynamic range
- 4x upsampling during A/D and D/A conversion for reduced noise and enhanced fidelity
- Asynchronous transfer system unaffected by computer jitter
- Bus powered--no AC power required
- Robust metal housing ensures roadworthiness
- Works with all USB 3.0-equipped computers and iPads
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (4 ratings)
Submitted September 10, 2020 by Tyler Matlock in Austin, TX

"Should've Purchased Earlier"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought a "blemished" version of this interface recently and I have to say, I'm incredibly impressed. I've spent years using the Focusrite series from the Sapphire firewire interfaces to several Scarlett 2i2s. All of them have either had hardware failures or constant static and distortion in the signals. I'm not the only one either. The latest Scarlett series have constant issues with this and its just disappointing. I thought these interfaces sounded good until I used the unlikely underdog, Zoom. I wasn't too keen on purchasing this device considering I've never used their products outside a field recorder. However, the sound is noticeably clearer from my monitors, much more depth in the headphones, the mic pres are impressive and blow focusrite out of the park. The build quality is certainly better and the software is basic but give you options such for getting a better headphone mix. I use this in Pro Tools, for discord and gaming, for taking phone calls at work and it hasn't failed me once. I haven't had a single complaint about scratchy or distorted audio from my friends in discord. I'm disappointed in myself for not purchasing a different interface earlier. I have yet to see how long this device will hold up but I can definitely say this is a better product out of the box and Zoom really knocked it out of the park. If you're looking to upgrade, especially from the Focusrite 2i2 series, and you like to use your interface for multiple platforms - this is it. Drivers are read more up to date and USB 3 is awesome. The USB cable is well built and super long too. This thing is just awesome and well worth the price point. I lucked out and bought a "blemished" product that literally has no blemishes. Looks, feels, sounds and performs brand new. I'm so excited and really appreciate zZounds for the quick shipping and lowered price point. If anything comes up, I'd be happy to repost or edit my review.

Sound
For the price point, its better than what's on the market today. Surprisingly destroys the competition. This is an underdog product.

Features
The most useful feature is the software component. You can turn up your mic in the headphone mix to hear yourself, engage phantom power, adjust monitor mix and mic pre, there is also a loopback function. The least useful, for myself, is the reverb/delay effects.

Ease of Use
Its very easy, just like any other product in this category. The design layout is just like focusrite's but the sound is noticeably better.

Quality
Its very well constructed, the knobs have some tension and don't feel loose. Its feels sturdy and well built. I'm sure its a little heavier than competitors.

Value
I believe products like this are a bit overpriced in general. What you're actually paying for with this device is reliability, optional power supply, and incredible sound mic pres and audio output. I don't think you can find an interface at this price point that's better. Focusrite is very disappointing and are not on par with quality compared to Zoom.

Manufacturer Support
I haven't not dealt with them directly but their software and drivers are up to date and easy to find. I don't anticipate reaching out to them as I did not purchase this directly from them and its a blemished product.

The Wow Factor
I suppose the cosmetic is nice with the slate grey, metal, aluminum look complimented with the Blue LEDS. But that's not what I purchase these products for. If I did, I wouldn't have bought a red interface from Focusrite so many times.

Musical Background:
Hobbyist, Student, Musician, Engineer, Podcaster, Gamer
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4 of 4 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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No longer available at zZounds

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