- Number of Channels: 8
- Number of Preamps: 8
- Sample Rate: 96 kHz / 24 bit
Behringer UMC1820 USB Audio Interface
The Behringer UMC1820 is an 18x20 USB 2.0 audio interface designed for studios, bands, and producers seeking more inputs than a standard 2-channel desktop box provides. With eight Midas-designed preamps and 24-bit/96 kHz converters, plus ADAT and S/PDIF ports for up to 16-channel expansion, the UMC1820 delivers remarkable flexibility. Dual headphone outputs with separate level controls, zero-latency monitoring, and a 19"/1U rackmount chassis make this model equally suitable for project studios, live performance, and mobile setups.
- Eight Midas-designed mic preamps with +48 V phantom power support condenser and ribbon microphones for high-quality sound capture.
- Combo XLR/TRS inputs can be switched between mic, line, and instrument modes, ideal for guitars, basses, and keyboards.
- The ADAT and S/PDIF connections allow you to expand up to 18 inputs and 20 outputs, accommodating larger sessions or growing setups.
- Independent headphone outputs feature dedicated level controls and a stereo/mono switch, perfect for cue mixing.
Behringer UMC1820 — 18x20 USB Audio Interface with Midas Preamps
The Behringer UMC1820 is an 18-in, 20-out USB 2.0 audio interface crafted for project studios, touring rigs, and producers upgrading from basic desktop models. Eight Midas-designed preamps supply clean, transparent gain to the 24-bit / 96 kHz converters, enabling you to capture everything from full drum kits to complex synth setups. It comes complete with a USB cable, power adapter, and manual, and works on both Windows and macOS.
What Sets the UMC1820 Apart
Flexibility is a key asset for this interface. With the optical ADAT port, a Behringer ADA8200 can double your preamp count to 16 channels. Blend live input with DAW playback using the front-panel Mix knob for zero-latency direct monitoring, while stereo/mono switching and dual headphone outputs—each with their own level control—make cue mixing simple.
Inputs and Outputs — 18x20 Architecture
Combo XLR/TRS jacks support microphones, line sources, and instruments, with a dedicated pad and gain stage per channel. For routing, ten 6.3 mm line outputs serve monitors, headphone amps, or outboard processors. MIDI I/O connects keyboard controllers and drum pads, freeing up your USB ports for other gear.
- Number of Channels: 8 — combo XLR/TRS inputs on both front and rear panels
- For engineers and performers, the UMC1820 provides two independent headphone outputs with separate level controls.
- Package Content: USB Cable, Adapter, Manual — ready for use right out of the box
Midas Preamps and 24-bit / 96 kHz Conversion
Midas-designed preamps deliver gain that rivals much more expensive interfaces. Phantom power (+48 V) is switchable in groups of four, supporting a wide range of condenser microphones. Capture the full dynamic range of vocals, drums, and acoustic instruments without audible coloration thanks to 24-bit / 96 kHz conversion.
- Number of Preamps: 8 Midas-designed — clean, low-noise gain stage
- Phantom power: +48 V, switchable in groups of 4 — supports condenser and ribbon mics
- Studio-grade conversion at 96 kHz / 24 bit ensures professional results for tracking and mixing.
Digital Expansion — ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI
Optical ADAT I/O (S/MUX-capable) and coaxial S/PDIF ports boost the total channel count to 18 inputs and 20 outputs; add the ADA8200 for eight more Midas preamps. The 19"/1U chassis (483 x 130 x 46 mm, 1.8 kg) fits standard racks and backpacks with ease.
- S/PDIF: Coaxial input and output — two channels of digital I/O at up to 96 kHz
- ADAT: Optical input and output (S/MUX) — eight channels at 48 kHz, four at 96 kHz
- ADAT and S/PDIF together cover most digital recording workflows—AES/EBU is not included.
Number of Channels: 8
This product offers 8 channels, allowing you to efficiently connect and manage multiple audio sources simultaneously. Each channel operates independently, giving you full control over each input, greatly expanding your ability to create and edit sound.
Number of Preamps: 8
8 preamplifiers provide high quality sound processing for 8 independent channels. Each preamplifier ensures clear and detailed sound, minimizes noise, and provides excellent dynamics.
Phantom Power: Yes
Phantom power provides the necessary voltage for condenser microphones that require an external power source to operate properly. This power supply is built directly into the microphone input, eliminating the need for additional power supplies.
S/PDIF: Yes
S/PDIF is a digital interface used to transfer high-quality audio between devices such as CD players, audio interfaces, amplifiers, and home theaters. It transfers audio signals in digital form without any loss of quality. S/PDIF ensures clean and accurate signal transmission without the need for conversion to analog form, minimizing noise and interference, making it ideal for professional and home audio systems.
ADAT: Yes
ADAT is a digital transmission protocol that allows the transmission of up to 8 channels of digital audio over a single optical cable (Toslink). It is often used in studio applications to increase the number of audio channels between devices such as audio interfaces and digital mixers. ADAT allows for high-quality audio transmission while providing more channels at lower sample rates. This format is ideal for situations where it is necessary to transmit multiple channels of digital audio without loss of quality.
Headphone Output: Yes
The headphone output allows direct connection of headphones for private listening. This output provides a convenient way to enjoy the sound without disturbing others or ambient noise.
Package Contents
- Manual
- Adapter
- USB Cable
Number of Channels
Number of Preamps
Phantom Power
Word Clock
ADAT
Interface
MIDI Interface
Controls
S/PDIF
USB
Yes
Ethernet
Analogue Inputs
Instrument Inputs
Microphone Input
Line Inputs
Line Output
Analogue Outputs
Headphone Output
Package Contents
USB Cable, Adapter, Manual
Power Supply
Adapter
UK/EU Power supply included
Yes
Length (cm)
13
Width (cm)
48.3
Height (cm)
4.6
Weight
1,8 kg
Made in
China
All reviews come from verified customers who have purchased a product from us in the past.
AI summary of reviews
Based on the number of reviews: 33
Strengths
- Excellent value: Customers consistently praise the product for its outstanding price-to-performance ratio, noting that it offers many features for its cost.
- Multiple inputs/outputs: The device is valued for providing a high number of inputs and outputs, which is beneficial for recording multiple instruments or microphones simultaneously.
- Sound quality: Users are satisfied with the sound quality, reporting clear audio and a lack of noticeable noise.
- Ease of use: The interface is described as intuitive and easy to operate, with some users noting that it functions well with common DAWs like Cubase.
- Driver compatibility: With the latest drivers, the device functions well on Windows 10/11, allowing the operating system to recognize all inputs and outputs even without a DAW.
Weaknesses
- Preamp noise: Some users report that the preamps can be a bit noisy, especially when compared to other interfaces.
- Direct monitoring noise: There are reports of significant noise introduced when using the direct monitoring feature.
- Heat generation: The device can get quite warm on one side, which some customers find concerning.
What customers repeat
Verdict
Documents
Instructions for use
Manufacturer information
Safety instructions
Please refer to the user manual for the specific safety instructions for this product.
