OVERVIEW
- Record with Mics, Instruments, and More
- Fits in the Palm of Your Hand
- High-Quality, Low-Noise Preamps
- S/PDIF Optical or Coaxial Input
The U-44 from Zoom is a compact, 4-in/4-out audio interface with 48V phantom power that provides all of the essential tools you need for recording and performing high-resolution, 24-bit/96 kHz audio anywhere you go. It can be used to connect to your Mac or Windows computer, or iPad* via USB, to record with mics, instruments, and more.
The U-44 interface uses the same high-quality, low-noise preamps as the Zoom H5 and H6 handy recorders. It features two TRS/XLR combo jacks for inputs, in/out S/PDIF Optical Toslink and S/PDIF Coaxial on RCA, MIDI In/Out, two TRS 1/4" unbalanced jack outputs, RCA line-level outputs and a standard stereo headphone jack. In addition, it is powered by two AA batteries, providing up to four hours of continuous operation with phantom power turned off. The U-44 includes a download code for Ableton Live 9 Lite software to get you started right away.
Purchasers can also register for a free download of a special version of Pro Tools | First, which contains a valuable collection of twenty-one AAX audio software plug-ins.
The World is Your Studio
Wherever you want to record, the bus-powered U-44 forms the perfect centerpiece of your mobile studio. Connect instruments, monitors, and other devices when you're recording at home, or hook it up to your iPad* to make music on the go. If bus power isn't available, the U-44 can run on just two AA batteries, allowing you to record anywhere.
* Requires two AA batteries or optional AC adapter for power, plus an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter for connection to iPad.
Zoom 10-Pin Connector
Thanks to its 10-pin Zoom connector, the U-44 is compatible with all of our interchangeable input capsules (sold separately), representing a powerful field-recording setup. Choose from six capsules—X/Y, Shockmount X/Y, Mid-Side, Shotgun, Stereo Shotgun, and Dual XLR/TRS Combo Inpu—each with its own unique application. Record the audience during your live performance, or connect our SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun for dialogue and sound design on your latest film project.
Pristine Recording and Playback
Inspired by the Zoom H-series recorders, the U-44 is equipped with high-performance, low-noise mic preamps (-119.5 dB EIN) that enable recording and playback at resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz. You can also use U-44 as a studio-quality headphone amp and listen to your favorite music in full fidelity.
Get Connected with the U-44
The U-44 features a full array of inputs and outputs so you'll always be prepared. Two combo inputs with independent gain knobs and multi-color level indicators provide flexibility for connecting mics, keyboards, and mixers. 48V phantom power can be supplied to inputs 1 and 2, and input 1 supports Hi-Z input for connecting passive guitars, basses, and other instruments. MIDI I/O enables you to use electronic keyboards, controllers, synthesizers, and drum machines.
Multiple Output Options
Multiple output options—including 1/4", RCA, and S/PDIF—allow you to connect DJ mixers, speakers, and more. Monitoring your mixes is easy thanks to a dedicated headphone output with independent volume control. The direct-monitor knob makes it possible to blend your headphone mix between the input and playback signals—perfect for live electronic music performance and DJ'ing.
Control Your Mix
With advanced monitoring options, the U-44 lets you dial in the perfect mix with zero latency. Create a balanced headphone mix between your click-track and main-out signals during live performances, or balance the cue and main out signals when you're DJ'ing.
Stand-Alone AD/DA Conversion
When you're transferring audio, high-quality AD/DA conversion is critical. The U-44 functions in stand-alone mode as a high-quality mic preamp and AD/DA converter to ensure complete transparency when converting audio formats. You can choose between a 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rate for conversion.
Feature-Rich Mobile Recording
The U-44 is small enough to carry in your jacket pocket or backpack without sacrificing features. Plus, all of the connectors and knobs are strategically positioned for fast access.
Create More with Your U-44
When you combine the U-44 with Ableton Live 9 Lite, you have everything the modern music creator needs. Record your tracks quickly and intuitively, enhancing them with studio-quality effects like EQ, compression, reverb, delay, chorus, filter, and more.
Purchasers can register for a free download of a special version of Pro Tools | First, with a collection of twenty-one AAX audio software plug-ins.
SPECS
Interface
Channels of I/O | 2 Inputs / 4 Outputs |
Max Sample Rate/Resolution | 48 kHz / 24-Bit |
Connectivity
Host Connection | USB Type-B (USB 2.0) |
Analog I/O | 2 x Combo XLR / 1/4" TRS Input 1 x 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS Headphone Output 2 x Stereo RCA Line Output 2 x 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS Unbalanced Output 1 x Proprietary Input |
Phantom Power | +48 V |
Digital I/O | 1 x RCA Coaxial / S/PDIF Input 1 x RCA Coaxial / S/PDIF Output |
MIDI I/O | 1 x 5-Pin MIDI In 1 x 5-Pin MIDI Out |
Performance
Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-1 dB (at 44.1 kHz) 20 Hz to 40 kHz +0/-3.5 dB (at 96 kHz) |
Gain Range | Inputs: 0 to 43 dB |
Max Input Level | Line Inputs: +20.7 dBu Mic Inputs: +2.7 dBu |
Max Output Level | Headphone Outputs: +10 dBu at 0 dBFS Line Outputs: +8 dBu at 0 dBFS Outputs: +10 dBu at 0 dBFS |
Headphone Output Power | 30 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms |
Impedance | Headphone Outputs: 33 Ohms Hi-Z Inputs: 1.1 MOhms Line Outputs: 1 kOhm Mic Inputs: 2.6 kOhms Outputs: 330 Ohms |
EIN | Inputs: -119.5 dBA |
Digital Audio
Sample Rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz |
Bit Depth | 24-Bit |
Power
Power Requirements | USB Bus-Power |
Power Consumption | 5 W (Maximum) |
Battery Type | 2 x AA |
Physical
Dimensions | 7.8 x 3.6 x 1.7" / 199 x 92 x 43 mm |
Weight | 11.0 oz / 310.0 g |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 1.4 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.291 x 6.693 x 2.362" |