Zoom U-44 Handy 4-In/4-Out Audio Interface

Equipped with the Zoom U-44 Portable 4x4 USB Handy Audio/MIDI Interface, musicians, songwriters, and producers can effortlessly record four audio sources simultaneously to their computer, iPhone, or iPad, while also integrating MIDI equipment. Whether at home, outdoors, or on the go, the U-44 features intuitive tactile controls and high-resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz converters, enabling you to capture your creative ideas with exceptional quality. Additionally, it includes Ableton Live Lite and the Steinberg Cubasis LE iPad application, providing the necessary software to transform your musical inspiration into a polished production.

The U-44 is equipped with two low-noise microphone preamps that offer switchable phantom power and XLR-1/4" combo jacks, capable of accommodating both microphone and line inputs. Notably, Input 1 includes a Hi-Z switch, making it suitable for recording electric guitars or basses. Additionally, the 10-pin input allows for the rapid connection of any Zoom microphone or input capsules, which are sold separately, while stereo S/PDIF digital I/O is accessible via coaxial and optical ports.

With mix-adjustable, zero-latency direct monitoring, the U-44 features stereo 1/4" main outputs, four RCA line outputs, and a 1/4" headphone jack, enabling simultaneous output to speakers and headphones with independent volume control. The headphone output is equipped with its own balance knob, allowing for the blending of computer playback signals 1-2 and 3-4, facilitating customizable cue mixes.

The World is Your Studio

The bus-powered U-44 serves as an ideal central component for your mobile studio, regardless of your recording location. You can connect various instruments, monitors, and additional devices while recording at home, or link it to your iPad for music creation on the move. In situations where bus power is not accessible, the U-44 can operate using just two AA batteries, enabling recording in any environment.

To ensure proper connectivity and functionality with an iPhone or iPad, certain accessories must be purchased separately. These include two AA batteries or the Zoom AD-17 AC adapter for power, along with either an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or a Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter. A USB Type-B to Type-A cable is provided for connecting to your Mac or Windows computer.

Zoom 10-Pin Connector

The U-44 features a 10-pin Zoom connector, allowing it to work seamlessly with all of Zoom's interchangeable input capsules, which are sold separately. This compatibility creates a robust field-recording system. Users can select from six different capsules: X/Y, Shockmount X/Y, Mid-Side, Shotgun, Stereo Shotgun, and Dual XLR/TRS Combo Input, each designed for specific recording needs. Capture the audience's reactions during a live performance, or utilize the SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun for dialogue and sound design in your current 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 is equipped with a comprehensive selection of inputs and outputs, ensuring you are always ready for any situation. It includes two combo inputs, each featuring independent gain controls and multicolored level indicators, allowing for versatile connections with microphones, keyboards, and mixers. Inputs 1 and 2 can provide 48V phantom power, while input 1 is designed to accommodate Hi-Z connections for passive guitars, basses, and similar instruments. Additionally, the MIDI I/O functionality allows for the integration of electronic keyboards, controllers, synthesizers, and drum machines. Furthermore, you have the option to route a stereo digital signal from an external converter to the coaxial or optical S/PDIF input port on the U-44.

Multiple Output Options

Various output options, such as 1/4", RCA, and S/PDIF, enable connections to DJ mixers, speakers, and additional equipment. A dedicated headphone output with independent volume control simplifies the monitoring of your mixes. The direct monitor knob allows for the blending of your headphone mix between input and playback signals, making it ideal for live electronic music performances and DJing. Furthermore, each output (1-2 and 3-4) is equipped with its own mute button.

Control Your Mix

The U-44 offers sophisticated monitoring capabilities, allowing you to achieve an ideal mix without any latency. During live performances, you can establish a well-balanced headphone mix between your click track and the main output, or adjust the cue and main output signals effectively while DJing.

Standalone AD/DA Conversion

When you're transferring audio, high-quality AD/DA conversion is critical. The U-44 functions in standalone mode as a high-quality mic preamp and AD/DA converter to ensure complete transparency when converting audio formats. You can choose between 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rates 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.

Ableton Live 9 Lite

Bundled with the U-44, Ableton Live 9 Lite is a powerful DAW program that lets you record tracks quickly and intuitively, enhancing them with studio-quality effects like EQ, compression, reverb, delay, chorus, filter, and more. Plus, Ableton's performance workflows let you take your music to the stage where you can mix and record live.

Steinberg Cubasis LE

Cubasis LE, a 4-track audio recording/editing/mixing app for iPad with an intuitive touch user interface, is also included with the U-44.