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Zoom U-44 Handy Audio Interface Demo

24-bit/96kHz 4-channel Portable USB Audio Interface with 2 Preamps, Analog and Digital I/O, Zoom Capsule Support, and Bus/Battery Power

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Pocket-sized Mobile Recording Hero

Whether you're in the studio or out with your iPad, Zoom's U-44 Handy Audio Interface makes it easy to record and monitor up to four channels at a time. Microphones, line-level sources, guitars, you name it - the U-44 has the connections you need. What's more, you can connect Zoom Capsules to your U-44, adding microphones and additional preamps instantly. There's even digital S/PDIF and MIDI onboard. The preamps are the same ones found in the popular H6 Handy Recorder, and the 24-bit/96kHz digital converters are the clearest and cleanest ones Zoom has produced. Between its extensive I/O and mobile-ready design, the U-44 is an ideal on-the-go USB audio interface.

Zoom U-44 Handy Audio Interface at a Glance:
  • Pocket-sized recording interface that's ready to travel
  • All the connections you need, plus Zoom Capsule input
  • Loaded with Zoom's top-quality preamps and conversion
Pocket-sized recording interface that's ready to travel

Few audio interfaces compare with Zoom's U-44 when it comes to sheer portability. With the U-44, USB bus power is only the beginning. For one thing, it can run on a pair of AA batteries when bus power isn't available, making it an excellent audio interface to keep with your iPad (Camera Connection Kit required). And since the U-44 is so compact, you can comfortably carry it in your jacket pocket and be ready to record whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.

All the connections you need, plus Zoom Capsule input

Despite its diminutive size, the U-44 certainly manages to pack in the I/O. A pair of TRL/XLR combo jacks serve as your main analog inputs, accommodating line-level sources and microphones - even supplying phantom power to condenser mics. What's more, there's a DI input so you can plug in your guitar. There's also coax and optical S/PDIF for digital sources and MIDI I/O for your keyboards. On top of that, you can hook up any of Zoom's Capsule modules to add extra inputs or a microphone right to your audio interface.

Loaded with Zoom's top-quality preamps and conversion

For years, Zoom has been a leader in the world of portable preamps and digital conversion, with products such as the H4N, F8, and H6 breaking new ground in affordable mobile recording quality. Onboard the U-44, you'll find the same ones from the H6 that Sweetwater customers and field recording pros love, so you know you'll get clean and clear sound. Likewise, a set of 24-bit/96kHz onboard converters delivers reliable digital audio, making it easy to record studio-ready tracks out in the field.

Zoom U-44 Handy Audio Interface Features:
  • 4-channel USB recording interface for Mac, Windows, and iPad (via Camera Connection Kit)
  • 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs include the microphone preamps from the H6 (with phantom power)
  • Extensive analog I/O accommodates mic-, line-, and instrument-level sources
  • Record and play back high-quality audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution
  • Connect Zoom Capsules to add microphones or expand your input connections
  • Digital I/O supports standalone AD/DA conversion
  • Onboard MIDI I/O accommodates keyboards and controllers
  • Record for up to 4 hours on just 2 alkaline or NiMH rechargeable AA batteries
  • Includes download code for Ableton Live 9 Lite
Record anything, anywhere, any time with Zoom's U-44 Handy Audio Interface!

What is Demo Gear?

At Sweetwater, we're so picky that what we call a "demo" is actually better than what most music retailers sell as "new" gear! Our gear hasn't endured hundreds of people a week plunking away at all the keyboards, fumbling through Stairway to Heaven on every guitar or playing with every fader and knob on a mixer or control surface.

What demo means to us is that we've had it out of the box, or maybe it was in a customer's hands for a few days and isn't "factory fresh" as a result. Every demo item we sell has Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ warranty, and has been tested and verified up to "new" specs by our factory-authorized technicians to make sure it's in perfect working order before we ship it to you.

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Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Form Factor: Portable
  • Simultaneous I/O: 4 x 4
  • Number of Preamps: 2
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
  • Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (Hi-Z option input 1), 1 x 10-pin Mic input (Zoom H-Series Mic capsules)
  • Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (main out), 2 x RCA stereo pairs, 1 x 1/4" (headphones)
  • Digital Inputs: 1 x Toslink (S/PDIF), 1 x Coax (S/PDIF)
  • Digital Outputs: 1 x Toslink (S/PDIF), 1 x Coax (S/PDIF)
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out
  • USB: 1 x Type B, 1 x Micro-B
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.8 or later (iPad use Camera Connection kit or Lightning to USB Camera adapter)
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 or later
  • Bus Powered: Yes
  • Power Supply: USB Micro-B, 2 x AA batteries or Zoom AD-17 adapter (sold separately)
  • Height: 1.68"
  • Width: 3.63"
  • Depth: 7.83"
  • Weight: 0.68 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ZU44

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Swiss army knife for computer audio

I compared U-44 recording quality to my Audient Mico. Mico is a bit quieter and resolved, but the difference is minor. If Mico is considered as console quality, then U-44 is perfectly fine for non-professional applications. In terms of functionality, Zoom U-44 is simply unbeatable.

It packs all these features into a coat-pocket size device for only $... unbelievable:
Computer audio interface: 96/24, USB, 4-in-4-out
Inputs: channel 1-2 are two mic preamps with 48V phantom power, channel 3-4 are optical/coaxial/special accessory microphones
Outputs: preamp out (TRS) + 2 line outs (RCA) + optical/coaxial + one headphone jack
Stand-alone DAC/ADC: optical/coaxial SPDIF, powered by 2AA batteries or 5V USB power (non-computer)
Extras: iPhone/iPad/Android compatible, MIDI connection, onboard mixer function

The recording quality is fine and clean. The playback sound quality is lovely through the headphone out. It can drive my power-hungry Hifiman HE-560 and the sound is neutral, transparent, and pleasant. It cannot compare to my Benchmark DAC1 + Cayin HA1A amp (all NOS tubes, Stereophile Class B) in terms of inner resolution and air. Nonetheless, at 10% of the cost, Zoom U-44 delivers 90-95% of the playback quality. It can be used as an external sound card for audiophiles. No signs of digital harness or analog shrill found in many low-cost gears, way better than the headphone jack on Benchmark DAC1.

Zoom U-44 is so versatile that it will always be useful for something, while offering good sound quality for recording and playback. It is unbelievable value, a best buy.
Music background: Academic researcher on musical instruments
Rated 5/5

Sounds great - perfect size

I needed a 2x4 interface w/ loopback that would fit under my pedal board and this was the perfect size. Bonus - it sounds solid and isn't flaky or have an obfuscated interface like some other interfaces geared for mobility. Also want to give a shout out to my sales rep Adam Hunter who is always awesome and goes the extra mile for me.
Music background: Guitar,piano,vocal
Rated 5/5

Easy to use and it works great

Easy to use and it works great. I'm using it on my iMac with M1 chip on Reason 12 and there's no latency, no hiss, no problems.
Music background: blackhouse has a record, tape or cd release on all of these fine music labels: ladd-frith steinklang dark vinyl staalplaat rrrecords metal field daft geschmack syntactic cause & effect body antler-subway minus habens klang galerie discordia blacklight now
Rated 5/5

Works With m1 Mac Mini

Works with my m1 Mac Mini in Logic without downloading anything. Don't know if this is allowed but below is a voiceover I recorded with it using my Focusrite ISA one digital into the SPDIF optical input and switched to 48 kHz on both devices and in the Logic session. The ISA one takes up channels 3 & 4. I haven't tried the pres yet on 1&2 but most of my videos on my channel were recorded into the same pres on my H5. I listened back crossing my fingers for no clicks, pops, or skips and it sounded pristine. My wife says the video sounds better than my previous ones even though I'm not sure it makes a difference how my ISA one's SPDIF fiber optic signal gets into the computer as the conversion is being done before the interface. The biggest concern I had was finding something that would let my ISA one talk to future computers and the U44 gets t job done at a great price and far exceeds my expectations as I also have a Clarett thunderbolt in the room.
Rated 5/5

Love it.

First, Sweetwater is awesome. Their customer service game is unmatched. Now, I've had several home studio audio interface units over the years. The Zoom u44 is my favorite for sure. The layout feels thought out, almost intuitive. Lots of features for its size, sturdy construction and it fits in a pocket. I also have the attachable xy microphone. That's a super cool feature. Add an iPad and batteries you're portable. I'm happy with it.
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