Zoom U-44 Portable 4×4 USB Handy Audio/MIDI Interface

Zoom U-44 Overview

Armed with the Zoom U-44 Portable 4×4 USB Handy Audio/MIDI Interface, it’s easy for musicians, songwriters, and producers to record four sources at a time to their computer, iPhone, or iPad and integrate MIDI gear, too. At home, outside, or while traveling, the U-44’s user-friendly tactile controls and high-resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz converters help you capture your creativity with quality. Plus, it comes with Ableton Live Lite and the Steinberg Cubasis LE iPad app to provide the software you need to take your music from inspiration to a finished production.

The U-44 features two low-noise microphone preamps with switchable phantom power and XLR-1/4″ combo jacks—both can handle mic or line inputs, and Input 1 sports a Hi-Z switch for when you need to track an electric guitar or bass. The 10-pin input enables quick attachment of any Zoom mic/input capsules (available separately) and stereo S/PDIF digital I/O is provided on coaxial and optical ports.

Thanks to mix-adjustable, zero-latency direct monitoring, stereo 1/4″ main outs, four RCA line outputs, and a 1/4″ headphone port, the U-44 can simultaneously feed speakers and headphones with independent volume control. The headphone output features its own balance knob, which lets you blend computer playback signals 1-2 and 3-4 for customizable cue mixes.

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.

Proper connectivity and operation with an iPhone or iPad requires separately available accessories—two AA batteries or the Zoom AD-17 AC adapter for power, plus an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or a Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter. A USB Type-B to Type-A cable is included for hookup to your Mac/Windows computer.

Zoom 10-Pin Connector
Thanks to its 10-pin Zoom connector, the U-44 is compatible with all of Zoom’s interchangeable input capsules (available 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 Input—each with its own unique application. Record the audience during your live performance, or connect the 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 multicolor 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. You can also route a stereo digital feed from an external converter to the coaxial or optical S/PDIF input port on the U-44.

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 DJing. Each output (1-2 and 3-4) also has its own mute button.

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 output during live performances, or balance the cue and main out signals when you’re 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.