ZOOM U-44
4in/4out, Handy Audio Interface
Overview:
The U-44 is a compact, 4-in/4-out audio interface that
enables you to record and perform wherever you are. Small enough to fit in the
palm of your hand, the U-44 comes equipped with the features you need to record
24-bit/96 kHz audio anywhere.
The U-44 offers the same high-quality, low-noise mic preamps as our acclaimed H5 and H6 Handy Recorders, plus compatibility with Zoom’s Interchangeable Input Capsules for incredible possibilities. Use the U-44 with your PC, Mac, or iPhone/iPad via USB—or as a standalone AD/DA converter and mic preamp. No other audio interface provides this much versatility, value, and performance.
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 iPhone/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 2 AA batteries or optional AC adapter for power, plus an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter for connection to iPhone/iPad.
Can your interface do this?
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, Shock Mount X/Y, Mid-Side, Shotgun, Stereo Shotgun, and Dual XLR/TRS Combo Input—each with its own unique applications. 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 our Zoom H-series recorders, the U-44 is equipped with high-performance, low-noise mic preamps 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.
It’s All About Connections
The U-44 features a full array of inputs and outputs so
you’ll always be prepared for any recording or live performance. 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, or other instruments. MIDI I/O jacks enable
synchronization with devices like electronic keyboards, controllers, and
synthesizer or sampler modules.
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 your ideal mix. 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. The outputs of channels A and B can be muted, providing even more control. Plus, direct monitoring enables you to hear the live signal you’re recording without latency—simply adjust between the input and computer playback signals to create the perfect mix.
Standalone AD/DA Conversion
Transfer audio with total clarity
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 a 44.1 or 48 kHz sampling rate for
conversion.
Connect digital audio gear to analog amps and mixers
Create digital samples for your songs
Digitize your analog records and tapes
Transfer archived recordings to digital
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
Includes Albeton Live 9 Lite
With the U-44 and 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. Plus, Ableton’s performance workflows let you take your music to the stage where you can mix and record live. Plus, Ableton’s performance workflows let you take your music to the stage where you can mix and record live.
Features at a Glance:
Multi-channel and stereo USB audio interface for
PC/Mac/iPhone/iPad
Connect to iPhone/iPad with Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit
or Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter (sold separately), plus 2 AA batteries or
optional AC adapter for power
Two mic/line inputs with high-performance mic preamps
High-quality recording and playback at resolutions up to
24-bit/96 kHz
Compatible with Zoom interchangeable input capsules via
10-pin connector
Standalone AD/DA conversion
Functions as a two-channel mic preamp with analog and
digital outputs
Approximately 4 hours of operation with 2 AA alkaline
batteries
Includes download code for Ableton Live 9 Lite
Four-channel simultaneous inputs
Hi-Z support (input 1)
Zero-latency direct monitoring
Three TRS phone jack outputs
Dedicated RCA L/R and headphone outputs
MIDI I/O
S/PDIF optical/coaxial input and output
Gain control knobs for each input
+48V phantom power for inputs 1 and 2
Accepts standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries
Accessories:
Here's what's included with the U-44 Handy Audio Recorder...
Operation manual
Ableton Live 9 Lite software download code
USB Cable
Optional U-44 accessories:
XYH-6 X/Y mic capsule
XYH-5 X/Y Shock-mounted mic capsule
MSH-6 Mid-Side mic capsule
SGH-6 Shotgun mic capsule
SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun mic capsule
EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS combo input capsule
ECM-3 Extension Cable for Zoom mic capsules (3m)
ECM-6 Extension Cable for Zoom mic capsules (6m)
Zoom AD-17 power supply
AIH-1 Audio Interface Holder
Specifications:
Connector: |
TRS/XLR combo jacks (XLR: 2 hot, TRS: TIP hot) |
Input gain: |
0 – 43 dB |
Input impedance: |
2.6 k Ω (MIC IN) 1.1 M Ω (when Hi-Z ON) |
Maximum input level: |
+2.7 dBu (MIC IN) /+20.7 dBu (TRS IN) |
Phantom power: |
+48V |
ANALOG IN: MIC
IN | |
Supported Zoom Input Capsules: |
XYH-6, MSH-6, SGH-6, EXH-6, SSH-6, XYH-5) |
ANALOG OUT: MAIN
OUT L/R | |
Connector: |
TRS phone jacks (unbalanced) |
Maximum output level: |
+10 dBu (at 0 dBFS) |
Output impedance: |
330 Ω |
ANALOG OUT: LINE
OUT 1/2 | |
Connector: |
RCA (coaxial) |
Maximum output level: |
+8 dBu (at 0 dBFS) |
Output impedance: |
1kΩ |
ANALOG OUT:
PHONES | |
Connector: |
Standard stereo phone jack 30 mW x 2 (into 32 Ω load) |
Maximum output level: |
+10 dBu (at 0 dBFS) |
Output impedance: |
33 Ω |
DIGITAL IN/OUT:
S/PDIF OPTICAL | |
Connector: |
TOSLINK |
Supported sampling frequencies: |
96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz |
DIGITAL IN/OUT:
S/PDIF COAXIAL | |
Connector: |
RCA (coaxial) |
Supported sampling frequencies: |
96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz |
Frequency characteristics: |
At 44.1 kHz: ±1.5 dB: 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
Input conversion noise: |
Measured EIN: -119.5 dB (IHF-A) |
Number of audio recording and playback channels: |
Recording: 4 channels |
Sampling frequencies: |
96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz |
Bit depth: |
24-bit |
Interface: |
USB 2.0 |
MIDI IN/OUT: |
5-pin DIN jack |
Power consumption: |
5W maximum |
Dimensions: |
198.8 mm (D) x 92.3 mm (W) x 42.7 mm (H) |
Weight (main unit only): |
310g |