1. Introduction
The ICON Upod Pro is a professional 16-Bit 48KHz USB recording interface designed for musicians, podcasters, and content creators. It features two microphone inputs, one guitar input, and two outputs, along with a built-in 72-DSP effect processor for enhanced audio production. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Upod Pro to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Key Features
- 16-Bit 48KHz 2 mic-In/1 guitar-In, 2-Out USB Recording Interface
- 2x2 analog I/O full duplex recording and playback
- ICON innovative unique mic preamp with individual gain control.
- Equipped with +48V phantom power for condenser microphones and +5V phantom power.
- Built-in ICON 72-DSP effect processor with a dedicated control knob on the top panel.
- Two analog outputs on 1/4” TRS jacks or stereo output on a 3.5mm phone connector.
- Built-in stereo RCA input with individual gain control.
- Functions as a stand-alone device with RCA input & DSP processing, even without a computer.
- Equipped with Hi, Mid & Low EQ adjustment knobs for tone shaping.
- Attenuator (Voice-Over) function button for automatic music fade-out when a microphone signal is present.
- Two Voice-Over function control knobs for adjusting BGM ramping speed and ducking amount.
- Buttons for controlling mic signal (dry/wet) recording to PC.
- Buttons for controlling monitoring signal (dry/wet).
- Master volume control on the top panel.
- Two headphone outputs on 1/4” TRS jacks with individual volume control.
- USB2.0 compatible for high-speed data transfer.
- Plug & play functionality; no driver installation is needed for most operating systems.
- Compatible with Mac OS (Intel-Mac) and Windows XP, Vista (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit/64-bit), and Windows 10.
- Full duplex, simultaneous record/playback capability.
3. Package Contents
Please check the box for the following items:
- ICON Upod Pro USB Recording Interface
- USB Cable
- 5V DC Power Adapter
- Audio Cables (e.g., 3.5mm to dual RCA, 3.5mm TRRS to dual 3.5mm TRS, 3.5mm to 1/4" adapter)
- User Manual (this document)
4. Controls and Indicators
Familiarize yourself with the various controls and indicators on your Upod Pro.
4.1 Top Panel Controls
- DSP Effect Display (58): Shows the currently selected DSP effect number.
- DSP Effect Selector (Red Knob): Rotates to select from 72 built-in DSP effects. Press to confirm selection.
- Effect List:
- Echo: 1-5 Vocal Echo A/B/C, 6-10 Heavy Echo, 11 Stereo Echo
- Theatre: 12 Small Theatre, 13 Bright Theatre, 14 Vocal Theatre A/B/C, 15 Karaoke Theatre, 16-20 Vocal Theatre D/E/F/G, 21 Vocal Theatre C
- Hall: 22 Small Hall, 23 Bright Hall, 24 Vocal Hall A/B/C, 25 Vocal Hall D/E/F/G, 26 Vocal Hall B
- Plate: 27 Thin Plate, 28 Large Plate, 29 Bright Plate, 30 Heavy Plate, 31 Analog Plate, 32 Vocal Plate A/B/C/D
- Reverb: 33 Small Reverb, 34 Large Reverb, 35 Bright Reverb, 36 Vocal Reverb A/B/C/D
- Room: 37 Small Room, 38 Large Room, 39 Bright Room, 40 Vocal Room A/B/C/D, 41 Karaoke Room, 42 Gated Room
- Hi, Mid, Low EQ Knobs: Adjust the high, mid, and low frequencies of the input signal.
- +48V Button: Activates phantom power for condenser microphones connected to Mic 1 or Mic 2.
- Input to PC Button: Controls whether the input signal is sent to the PC.
- Mic with DSP Button: Engages DSP effects on the microphone input.
- Output Select Button: Selects the output routing.
- Direct Out + DSP Button: Sends a direct signal with DSP effects to the output.
- Mixing Knob: Adjusts the balance between direct input and processed signal.
- Direct Out Knob: Controls the level of the direct output signal.
- RCA Gain Knob: Adjusts the input gain for the RCA input.
- Mic/Guitar 1 Gain Knob: Adjusts the input gain for Microphone/Guitar Input 1.
- Mic 2 Gain Knob: Adjusts the input gain for Microphone Input 2.
- HP 1, HP 2 Knobs: Individual volume controls for Headphone Outputs 1 and 2.
- Master Volume Knob: Controls the overall output volume.
- Voice-Over Amount Knob: Adjusts the ducking amount for the Voice-Over function.
- Voice-Over Speed Knob: Adjusts the ramping speed for the Voice-Over function.
4.2 Front Panel Inputs
- Mic/Guitar 1 Input: Combo XLR/TRS jack for connecting a microphone or guitar.
- Mic 2 Input: Combo XLR/TRS jack for connecting a microphone.
- Headphone Outputs (1/4" TRS): Two independent headphone jacks for monitoring.
4.3 Rear Panel Connections
- 5V DC Power Input: Connect the included power adapter here.
- USB Port: Connect to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
- Line Out (L/R TRS): Balanced 1/4" TRS outputs for connecting to studio monitors or other audio equipment.
- Stereo Out (3.5mm): Unbalanced 3.5mm stereo output.
- RCA In (L/R): Unbalanced RCA inputs for connecting external audio sources like media players.
5. Setup Guide
Follow these steps to set up your ICON Upod Pro:
- Power Connection: Connect the 5V DC power adapter to the "5V DC" input on the rear panel of the Upod Pro, then plug the adapter into a power outlet.
- USB Connection: Connect the Upod Pro to your computer using the provided USB cable. The Upod Pro is plug-and-play, so no special drivers are typically required for Windows (XP/Vista/7/8/10) or Mac OS (Intel-Mac). Your computer should automatically recognize the device.
- Input Devices:
- Microphones: Connect your microphones to the "Mic/Guitar 1" or "Mic 2" combo XLR/TRS inputs on the front panel. If using condenser microphones, press the "+48V" button on the top panel to supply phantom power.
- Guitar/Instrument: Connect your guitar or other instrument to the "Mic/Guitar 1" combo XLR/TRS input.
- External Audio Source: Connect devices like media players to the "RCA In" jacks on the rear panel.
- Output Devices:
- Headphones: Connect your headphones to either of the "HP 1" or "HP 2" 1/4" TRS jacks on the front panel.
- Studio Monitors/Speakers: Connect your studio monitors or active speakers to the "Line Out" (L/R TRS) jacks on the rear panel. Alternatively, use the "Stereo Out" (3.5mm) jack for consumer-grade speakers.
- Initial Volume Settings: Before powering on or playing audio, ensure all gain knobs (RCA Gain, Mic/Guitar 1 Gain, Mic 2 Gain) and headphone volume knobs (HP 1, HP 2) are set to their minimum positions. Set the Master Volume knob to a low level.
- Computer Audio Settings:
- Windows: Go to Sound Settings (Control Panel > Sound) and select "ICON Upod Pro" as your default playback and recording device.
- Mac OS: Go to System Preferences > Sound and select "ICON Upod Pro" as your input and output device.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Basic Recording
- Connect your microphone or instrument as described in the Setup Guide.
- Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software (e.g., Audacity, GarageBand, Ableton Live).
- In your DAW's audio settings, select "ICON Upod Pro" as your input device.
- Gradually increase the relevant gain knob (Mic/Guitar 1 Gain or Mic 2 Gain) while speaking into the microphone or playing your instrument. Monitor the input level in your DAW to avoid clipping (distortion).
- Ensure the "Input to PC" button is engaged if you want to record the signal to your computer.
- Adjust the Master Volume and HP 1/HP 2 knobs for comfortable monitoring levels.
6.2 Using DSP Effects
- Rotate the red "DSP Effect Selector" knob to browse through the 72 built-in effects. The selected effect number will appear on the DSP Effect Display.
- Press the red knob to confirm your selection.
- To apply DSP effects to your microphone input, ensure the "Mic with DSP" button is engaged.
- The "Direct Out + DSP" button allows you to send the signal with effects directly to the outputs.
- Use the "Mixing" knob to blend the dry (unprocessed) signal with the wet (processed) signal.
6.3 EQ Adjustment
Use the "Hi", "Mid", and "Low" EQ knobs to shape the tone of your input signal. Turn clockwise to boost frequencies and counter-clockwise to cut them.
6.4 Voice-Over Function
The Voice-Over function automatically ducks (reduces the volume of) background music (BGM) when a microphone signal is detected, making your voice more prominent.
- Engage the "Attenuator (Voice-Over)" button.
- Adjust the "Voice-Over Amount" knob to control how much the BGM volume is reduced.
- Adjust the "Voice-Over Speed" knob to control how quickly the BGM fades in and out.
6.5 Monitoring Options
The Upod Pro offers flexible monitoring options:
- Dry/Wet Monitoring: Buttons are equipped for controlling the monitoring signal (dry/wet). This allows you to hear your input signal either unprocessed (dry) or with DSP effects applied (wet).
- Direct Monitoring: The "Direct Out" knob controls the level of the direct, unprocessed signal sent to the outputs, allowing for zero-latency monitoring.
6.6 Stand-Alone Operation
The Upod Pro can function as a stand-alone device without a computer. Connect an audio source to the RCA input, and use the built-in DSP effects and EQ to process the sound before sending it to headphones or speakers.
7. Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mic Input | Frequency Response | 22Hz to 20kHz (+/-0.2dB) |
| Dynamic Range | 90dB, A-weighted | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | -90dB, A-weighted | |
| THD+N | <0.0061% (-86dB) | |
| Crosstalk | -85dB @ 1kHz | |
| Input Impedance | 1.8K Ohms, typical | |
| Adjustable Gain | +39dB | |
| Inst Input | Frequency Response | 22Hz to 20kHz (+/-0.2dB) |
| Dynamic Range | 90dB, A-weighted | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | -90dB, A-weighted | |
| THD+N | <0.0061% (-86dB) | |
| Crosstalk | -75dB @ 1kHz | |
| Input Impedance | 500K Ohms, typical | |
| Total Gain Range | +38dB | |
| Line Inputs (RCA IN, Unbalanced) | Frequency Response | 22Hz to 20kHz (+/-0.2dB) |
| Dynamic Range | 90dB, A-weighted | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | -90dB, A-weighted | |
| THD+N | <0.003% (-86dB) | |
| Crosstalk | -90dB @ 1kHz | |
| Input Impedance | 10K Ohms, typical | |
| Adjustable Gain | +8dB | |
| Line Outputs 1/2 (Stereo, Unbalanced) | Frequency Response | 22Hz to 20kHz (+/-0.2dB) |
| Dynamic Range | 90dB, A-weighted | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | -90dB, A-weighted | |
| THD+N | <0.003% (-86 dB) | |
| Crosstalk | -90dB @ 1kHz | |
| Nominal Output Level | +2dBV, typical | |
| Headphone Outputs (at Maximum Volume; Into 100 Ohm load) | Frequency Response | 22Hz to 20kHz (+/-0.2dB) |
| Power into Ohms | 20 mW into 100 Ohms | |
| THD+N | <0.06% (-66dB) | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | -90dB, A-weighted | |
| Max Output Level into 100 Ohms | +2.0dBV, typical | |
| Load Impedance | 32 to 600 Ohms |
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Upod Pro, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
- No Sound from Headphones/Speakers:
- Ensure the Upod Pro is powered on and connected via USB.
- Check that the Master Volume and individual HP (Headphone) volume knobs are turned up.
- Verify that the Upod Pro is selected as the default playback device in your computer's sound settings.
- Confirm that your headphones/speakers are properly connected to the correct output jacks.
- Microphone Not Working / No Input Signal:
- Check microphone cable connections.
- Increase the "Mic/Guitar 1 Gain" or "Mic 2 Gain" knob.
- If using a condenser microphone, ensure the "+48V" phantom power button is engaged.
- Verify that the Upod Pro is selected as the default recording device in your computer's sound settings and your DAW.
- Distorted Audio:
- Reduce the input gain (Mic/Guitar 1 Gain, Mic 2 Gain, RCA Gain) to prevent clipping.
- Lower the Master Volume or individual HP volumes if the output is distorted.
- Check for damaged cables.
- No Connection to PC:
- Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the Upod Pro and your computer.
- Try a different USB port on your computer.
- Try a different USB cable.
- Restart your computer.
9. User Tips
- Gain Staging: Always set your input gain (Mic/Guitar 1 Gain, Mic 2 Gain, RCA Gain) to the highest possible level without clipping. This ensures a strong signal-to-noise ratio and prevents unwanted noise.
- Monitoring Latency: For real-time monitoring without delay, utilize the "Direct Out" feature. This allows you to hear your input directly from the Upod Pro before it goes through your computer, avoiding software-induced latency.
- Software Compatibility: While the Upod Pro is plug-and-play, ensure your recording software (DAW) is updated to its latest version for best compatibility and performance.
- Experiment with DSP Effects: The 72 built-in DSP effects offer a wide range of creative possibilities. Take time to experiment with different effects and their parameters to find the perfect sound for your recordings or live streams.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your original point of purchase or the manufacturer directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
