Zoom U-22 Handy Audio Interface

INTRODUCTION

The U-22 offers playback and recording at resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz, as well as a single high-performance, low-noise mic preamp with less than -120 dBu EIN. The U-22 can also be used as a studio-caliber headphone amplifier so that you can enjoy your favorite music in full fidelity. The U-22’s small size makes it ideal for use with a laptop or iPad*, and it can be bus-powered through USB. Quick access to connectors, knobs, and controls are provided by the creative design for simple setup and use. The direct monitoring option on the U-22 enables zero-latency recording and mixing by allowing you to hear your signal before it enters the computer. There are several options for monitoring, including independent headphone output and separate RCA output connectors.

PART NAMES

TOP

BACK

RIGHT SIDE

FRONT

INSTALLING THE DRIVER

Do not connect the U-22 until the installation completes.

WINDOWS

1. Download the ZOOM U-22 Driver from http://www.zoom.co.jp/ to your computer.
   NOTE
   • You can download the latest ZOOM U-22 driver from the above website.
   • Download the appropriate driver for your operating system.
2. Launch the installer and install the driver.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install the ZOOM U-22 driver.

NOTE

• See the Installation Guide included in the driver package for detailed installation procedures.

MAC

Driver installation is not necessary when using a Mac.

CHOOSING A POWER SOURCE

USING BUS POWER
Use a USB cable to connect the U-22 to the computer.

USING BATTERIES

1. Open the battery cover on the underside of the U-22.
2. Install the batteries.
3. Replace the battery cover.

NOTE

• Use only alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries.
• The power indicator will blink when the battery charge becomes low. Turn the power off immediately and install new batteries.

USING AN EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY

Connect either the optional AD-17 adapter, a commercially available USB power adapter, or a mobile USB battery to the DC 5V connector.

CONNECTING WITH A COMPUTER

1. Minimize the volume of any output devices connected to the U-22
2. Use a USB cable to connect the U-22 to the computer.
3. Set to USB or BATTERY/DC IN [TABLET] to turn the power on.
   NOTE
   When using batteries or an external power supply, set to BATTERY/DC IN [TABLET].
4. Confirm that the power indicator is lit.

IOS DEVICE CONNECTION

You can connect the   to an iOS device when using either the optional AD-17 power adapter, an external DC power supply, or AA batteries.

1. Minimize the volume of any output devices connected to the U-22
2. Install batteries or connect an external power supply. (→ P. 7)
3. Connect the U-22 to the iOS device using an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.
   Set to BATTERY/DC IN [TABLET].
4. After the U-22 turns on, it will connect to the iOS device.
   NOTE
   U-22 cannot accept bus power from an iOS device.
5. Confirm that the power indicator is lit.Connecting Instruments and Mics

CONNECTING INSTRUMENTS AND MICS

Use a mono instrument/XLR cable to connect an instrument or mic to the MIC/Hi-Z jack.

Use a stereo mini cable to connect an iPad or other device to the LINE IN jack.

NOTE

• The MIC/Hi-Z jack is disabled when a cable is connected to the LINE IN jack.
• The Hi-Z function will turn ON automatically when a mono instrument cable is connected.

USING PHANTOM POWER

Supply phantom power when using a condenser mic.

1. Connect a condenser mic.
2. Set to ON.
3. Confirm that the 48V indicator is lit.

ADJUSTING INPUT GAIN

You can adjust the MIC/Hi-Z jack gain.

1. Use the level indicator to check the input signal status.
   Green light: Input signal is present. Red light: Input signal is clipping.
2. Adjust the input gain.

Turn the

HINT

• To avoid distorted recordings, adjust the input gain so the level indicator doesn’t light up red.

NOTE

• The gain is fixed for the LINE IN jack.

CONNECTING HEADPHONES AND SPEAKERS

Connect headphones to the PHONES jack, speakers to the OUTPUT jacks, and adjust the volume levels accordingly.

1. Connect headphones or speakers.
2. Adjust the headphones/speakers volume.

Turn the

USING DIRECT MONITORING

Direct monitoring enables you to listen to input signals before they pass through the computer.

This allows you to hear the sound coming into the U-22 without latency.

Set to ONTROUBLESHOOTING

CANNOT SELECT OR USE THE U-22 DEVICE

• Confirm that the U-22 is connected to the computer correctly.
• Quit all the software that is using the U-22, then disconnect and reconnect the USB cable connected to U-22.
• Reinstall the driver.
• Connect the directly to a USB port on the computer. Do not connect it to a USB hub.

PLAYBACK SOUND CANNOT BE HEARD OR IS QUIET

• Check the headphone or speaker connections.
• If no sound can be heard or the volume is low from the PHONES or OUTPUT connectors, adjust the OUTPUT knob.
• Confirm that the Sound setting of the computer that you are using is set to “ZOOM U-22”.

RECORDED AUDIO IS TOO LOUD, TOO QUIET OR SILENT

• Adjust the input gain of the U-22.
• When using a condenser mic, set the 48V switch to ON.
• Confirm that the Sound setting of the computer that you are using is set to “ZOOM U-22”.

THE SOUND OF THE DEVICE CONNECTED TO THE INPUT JACK IS DISTORTED

• Confirm that the level indicator is not lighting red. If it is, lower the input level.
• If the sound of the device connected to the LINE IN jack distorts, reduce the output volume of that device.

SOUND SKIPS DURING PLAYBACK OR RECORDING

• If you can adjust the audio buffer size of the software that you are using, increase the buffer size.
• Turn the automatic sleep function and other computer power saving settings OFF.
• Connect the directly to a USB port on the computer. Do not connect it to a USB hub.

CANNOT PLAY OR RECORD

• Confirm that the Sound setting of the computer that you are using is set to “ZOOM U-22”.
• Confirm that is set for input and output in the software you are using.
• Confirm that is connected to the computer correctly.
• Quit all the software that is using the U-22, then disconnect and reconnect the USB cable connected to U-22.

CAN NOT USE WITH AN IOS DEVICE

Confirm that the batteries are loaded or the external power supply is connected correctly. (→P.7)

• Set the POWER SOURCE switch to BATTERY/ DC IN [TABLET] to turn the power on.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Note: The continuous operation time with batteries is just an estimate. This result is from in-house testing methods. The actual time will vary greatly according to operating conditions.

FAQs

Can I use it without a computer? To plug in a keyboard and out to a dj mixer? Thanks

If you supply power (either via AA batteries or usb) to the unit it will function as a way to monitor playback.

Can I plug in a microphone & phone (for audio) and get a mix into the computer via the usb port?

Yes. You will need an audio cable to go from the phone output into the line input of the U-22. Likely an 1/8″ to 1/8″ stereo cable would work.

Can it drive a Rode Procaster mic well?

Phantom power (for condenser mics) is located in the back of the unit.

Can this work as an audio interface with the iPhone, thunderbolt, Xs Max?

We have not yet tested with the iPhone XS Max. The U-22 works as an audio interface with previous iPhone versions. You can email info@zoom-na.com and once we have confirmed compatibility, we can send you an email.

Can I use this with my iPhone 7X?

I tried working with this thing many times. It’s a POS. Better off buying Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface.

I saw on a YouTube review that zoom does not guarantee that the device will function properly with computers with and cpus. Is this true?

It works with my ASUS g14 with a Ryzen 9 CPU fine running windows 11 pro.

I just need an interface for mixing, instead of relying on windows audio. This looks like it would work. Does zoom provide asio drivers?

Yes!

Can it work as a standalone mobile preamp? No usb at all, just batteries, condenser microphone and headphone out.

Although I’m not quite sure what you are proposing, as far as I can tell, the signal path would not give you this option. The RCA outputs provide essentially the same as the headphone monitoring of what is passing to and from the USB, but just using speakers instead. The primary purpose of the U-22 is to connect a microphone to a computer or iOS device via USB for use with computer recording, podcasting, video conferencing DAW software, or something else that requires sound coming into the computer.

Can I use the headphone jack output as line out to a portable recorder like the zoom h2n?

I suppose it would be better to use the line output of the U22 into the line inputs of the H4n as this would probably have matching impedances.

What kind of usb cable is sent with this?

USB-A to USB-B, about 6 feet (1.5 meter) in length, light grey.

Can this work as a preamp for a dslr?

Yes!

How to set the device to 48000 Hz in windows? I can only see options for 41000 Hz.

You can download the latest driver from zooms website under Support and downloads. You can also grab the firmware update package while you’re there. That might help with the recording resolution being set to 44.1.

Does the output require an amp to be connected to speakers?

The speakers you send the signal to would need to be powered, otherwise it’s not particularly picky on its outputs.

Can it work as a preamp for a canon 80d, used with a Shure sm58?

I have done that with a Panasonic g85 and multiple mics with this interface it works generally well. I used a stereo rca to trs cable to connect to the camera. There’s a quality difference between recording it via USB vs over the analogue out but does function fairly well with minimal noise.

Is this bus-powered via USB?

Yes, but can choose battery instead (switchable) if your USB is underpowered.

VIDEO

References

• User Manual