Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Quick Start Guide
The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 is an audiophile 18 x 20, 24-Bit/96 kHz USB Audio/MIDI Interface equipped with MIDAS Mic Preamplifiers.
Important Safety Instructions
Warning: Terminals marked with a symbol carry electrical current sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with 1/4" TS or twist-locking plugs. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
Warning: This symbol alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure, which may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
Warning: This symbol alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover or rear section. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Caution: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. Avoid dripping or splashing liquids and do not place liquid-filled objects on the apparatus.
Caution: These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. Do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs must be performed by qualified service personnel.
General Safety Guidelines:
- Read and keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near heat sources.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of polarized or grounding-type plugs.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
- Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
- Use only with specified carts, stands, tripods, brackets, or tables.
- Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Connect to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
- Ensure the MAINS plug or appliance coupler used as a disconnect device remains readily operable.
- Dispose of this product correctly according to WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and national laws. Take it to a licensed collection center for recycling.
- Do not install in confined spaces.
- Do not place naked flame sources on the apparatus.
- Consider environmental aspects of battery disposal.
- Use in tropical and/or moderate climates.
Legal Disclaimer: MUSIC Group accepts no liability for loss arising from reliance on the information herein. Technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Limited Warranty: For warranty terms and conditions, visit music-group.com/warranty.
Step 1: Hook-Up
This section describes how to connect instruments and audio sources to the U-PHORIA UMC1820.
Laptop Setup:
Connect the UMC1820 to a laptop via the provided USB cable. Connect microphones (e.g., C-1) to inputs 1 and 2, and a guitar to input 1 or 2. Connect studio headphones to the headphone output. Ensure the power adapter is connected to the UMC1820 and plugged into a power source.
Desktop Setup:
Connect the UMC1820 to a desktop computer via the provided USB cable. Connect microphones (e.g., C-1) to inputs 1 and 2, and a guitar to input 1 or 2. Connect studio monitors (e.g., B2031A) to the MAIN OUTPUTS. Connect studio headphones (e.g., HPS3000) to the headphone output. Ensure the power adapter is connected to the UMC1820 and plugged into a power source.
Step 2: Controls
This section details the front and rear panel controls of the UMC1820.
Front Panel Controls:
- 1. INPUTS: XLR/TRS combo connectors for microphones, instruments, or line-level audio sources.
- 2. P+48V: Switches for +48 Volt Phantom Power to XLR inputs 1-4 and 5-8. Use with caution for microphones that do not support phantom power.
- 3. LINE/INST: Selects line level or instrument level input for the 1/4" connector. Use INST for direct guitar connection.
- 4. PAD: Reduces input signal level for XLR and 1/4" inputs, useful for hot signals.
- 5. SIG/CLIP LEDs: SIG indicates an audio signal is present. CLIP illuminates if the input signal is too high.
- 6. GAIN knobs: Adjust input level. Set so CLIP LED does not illuminate, even during peaks.
- 7. IN 1-2 or 1-8: Selects direct analog input sources for monitoring.
- 8. STEREO/MONO: Selects stereo or mono monitoring.
- 9. MONITORING knob: Adjusts the mix between direct inputs and computer playback (IN: direct only, MIX: 50/50, PB 1-2: computer playback only).
- 10. DIM switch: Reduces the MAIN OUT output level.
- 11. MUTE switch: Cuts the MAIN OUT signal.
- 12. MAIN OUT knob: Controls the MAIN OUT output level.
- 13. OPT I/O: Selects operation for rear panel optical and coaxial ports (SPDIF or ADAT modes). Caution: Re-boot required when changing modes.
- 14. PHONES source selector: Selects audio source for headphone outputs (1-2 for MIX signal, 3-4 for computer playback).
- 15. PHONES level knobs: Adjust headphone listening level.
- 16. PHONES outputs: 1/4" TRS stereo headphone outputs.
- 17. MIDI I/O LEDs: Indicate MIDI activity.
- 18. POWER LED: Indicates unit is powered on. +48V LED indicates phantom power is active.
- 19. POWER switch: Turns the unit on/off.
Rear Panel Connections:
- 20. DC IN: Connect the supplied power adapter here.
- 21. USB type B connector: Connect to a computer via the supplied USB cable.
- 22. MIDI IN/OUT: Connect to external MIDI controllers and modules.
- 23. ADAT/S/PDIF Optical I/O: Supports S/PDIF, ADAT, S/MUX formats.
- 24. S/PDIF I/O ports: RCA coaxial connectors for S/PDIF input (channels 9-10) and output (channels 11-12).
- 25. LINE OUT 3-10: Balanced 1/4" TRS outputs for additional monitoring and recording. Output levels controlled by DAW.
- 26. MAIN OUT: Balanced 1/4" TRS outputs for connecting to studio monitors. Adjust source with MONITORING controls and level with MAIN OUT controls.
Step 3: Getting Started
Follow these steps to begin using your UMC1820.
- Driver Installation (Windows): Visit behringer.com to download the latest UMC1820 USB driver. Unzip the file, run setup.exe, and follow on-screen instructions. (Mac users: No drivers are needed for OS X).
- Connections: Connect instruments and audio sources to the UMC1820. Connect the unit to your computer via USB. Connect MIDI devices to MIDI IN/OUT ports. Connect studio monitors to MAIN OUTPUTS and headphones to PHONES outputs.
- Initial Settings: Set GAIN, MONITORING, and PHONES levels to minimum.
- Power On Sequence: Turn on the UMC1820 first, then any other external equipment.
- Phantom Power: Check if your microphones require +48V Phantom Power and engage the P+48V switch if necessary.
- DAW Recognition: Ensure your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software recognizes the UMC1820 as the audio and MIDI input/output device.
- Gain Adjustment: While playing a source or singing into a microphone, adjust the GAIN for each analog input. Set the gain so the CLIP LED does not illuminate, even during the highest signal peaks.
- Monitoring Level: Listen through headphones or studio monitors and adjust the PHONES or MAIN OUT volume controls to a comfortable and safe listening level.
- Channel Verification: In your DAW, confirm that all input and MIDI channels are functioning correctly. Play each channel individually to verify its presence.
- Playback Verification: Ensure playback from your DAW reaches the UMC1820. Adjust the MIX knob in the monitoring section to hear playback. Note that output levels for channels 3-10 and digital outputs are controlled solely by the DAW.
- Recording: Enjoy playing along and making recordings with your DAW. Listen back via monitors or headphones and adjust the monitoring MIX control as needed.
Specifications
Input: 8 x MIDAS-designed XLR/TRS combo connectors (Mic/Line/Instrument). 8 x pad switch. Frequency response: 10 Hz - 85 kHz (+0/-3 dB). Impedance: Mic 3 kΩ, Instrument 1 MΩ. Max input level: Mic 11 dBu, Line 11 dBu, Instrument 18 dBu. +48V phantom power switchable on inputs 1-4 and 5-8.
Output: 8 x 1/4" TRS line outputs, 2 x 1/4" TRS main outputs, 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone outputs. Frequency response: 10 Hz - 85 kHz (+0/-3 dB). Max output level: +16 dBu (line/main), +21.5 dBu (headphone).
System Data: Dynamic range: 106 dB (A-weighted). Frequency response: 10 Hz - 40 kHz (+0/-3 dB) @ 96 kHz sampling rate.
Digital Audio I/O: Coaxial RCA (1 In, 1 Out), Optical TOSLINK (1 In, 1 Out). Supports ADAT, S/PDIF, S/MUX formats.
MIDI I/O: 5-pin DIN, 1 in / 1 out.
Monitoring: Direct monitor control (mix control), Main L/R control, Headphones DJ cueing (source select, level control, dim/mute switches).
Digital Processing: Converter resolution: 24-bit. Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz.
Digital I/O Routing: Configurable via OPT I/O switch for S/PDIF or ADAT modes.
Computer Bus Connectivity: USB 2.0, type B.
Software Support: Compatible with Windows XP+ and Mac OS 10.9+. Specific OS X versions may have restrictions.
Drivers: Mac: No driver required (CoreAudio/CoreMIDI). Windows: Downloadable drivers available from behringer.com.
Power Supply: 12 V DC (from supplied AC/DC adapter). Power consumption: 20 W.
Dimensions/Weight: 46 x 483 x 130 mm (1.8 x 19 x 5.1"). Weight: 1.8 kg (4.0 lbs).
Federal Communications Commission Compliance Information
FCC Compliance Statement: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Important Information: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by MUSIC Group can void the user's authority to operate the equipment.