Behringer U-CONTROL UCA222 USB Digital Audio Interface

The Behringer U-CONTROL UCA222 is a very popular and affordable USB audio interface. It’s a simple, no-frills device that is designed for connecting line-level audio equipment, such as mixers, DJ gear, or keyboards, to your computer for recording and playback.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Simple 2-in/2-out Connectivity: The UCA222 features two RCA inputs and two RCA outputs. This makes it an ideal bridge between your computer and any analog audio gear that uses RCA connections.
• 16-bit/48 kHz Resolution: It’s capable of recording and playing back audio at a resolution of 16-bit/48 kHz. While this is not the higher 24-bit/192 kHz of more expensive interfaces, it is a professional standard that is perfectly suitable for a wide range of applications, including digitizing old media, basic recording, and live streaming.
• USB Bus-Powered: The UCA222 is powered entirely by the USB connection to your computer. This makes it extremely portable and convenient, as you don’t need a separate power adapter.
• Plug-and-Play (Class-Compliant): The interface is a class-compliant device, which means it works with both Mac and Windows computers without the need for any driver installation. You simply plug it in, and your computer recognizes it as an audio device.
• Digital Output: A unique and useful feature for an interface of this price is the S/PDIF optical digital output. This allows you to send the digital signal to a different device, such as an external digital recorder or a digital mixer, for direct digital conversion.
• Headphone Output: It includes a stereo headphone output with a dedicated volume control, which allows you to monitor the input and output signals.
• Bundled Software: The UCA222 often comes with a downloadable software bundle that includes recording and editing software like Audacity, which adds significant value for a beginner.

UCA222 vs. UCA202

There is often confusion between the UCA202 and the UCA222. The two interfaces are functionally identical. The UCA222 is a newer, typically red-colored version of the UCA202 that was released in 2009. The only difference is the color of the chassis and the software bundle that may be included.