Zoom U-44 Portable 4x4 USB Handy Audio/MIDI Interface

Zoom U-44 Portable 4x4 USB Handy Audio/MIDI Interface

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 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 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 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.

ANALOG IN: Input 1/2

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
At 96 kHz: ±2 dB: 20 Hz - 40 kHz

Input conversion noise:     

Measured EIN: -119.5 dB (IHF-A)
at 43 dB, 150 Ω input

Number of audio recording and playback channels:     

Recording: 4 channels
Playback: 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 Source:     

USB bus power (Type B)
ZOOM AD-17 (Micro-B)
DC 5V power supply (Micro-B)
2 AA batteries (4 hours continuous operation with phantom power off)

Power consumption:     

5W maximum

Dimensions:     

198.8 mm (D) x 92.3 mm (W) x 42.7 mm (H)

Weight (main unit only):     

310 g
    
*0dBu=0.775Vrms