Too busy for the full read? Here is why you should buy Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820.
✅ Analog inserts for diverse external effects.
✅ Zero-latency direct monitoring
✅ Stereo and mono switch option
✅ Easier to understand controls
✅ Durable and attractive body
As a musician, I have always liked helping other people, and hence I am writing this Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 review today.
Growing up, one thing that kept me going was my love for music. I absolutely loved to play for other people and would get all riled up when the audience cheered me on. So naturally, I didn’t leave any opportunity that knocked on my door. My dad loved going to church, and one day, he sat me down and asked me whether I would be interested in playing for the attendees there.
I was a conventional musician and wasn’t sure I’d be able to play for the Church. But I didn’t want to turn down my father and hence decided to give it a go. I had been thinking of getting a new instrument for myself since forever, and I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to make that investment. I started from ground zero and had no preference. Little did I know that I would fall in love with Behringer U-Phoria so early on in my journey.
I am not someone who takes risks, and hence I wanted to be absolutely sure of my choice; in the beginning, that did seem like a daunting task. However, I was up for the challenge. After reviewing two other models, I came across this unit by Behringer. It was a 4x4 USB model that came with a combination of audio and MIDI interface that allowed it to record instruments easily.
It also offered an excellent resolution of 192 kHz that helped enhance the audio quality and, in doing so, enhance the entire performance. However, what I really liked about this model was the absence of any noise distortions. The zero-latency direct monitoring ensured that the music recorded is both clear and very accurate. Even with all this, I still wasn’t sure. I needed to know more; hence I asked myself the three make or break questions.
The second question may seem odd, but I wanted to look good while carrying the instrument. I have a knack for darker colors, and I wanted all my musical instruments to reflect that. As for my concerns about portability and affordability, they were rightfully dealt with.
If I say that this was a complete studio in a small package, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration. This model allowed me to record history by simply plugging in my instruments and my microphone to one of the many line-level sources of this device. It also offered excellent diversity with almost all MIDI devices that exist in the market, but more importantly, the model gave me more control over my music. This was something I wasn’t able to achieve with my old channel mixer. To top all this, Behringer came with a strong and durable body that enhanced performance.
Regardless of how much I liked the look of the model, at the end of the day, I knew the kind of features it offered is going to be the most important thing. Behringer, luckily for me, did not disappoint here either. Here are all the things that make this model unique.
This was something I wasn’t willing to compromise on. I hate instruments that slack off and don’t provide me with accuracy. This Behringer unit offered an unmatched resolution of 192 kHz. This came in handy when I wanted to use it for the most demanding of applications in my music performances. Moreover, it allowed me to use the unit for video post-productions as well. My confidence in my gig performance grew after I started using this model.
Anyone who has used musical instruments is well aware of MIDAS. It has a long history of being the best in the market. It allows for excellent audio mixing. This has compelled some of the most popular musicians to use this device for their performances. Moreover, zero-latency monitoring also comes in handy and allows you to enjoy clarity like never before. There is absolutely no delay or lag in the returning signal, thus ensuring more accurate recordings of your music. The output is also exceptionally good.
You will find a USB port connection that allows for good connectivity with all your computer devices. There is also a range of analog playback options. These, along with some analog inserts, allow for good usage with external effects like EQ’s, compressors, and gates. There is also a built-in MIDI that allows you to connect many keyboards that offer MIDI compatibility. As a music enthusiast, there was nothing more than I wanted from my unit.
This model is also one of the fastest and easiest audio workstations available in the market. It is also very diverse and allows you to edit, mix, record, and share a variety of music with the rest of the world. The unit also features a single-screen interface and hence allows for a very elegant design. So all in all, you get to enjoy professional-grade music without having to invest a lot of money.
I could go on and on about the things that I like about this model, but for the sake of being unbiased, I will also share what other people had to say about this Behringer device. This incredible unit, according to recent buyers, bridged any gap between creativity and the audience. It is extremely fast and accurate and ensures good connectivity within seconds. Diversity is also something that it boasts of. People complimented Behringer’s ability to connect with almost any device with a MIDI interface. This included keyboards, guitars, microphones, etc.
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Since I didn’t form any attachment to any product, making comparisons felt very easy. I knew that I only had one short at getting this right, and I wanted to make the best of my investment. U-Phoria was everything that I dreamed of; however, I still wanted to compare it with other models to see whether I could get a cheaper one.
However, when I did compare all the models, I was quite taken aback. Even units that were relatively affordable did not catch my eye. They either lacked the number of controls or came with a very limited number of inputs and outputs. If that wasn’t the case, the model either offered low resolution or was too heavy and prone to damage.
At the end of my research, I was totally convinced that Behringer was the right choice for me. This next part will compel you to reach the same conclusion.
| Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 | PreSonus Studio 1824c |
| 18 total inputs | 6 line inputs |
| 20 line outputs | 10 line outputs |
| Expensive | Cheaper |
| Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 | M-Audio M-Track Eight |
| Provides smoother control | Difficult to adjust settings |
| Weighs 2.99 pounds only | Weighs around 5 pounds |
| Less diverse compatibility | Greater MIDI compatibility |
| Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 | Roland UA-1010 |
| 18 inputs and 20 outputs | Offers 10 input and 10 outputs |
| Lightweight hence portable | Relatively heavier |
| Relatively high noise disruption | Low noise disruption |
If I had to use one word to express my experience with this model, I would use ‘exhilarating.’ I achieved everything I hoped to achieve with this model; good durability, good efficiency, and unmatched audio quality, but most importantly an excellent resolution.
I also managed to impress everyone at the church with this Behringer and, in doing so, made my father proud. Everyone loved the diversity in music that the model brought. A lot of aspirant musicians also came to me at the end of my performance, and acquired after the device.
The night was truly magical and I only have Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 to thank for it.
