Gearank High Notes
The appeared on our recommended list for Cheap Audio Interfaces from October 2020 until September 2021.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Audio Science Review | amirm | 95/100 |
Overview
While some may dismiss the UCA222 as a cheap audio interface starved of features, this minimal device was designed for recording a stereo sound source.
It features 2 RCA inputs which you can use to plug in a stereo out from a mixer, or with the use of adapters, instruments straight into the interface. It has 2 RCA outputs for monitor speakers.
The majority of the users that gave the device high ratings are audio engineers that have consoles and mixers that have a stereo out going into the UCA222. Several of them mix “outside the box” with their consoles and mainly need a USB sound card device to “print” their mixes into a computer.
An example of a setup would be a multi-channel mixer feeding into the UCA222 via the mixer’s stereo outputs. This setup is more than adequate for most home recording situations.
The UCA222 is perfect for those that already have an analog mixer in their setup or want to digitize tape and vinyl. It an also be used with Android devices, and even Apple devices (via a USB camera adapter).
One thing to note is that Behringer also released the UCA202 which is functionally the same unit, an audio interface for PC housed in a silver enclosure.
Specifications
- A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz
- Preamp: None (RCA In Only)
- Channels: 2
- Inputs: 2 x RCA
- Outputs: 2 x RCA. S/PDIF optical output
- Power: USB Bus Powered
About the Author
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Can the UCA222 be used to record Vinyl DJ mixes (3/4 hours plus) to a zoom H1 recorder?
Proposed setup:
1. Record out channel on mixer > RCA INPUTon UCA222. (Standard RCA cable)
RCA OUTPUT on UCA222 > Line in input on Zoom H1 (Using RCA to 3.5mm jack converter)
The UCA222 is powered by USB I assume? I plan on powering with a USB power-bank.
Lastly I’m not quite familiar with sound resolution. Is 16-bit/48kHz sufficient for upload to streaming services? Any other devices as convenient you could recommend with perhaps better resolution? However I’m presuming this would be sufficient quality/resoultion.
I really look forward to your reply!
Hi Mark,
The Output on the UCA is for speakers and not a “thru out” like you see in D.I. Boxes so it won’t record to your Zoom. I haven’t tried it but connecting from your mixer straight into the Zoom would make more sense as the UCA would be an unnecessary step for your purpose.
As for the resolution, most providers require 44.1kHz/16-bit minimum. Some have it as an only option. For video though, 48kHz seems to be more common from my experience.
Hope this helps!
-Raphael