Zoom U-44 Handy Audio 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 iPhone/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 iPhone/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 iPhone/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.

Six Interchangeable Capsules

XYH-6 Mic Capsule: This X/Y capsule comes standard with the H8. The capsule adds two matched high-quality unidirectional microphones to your H8. This Mic is most sensitive to signal coming directly in front and less sensitive to signal coming from behind or from the sides, in technical terms, they are said to utilize a cardiod polar pattern.

MSH-6 Mic Capsule: Mid Side Mic Magic. MS ("Mid-Side") recording is an incredible technique that allows you to actually adjust the width of the stereo image after it has been recorded, making it especially useful for film, video and television projects.

XYH-5 Mic Capsule: X/Y stereo recording allows you to cover a wide area yet still capture a strong center image. This microphone capsule features two matched unidirectional condenser micrphones set at a 90 degree angle and housed within an advanced shockmount to minimize vibration and handling noise, making it ideal for location videography and live broadcast/podcast applications.

SGH-6 Mic Capsule: This Shotgun capsule adds a professional quality hyperdirectional (that is, highly directional) microphone turning your H8 into the perfect audio recorder for anyone working with film, video or live theater, or for ENG (electronic news gathering) applications.

EXH-6 Mic Capsule: If you need more inputs, simply plug in the EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo capsule. It allows you to connect two additional discrete channels for external microphones, instruments, mixers or portable music players.

SSH-6 Mic Capsule: This mid side stereo shotgun capsule includes a super directional microphone for picking up sound in the center as well as a bidirectional side mic for picking up sound from the left and right. This allows you to record a fully mono-compatible stereo image ideal for film, video and television projects. For example, you can capture dialogue with the center mic, and then mix in the desired amount of enviromental sound captured by the side mic directly on your Zoom recorder, or in postproduction. A hairy windscreen is included for reduction of wind noise.

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

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 songsDigitize your analog records and tapes