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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Time for a new audio interface.
Interviewing all the usual suspects (Focusrite, Presonus, etc)
Came across the Zoom-U44.
It checks all the boxes (i/o, midi, bus powered, etc)
but it has a few additional features I like.
My existing need is a 2 mic in + midi audio interface for a Mac running Logic Pro X. The U-44 provides that plus 2 more inputs.
Its priced in the ballpark with others (less thand Focusrite 4I4, more than Presonus 2 or Mackie Onyx)
I've been impressed with a number of Zoom products the last few years but have not yet purchased anything from t his company.
Does anyone on the forum use one? Feeback?
Anybody not bought one but thought about it?
Thanks,
biab2024(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS Sequoia 15.0.1
Apple M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11
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I'd say if you like the features you'll like the product.
I don't have a Zoom U-44 but do have another Zoom product and I REALLY like Zoom products. My experience with Zoom products indicates once the initial issues are resolved, the products are rock solid. What makes any product is how well it works with your computer; firmware or drivers can make or break the success of any product.
The Zoom U-44 was released in June, 2016. Per Zoom release notes the firmware was updated in December, 2016 because the U-44 sometimes is not recognized on Mac or on the PC. The good news is Zoom has not updated the firmware since 2016 so the connection issues are likely gone.
Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Jim,
Thanks for the feedback.
I too am impressed with their product line.
They seem like a innovative and forward looking firm.
Think I'll give it a go.
geeze
biab2024(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS Sequoia 15.0.1
Apple M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11
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Zoom stuff always delivers above the purchase price. I have the B3, G5, and H1 products. That said, bus powered isn’t necessarily a good thing. You want solid power to the device.
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Once you receive it I hope you will update this thread and give a review. I'll be interested in how well it matches your impressions.
Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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I see in addition to bus power the unit has battery and wall wart options.
I will post with some impressions when I purchase the unit.
biab2024(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS Sequoia 15.0.1
Apple M2 pro 32GB Ram
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I know it's been a while but I just wanted to throw my two cents in. I've been using the U-44 for a couple of years now and I can not recommend it highly enough.
It is very much like taking a full studio console, throwing away all the crap you don't need and just having each bit you need in your home.
It has silent pre-amps that were developed for use in the film industry and it functions beautifully. Silence IS GOLDEN in recording.
Some people don't think it's sturdy enough but I've travelled all over the world with mine recording on rooftops in Guanajuato Mexico, kitchen tables in Bogota Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico City, Canada, all over and it will come with me where ever I go.
I take a carry on suitcase that contains the U-44, some 5 channel wireless guitar connectors, a very high quality set of headphones, two guitars in an Enki case, some picks and a mini travel accoustic in my backpack with laptop, tuner and other little bits.
I've been able to created amazing recordings this way anytime anywhere.
The U-44 has source balancing, there is an A and B mute function, hi-z, 48v power for a high quality mic, two quarter inch Jacks, two Mic jacks, RCA outputs two RCA line outs, Midi in and out, 3 power source options, 3 operation modes so it can function as an audio interface or a stand alone recorder, it has fibre optic inputs and an expander jack to add more SLR jacks or whatever you like. It's bloody amazing actually and tougher than it feels, and it's as light as feather. Looks pretty good too.
I have one complaint after two years. the labels will rub off where you touch it continually while making adjustments. Mine is now just a -44 no more U
I actually bought a second U-44 in case this one goes off the market. I love mine and would honestly hate not to have one with me all the time. In fact I'll probably buy a 3rd one to have years and years from now but so far the first one works perfectly after 240 recordings over 2 years.
You can NOT go wrong with the U-44
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They make some good stuff HOWEVER a friend & I each, independently, bough a ZOOM16 to use as a stand alone recorder as well as an interface to REAPER.
Both units across a 6 month period had chronic failures - the battery & external power pack systems failed. It's not the batteries, not the battery connections, not the "wallwart" nor the connections to the units but the circuitry handling the power once it enters the machine. I assume the caps & resistors that regulate the voltage to and at the internal voltages failed on both units.
Weirdly both machines will run on power supplied by the USB connection to a computer.
No longer can they operate as stand alone recording devices...they have to be tethered to a USB power supply.
Sad thing as the units worked fabulously as stand alone, do a great job as interfaces and also double up as Mackie external controllers for Reaper and other DAWs.
Two out of two could be coincidence, may be a result of dealing with a different mains voltage, (Australia being 220-240), but both failed.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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The connecting plug on older Zoom power supplies is a very well known source of failure. The likelihood that it's the culprit is around 100%.
Fortunately, replacement power supplies are inexpensive and Zoom improved the plug on theirs.
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