Zoom have announced the release of the UAC-232, a new 2-in / 2-out 192kHz-capable audio interface based on the 32-bit floating point technology used in the company’s F-Series field recorders. Equipped with two microphone preamps and dual A-D conversion circuitry, the interface allows users to capture clip-free, low-noise recordings without the need to set any gain levels.
I/O
A pair of front panel XLR/TRS combo sockets provide the device’s analogue inputs, and will accept microphone or line-level signals, with Zoom employing the same high-quality preamps found in their F-Series devices. Many will instantly notice the absence of any gain controls, which have been omitted due to the extensive dynamic range offered by the device's 32-bit floating point A-D conversion.
Each channel benefits from its own independent phantom power switch, and a Guitar/Bass switch allows the first channel to function as a Hi-Z instrument input. A quarter-inch jack socket provides a 100mW headphone output capable of driving even the most demanding headphones, and a large rotary dial offers control over the interface’s output level.
Over on the rear panel, a main stereo output is present on a pair of quarter-inch TRS connectors, whilst MIDI I/O is also provided thanks to a pair of five-pin DIN sockets. The interface is equipped with two USB-C ports, one of which provides data connectivity to a host computer, with the second allowing a dedicated USB power supply to be connected for situations where a host machine cannot provide a sufficient amount of power via the USB bus.
Monitoring & Control
The UAC-232’s routing and monitoring configuration is taken care by a Mix Control software application, which is available for Mac, PC, and iOS platforms. Music and Streaming modes are available to optimise the I/O configuration for DAW use or streaming applications respectively, and a Loopback function allows users to combine their computer audio playback with the device’s input signals within the routing software.
The interface also offers a latency-free monitoring function, with a Direct Monitor switch on the front panel routing the signal from the two analogue inputs to the headphone output before any conversion has taken place. The volume and pan settings for this mix can then be controlled from the Mix Control software.
To find out more about the benefits of 32-bit floating point conversion, you can check out our in-depth review of the Zoom F6 from the July 2021 issue of SOS.
Key Specs
Frequency response (inputs)
- 44.1 kHz: 20Hz – 20kHz (+0.1 / -0.2 dB)
- 192 kHz: 20Hz – 80kHz (+0.1 / -0.2 dB)
Frequency response (outputs)
- 44.1 kHz: 20Hz – 20kHz (0 / -0.1 dB)
- 192 kHz: 20Hz – 80kHz (0 / -1 dB)
Frequency response (headphone output)
- 44.1 kHz: 20Hz – 20kHz (0 / -0.5 dB)
- 192 kHz: 20Hz – 80kHz (0 / -1 dB)
Equivalent Input Noise: –127 dBu
Dimensions: 164 × 105.5 × 65 mm (width x depth x height)
Weight: 355g
Pricing & Availability
The UAC-232 will be available in Q1 of 2023, priced at £246 including VAT / €272.51.
