After several months of use, I can confidently say this device has become a permanent fixture on my desk—and not just because I’m too busy to unplug it. The voice dictation works impressively well, saving both time and keyboard wear, while the video quality is sharp enough to make even Monday morning Zoom calls look respectable.
Whether you’re conferencing or simply attempting to look professional from your home office, the performance is consistently reliable. As someone with over 25–30 years in the IT industry, I don’t hand out praise lightly—but in this case, it’s well deserved.
In short, this is an excellent choice for everyday office use. Logitech continues its long-standing tradition of delivering quality products—thankfully, without requiring an IT support ticket to get started.
If only every piece of tech behaved this well, IT departments everywhere could finally take a proper coffee break.
Zoom U-44 Portable 4x4 USB Handy Audio/MIDI 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 an 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.
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.
Specifications
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| Display | None |
| Channels of I/O |
Analog: 2 Inputs / 4 Outputs Digital: 2 Inputs / 0 Outputs |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 48 kHz / 24-Bit |
| Number of Microphone Preamps | 2 Preamps |
| Input Level Adjustment | 2 x Knob |
| Expansion Slots | None |
Signal Processing
| Pad | None |
| Gain/Trim Range |
Inputs: 0 to 43 dB |
| High-Pass Filter | None |
| Solo/Mute | Mute per Master |
Connectivity
| Analog Audio I/O |
1 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input 1 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line Input 2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Monitor Output 2 x Stereo RCA Coaxial Unbalanced Line Output 1 x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output |
| Phantom Power | 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Applied to All Inputs) |
| Digital Audio I/O |
1 x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1 x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output 1 x TOSLINK Optical S/PDIF Input 1 x XLR 3-Pin S/PDIF Output |
| Host Connection / USB | 1 x USB-B (Class-Compliant) |
| Host Connection Protocol | USB 2.0 |
| USB (Non-Host) | 1 x Micro-USB (Power Input) |
| Sync I/O | None |
| Network I/O | None |
| MIDI I/O |
1 x DIN 5-Pin Input 1 x DIN 5-Pin Output |
| Other I/O | 1 x Proprietary/Zoom 10-Pin Mic Module Input |
| Wireless Connectivity | None |
Performance
| Frequency Response |
System: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1.5 dB (at 44.1 kHz) 20 Hz to 40 kHz ±2 dB (at 96 kHz) |
| Maximum Input Level |
Line Inputs: +20.7 dBu Mic Inputs: +2.7 dBu |
| Maximum Output Level |
Monitor Outputs: +10 dBu at 0 dBFS Line Outputs: +8 dBu at 0 dBFS Headphone Outputs: +10 dBu at 0 dBFS |
| Headphone Output Power | 30 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms |
| Impedance |
Mic Inputs: 2.6 Kilohms Hi-Z Inputs: 1.1 Megohms Monitor Outputs: 330 Ohms Line Outputs: 1 Kilohm Headphone Outputs: 33 Ohms |
| EIN |
Inputs: -119.5 dBA (150-Ohm Source) |
Digital Audio
| Sample Rates | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz |
| Sample Rate Conversion | None |
| Bit Depths | 24-Bit |
| Latency | Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring |
| Sync Sources | Internal, S/PDIF |
Audio Storage & Playback
| Memory Card Slot | None |
Compatibility
| OS Compatibility | macOS 10.9.5 or Later Windows 7 or Later iOS 7.1 or Later *As of November, 2021: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
| Included Software | Ableton Live Lite |
| Compatible Software (Not Included) | Any Core Audio (Mac) Compliant Software |
| Supported Drivers/API & Plug-Ins | macOS Class-Compliant (No Driver Needed) Windows Driver Downloadable from Manufacturer |
| Processor Requirement | Intel Core i3 |
| Mobile Device Compatibility | iPhone iPad |
| Required Hardware | Available USB 2.0 Port, USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Port USB Cable (Included) |
| Internet Connection | Required for Registration, Software/Driver Download |
Power
| Power Requirements | AC/DC Power Adapter (Not Included), Battery, or USB Bus Power |
| AC/DC Power Adapter | 5 VDC (Not Included) |
| Power Consumption | 5 W (Maximum) |
| Battery Type | 2 x AA |
| Approximate Battery Life | 4 Hours (Phantom Off) |
Physical
| Dimensions | 7.87 x 3.63 x 1.68" / 19.98 x 9.23 x 4.27 cm |
| Weight | 10.9 oz / 310.0 g |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 1.4 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.291 x 6.693 x 2.362" |
