Notices
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Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.
Notes about this Operation Manual
You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily.
The contents of this document and the specifications of the product could be changed without notice.
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App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
IOS is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and its affiliated companies in the USA and other countries, and it is used under license.
USB Type-C is a trademark of the USB Implementers Forum.
Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies.
All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
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UAC-232 overview
High-quality audio inputs
Using original dual A/D converter circuits and 32-bit float recording technologies with a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, the UAC-232 can process input signals as super-high-resolution audio without any need for gain adjustments.
Audio input with no need for gain adjustment
Dual A/D converter circuits enable recording sound ranging from quiet to loud without making gain adjustments.
Editing in DAWs and other software
Since 32-bit Float WAV file format is used for recording, the recording audio quality is retained when editing.
Dual A/D converter circuit overview
The UAC-232 has two A/D converters with different input gains for each input circuit. This design enables high-quality audio recording with a DAW, for example, without the need to adjust input gain settings, a step that is normally indispensable.
Providing amazing dynamic range
By combining two A/D converters, a wide dynamic range not possible with a single A/D converter has been realized.
Switching between two A/D converters
The UAC-232 constantly monitors data from the two A/D converters, and automatically selects the one that provides the best recording results.
32-bit float WAV file overview
32-bit float WAV files have the following advantages over conventional 16/24-bit linear WAV files.
These features enable the quality of the sound during recording to be maintained when editing in DAWs and other software.
Resolution advantage
32-bit float WAV files have the advantage of being able to maintain high resolution even at low volumes. As a result, quiet sounds can be made louder when editing after recording without degrading their quality.
■ 16/24-bit linear WAV | |||
Volume raised | Resolution is low |
■ 32-bit float WAV | |||
Volume raised | Resolution is high |
Clipping advantage
If a waveform sounds clipped when output from the UAC-232 or in a DAW, it can be edited after recording to lower its volume and restore an unclipped waveform because the data in the 32-bit float WAV file itself is not clipped.
■ 16/24-bit linear WAV | |||
Clipped recording | Volume lowered | Still clipped |
■ 32-bit float WAV | |||
Clipped recording | Volume lowered | Not clipped |
Functions of parts
Front
- Input jacks 1–2
- These input jacks have built-in mic preamps. Connect mics, keyboards, guitars and other audio sources to them. These can be used with both XLR and standard phone (balanced or unbalanced) plugs. Please use XLR plugs to connect mics and phone plugs to connect keyboards and guitars, for example. (→ Connecting instruments and mics)
1: GND 2: HOT
3: COLD
- PHANTOM POWER switches
- These turn +48V phantom power on/off. Set this to ON when connecting condenser mics.
- GUITAR/BASS switch
- Use this to enable Hi-Z support for the Input jack 1 circuit. Turn this on as necessary for the connected guitar or bass.
- SIGNAL indicators
- These light when signals are being input.
- Headphone jack
- This outputs a stereo signal. Connect headphones here.
- Headphone knob
- Use this to adjust the headphone volume. (→ Adjusting the headphone volume)
- Power indicator
- This lights when the power is on.
- OUTPUT knob
- Use this to adjust the volume of the signals output from the OUTPUT jacks. (→ Adjusting the output volume)
- DIRECT MONITOR switch
- Turn this on to directly monitor sounds from the input jacks before they pass through the computer. (→ Using direct monitoring)
- 32-BIT FLOAT indicator
- This lights when the UAC-232 is operating in 32-bit float mode.
Back
- DC 5V port (Type-C)
- Use this power supply USB port to connect an AC adapter or portable battery. (→ Using an external power supply)
- USB port (Type-C)
- Use this USB port to connect with a computer or iOS/iPadOS device. (→ Connecting to computers, Connecting to iOS/iPadOS devices)
- MIDI jacks
- Use these to connect external MIDI equipment.
OUT connector: Connect the MIDI IN connector of an external MIDI device here.
IN connector: Connect the MIDI OUT connector of an external MIDI device here.
- OUTPUT jacks
- These output the left (L) and right (R) channels of a stereo signal. Connect these to speakers with built-in amplifiers, for example.
Connecting to computers
The UAC-232 is compatible with USB bus power, so power can be supplied to it from a computer through a USB cable.
Preparing for use with a Mac computer
A driver is not necessary when using a Mac.
The following settings must be made to use the UAC-232 at 32-bit float with a Mac.
Preparing for use with a Windows computer
Installing the driver
The dedicated driver must be installed on a Windows computer before using a DAW app on it to record.
Making driver control panel settings
- Buffer size setting
- This sets the size of the buffer used by the driver. Raising the value makes operation more stable but also increases latency.
- Sample rate setting
- This sets the sampling frequency used by the UAC-232. If this is also set in the DAW or other application, that setting might be given priority.
- Transmission format setting
- This sets the format of data sent and received by the UAC-232.
This should normally be left set to “32-bit Float”. Try “24-bit”, though, if this setting does not work properly with an application.
- Open an information dialog
- Use this to check the version, for example.
- Close the control panel
- Use this to close the control panel.
Connecting to iOS/iPadOS devices
An external power supply must be used during use with an iOS/iPadOS device.
Using an external power supply
A dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17) or a commercially-available USB portable battery can be used.
Connecting instruments and mics
Always set and to their minimum values and turn off before connecting instruments and mics.
The UAC-232 adjusts the gain (amplification) of input signals according to their sources to raise them to levels that are easy to work with. The default gain amounts are as follows.
Input source | Gain |
---|---|
Dynamic mic (phantom power off) | +45 dB |
Condenser mic (phantom power on) | +27 dB |
Line (GUITAR/BASS off) | +24 dB |
Guitar/bass (GUITAR/BASS on) | +18 dB |
Gain settings can be changed by using ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control. (→ Using ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control)
With 32-bit float recording, recording quality will not be degraded by gain settings.
Connecting instruments
Connecting mics
Using direct monitoring
When direct monitoring is turned on, sound input to the UAC-232 can be directly monitored using headphones, for example, before it passes through the computer. This enables monitoring without latency.
- Press so that it lights.
The direct monitoring mix levels can be adjusted using ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control. (→ Using ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control)
Adjusting the volume
The volume output from speakers and headphones connected to the UAC-232 can be adjusted.
The connected jacks have different knobs to adjust their volumes.
Minimize the UAC-232 volume before connecting speakers or headphones. Failure to do so could result in unexpected loud sounds, causing harm to hearing, for example.
Adjusting the output volume
Turn to adjust the volume for the OUTPUT jacks on the back of the unit.
Adjusting the headphone volume
Turn to adjust the volume for the headphone jack on the front of the unit.
Using ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control
ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control is an application designed to control the internal mixer settings of the UAC-232, including levels for direct monitoring and the streaming mixer.
Installing ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control
Windows/Mac computers
Download ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com).
Follow the instructions and install ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control.
The latest version of ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control can be downloaded from the above website.
Download the version of ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control for the operating system being used.
iOS/iPadOS devices
Open the App Store on the iOS/iPadOS device and search for “UAC-232 Mix Control”.
Tap “GET” on the UAC-232 Mix Control screen.
This will install UAC-232 Mix Control.
If a DAW or another app that uses MIDI ports is already running, the MIDI ports for ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control will be used and proper connection might not be possible.
Either launch ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control before the other application or change the settings of that application so that it does not use MIDIIN2/MIDIOUT2 (ZOOM UAC-232 MIDI).
ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control Screen
- Input level sliders
- Use these to adjust the input signal gain for each channel. (→ Adjusting waveform display size)
- Input signal levels
- These show the input signal levels of each channel. (→ Adjusting waveform display size)
- Input signal waveforms
- These show the input signal waveforms of each channel. (→ Adjusting waveform display size)
- LEVEL knobs
Music mode: Use these to adjust the direct monitoring volume of each channel. (→ Adjusting direct monitoring)
Streaming mode: Use these to adjust the streaming mixer volume of each channel. (→ Adjusting the streaming mixer)
- PAN knobs
Music mode: Use these to adjust the stereo positions of each channel for direct monitoring. (→ Adjusting direct monitoring)
Streaming mode: Use these to adjust the stereo positions of each channel for the streaming mixer. (→ Adjusting the streaming mixer)
- Level meters
Music mode: These show the direct monitoring levels. (→ Adjusting direct monitoring)
Streaming mode: These show the streaming mixer levels. (→ Adjusting the streaming mixer)
- Music/Streaming switch
- Use this to switch between Music and Streaming modes according to the application. (→ Overview of Music and Streaming modes)
- Loopback switch
- This turns the loopback function on/off. (→ Enabling the loopback function)
Adjusting waveform display size
The sizes of the recording waveforms shown in DAW applications will be about the same size as those shown here.
Using the input level sliders will change the amplification of the input signals, but this will not degrade recording quality.
When using a DAW app that does not support 32-bit float recording, input exceeding a certain level could cause distortion. If this occurs, the waveform size can be reduced to avoid this.
A list of applications that have been checked for compatibility with 32-bit float recording is available on the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com).
Overview of Music and Streaming modes
Set this according to the use of the USB audio signal path.
Music mode
The Music mode setting is good for making music with a DAW, for example.
Set to Music in ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control. (Music mode is enabled when the unit is first used after purchase or initialization.)
This mode is useful for recording a guitar and vocals simultaneously to separate tracks, for example. Input sounds are handled as separate signals by the computer or iOS/iPadOS device in the same way as with an ordinary audio interface.
In this mode, and can be used to adjust the direct monitoring mix. (→ Adjusting direct monitoring)
Streaming mode
The Streaming mode setting is good for web streaming.
Set to Streaming in ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control.
This mode is useful for streaming solo performances of vocals accompanied by guitar, for example. Input sounds can be mixed like using an audio mixer and then sent to the computer or iOS/iPadOS device.
In this mode, and can be used to adjust the streaming mixer levels. (→ Adjusting the streaming mixer)
Adjusting direct monitoring
Adjusting the streaming mixer
When in Streaming mode, turn on to enable monitoring the mix levels of the streaming mixer.
Enabling the loopback function
By turning on the Loopback function, sound input through the UAC-232 Input 1–2 jacks and sound output from the computer can be mixed and then input to the computer again (looped back).
This is convenient for mixing background music played on the computer with sound input through the UAC-232 and streaming it live, for example.
- Mic and instrument sounds are input to the UAC-232.
- BGM from the computer is input to the UAC-232.
- Mic and instrument sounds and the BGM from the computer are mixed and output to the computer.
- Enable in ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control.
When the UAC-232 loopback function is enabled, disable monitoring of the UAC-232 in the DAW or streaming application.
If enabled, a feedback loop could be generated, which might cause loud noise to be output.
Restoring factory default settings
This will restore the settings of the UAC-232 switches and internal mixer to their factory default values.
Managing the firmware
Checking the firmware version
The firmware version used by the UAC-232 can be checked. The ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control application is necessary to check the firmware version. (→ Using ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control)
Updating the firmware
The UAC-232 firmware can be updated to the latest version. Files for the latest firmware updates can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com).
Follow the instructions in the “UAC-232 Firmware Update Guide” on the UAC-232 download page.
Use example: Making music
To make music using a DAW app to record guitar and vocals at the same time, for example, use the UAC-232 in Music mode. (Music mode is enabled when the unit is first used after purchase or initialization.)
The audio from the guitar and vocals can be recorded to separate tracks.
Use example: Web streaming using a computer
When connecting with a computer for web streaming, set the UAC-232 to Streaming mode. Using the ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control app is necessary to switch the UAC-232 to Streaming mode. (→ Using ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control)
Use BGM with permission from its creators.
Refer to the streaming app manual for how to use it.
Use example: Web streaming using an iOS/iPadOS device
When using an iOS/iPadOS device for web streaming, switch the UAC-232 to Streaming mode.
Using the included flat cable fasteners
The included flat cable fasteners are useful for attaching cables to the handles on the sides, for example.
In addition, they can be used to hold the interface in place or to attach it to a mic stand.
Mixer diagram
Terms used in this manual
USB audio interface
This is equipment that can input sound from mics and instruments, for example, to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device and output sound from that device to speakers and headphones.
Dynamic mic
These mics do not require phantom power and are tough and durable.
Condenser mic
These mics usually have high sensitivity and can capture sound with high quality. These require phantom power supply for use.
Phantom power (48 V)
This is a function that supplies power to devices that require an external power supply, including some condenser mics.
+48 V is standard.
Troubleshooting
Not recognized by computer when connected
Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
Confirm that the USB cable is connected to the standard USB port on the UAC-232 and not to the DC 5V port.
Cannot select or use the UAC-232 device
Confirm that the UAC-232 has been connected correctly to the computer. (→ Connecting to computers)
Quit all software that is using the UAC-232. Then, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable connected to the UAC-232.
If using a USB hub, stop using it. Connect the UAC-232 directly to a USB port on the computer.
When connecting to a Windows computer, installing the dedicated driver could resolve problems with applications other than DAWs. (→ Installing the driver)
Reinstall the dedicated driver.
The sound of the device connected to the input jack is distorted, too quiet or silent
When using a condenser mic, turn on .
Use or to adjust the volume.
Use ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control to adjust the waveform display size.
If the level meters in ZOOM UAC-232 Mix Control lights red, use to make adjustments.
Cannot play or record
Confirm that “ZOOM UAC-232” is selected in the “Sound” settings of the computer being used.
Confirm that UAC-232 is set for input and output in the software being used.
Quit all software that is using the UAC-232. Then, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable connected to the UAC-232.
Playback sound cannot be heard or is quiet
Check the connections and volume settings of the speakers.
Use or to adjust the volume.
Cannot be used with an iOS/iPadOS device
Confirm that the external power supply is connected correctly. (→ Using an external power supply)
Sound breaks up during playback or recording
If the audio buffer size of the software being used can be adjusted, increase it.
Turn off the automatic sleep function and other computer power saving settings.
If using a USB hub, stop using it. Connect the UAC-232 directly to a USB port on the computer.
We provide methods to optimize Windows computer settings for music production on our website (zoomcorp.com). Try using the settings provided there.
Noise is loud during direct monitoring
Use to minimize channels that do not have connected inputs.
Specifications
Input and output channels | Number of input channels | Mono (MIC/LINE) | 2 |
Number of output channels | Stereo (TRS) | 1 | |
Stereo (headphone) | 1 | ||
Connectors | Inputs 1-2 | Type | XLR/TRS combo jack (XLR: 2 HOT/TRS: TIP HOT) |
Input impedance | XLR: 2.7 kΩ TRS: 4 kΩ/1 MΩ (when Hi-Z on) | ||
Maximum input level | XLR: +6 dBu TRS: +24 dBu / +11.5 dBu (when Hi-Z on) | ||
Phantom power | +48 V | ||
Outputs | Type | TRS phone jacks (balanced) | |
Maximum output level | +18 dBu (at 0 dBFS) | ||
Output impedance | 100 Ω | ||
Headphones | Type | Standard stereo phone jack 100 mW + 100 mW (63 Ω load) | |
Output impedance | 12 Ω | ||
MIDI | IN/OUT (5-pin DIN connectors) | ||
USB | USB Type-C (audio interface function) • Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. USB bus power is supported. | ||
DC 5V | USB Type-C (for power supply) | ||
Frequency response | Inputs | 44.1 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0.1 dB / −0.2 dB 192 kHz: 20 Hz – 80 kHz, +0.1 dB / −0.2 dB | |
Outputs | 44.1 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0.0 dB / −0.1 dB 192 kHz: 20 Hz – 80 kHz, +0.0 dB / −1.0 dB | ||
Headphones | 44.1 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0.0 dB / −0.5 dB 192 kHz: 20 Hz – 80 kHz, +0.0 dB / −1.0 dB | ||
Equivalent input noise | –127 dBu or less (IHF-A) | ||
Audio interface | Input and output channels | Recording: 2 channels Playback: 2 channels | |
Sampling frequencies | 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz | ||
Bit depth | 32-bit float / 24-bit | ||
Interface | USB 2.0 | ||
Class | USB Audio Class 2.0 | ||
Power | AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5 V/1 A • USB bus power is supported. | ||
Rated current | USB / AC adapter (5 V): 293 mA | ||
Power consumption | 5 W maximum | ||
Dimensions | 164 mm (W) × 105.5 mm (D) × 65 mm (H) | ||
Weight (unit only) | 355 g |
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms