Zoom UAC-232 Portable 2×2 USB-C Audio Interface now Shipping

Audio Gear News

by Jürgen MoorsMay 10^th, 2023

Japanese audio specialist Zoom released the new UAC-232, a portable 2×2 USB-C audio interface with 32-bit float recording. Gain controls are no longer necessary as you can capture clipping-free and low-noise recordings no matter how loud or quiet a performance gets. The Zoom UAC-232 is now available and retails for $199.99. Let’s take a closer look at the new sound device without gain controls.

We know other 32-bit products from Zoom like the MicTrak M2, M3, M4, F3 Portable, or the even bigger F8n Pro 32-bit 8-Channel audio field recorder. Now Zoom is enlarging their product line with the Zoom UAC-232 Portable 2×2 USB-C Audio Interface:

32-bit float recording

Let’s focus on why you would want to record in a 32-bit float: the technology is designed to capture distortion-free sound, regardless of its intensity. There is no need to adjust a gain controller when recording audio with a 32-bit float because even the loudest sounds will simply not clip. This explains why the Zoom UAC-232 audio interface doesn’t have a gain knob anymore.

Unlike a traditional 24-bit audio recording, you can recover noise-free sounds that were recorded almost silently, or, very loudly. The people from Zoom summarized the key information about 32-bit float audio recording and the post-production process in this article, so please check it out if you want to know more. Alternatively, we really recommend watching this excellent 32-bit float recording video from RODE.

Zoom UAC-232

Filmmakers, content creators, podcasters, streamers, and musicians will find capturing and streaming high-quality audio rather easy with the Zoom UAC-232. The 2-in and 2-out audio interface with a 32-bit float audio interface eliminates the need for a gain control knob.

The Zoom UAC-232 features a pair of XLR/TRS combo inputs on the front panel for microphones or line signals, along with two microphone preamps, the same ones used in Zoom’s professional F-Series recorders. It also supports +48V phantom power for recording with condenser microphones.

Afterward, the input signal is converted to a digital signal by dual A/D converters, which can be output to a computer via the USB-C port using USB 2.0. Additionally, a second USB-C port on the back side can connect a USB power supply if the host computer cannot provide enough power to the Zoom UAC-232 via the USB bus. The Direct Monitor button allows the input signal to be directly fed to the headphones and routed in parallel to a DAW or streaming software. The Mix Control can adjust the volume and panning for the direct monitor feed.

Recordings and Control App

The recording can be monitored either through the balanced TRS headphone output or through the two TRS outputs with volume control on studio speakers. The MIDI input/output lets you connect external MIDI devices like drum machines, synths, and keyboards.

The configuration of the input/output routing and loopback function of the Zoom UAC-232, as well as control of the input and monitoring levels, is done through the UAC-232 Mix Control App (Windows, macOS, iOS). Selecting the Music mode can be done by routing to DAW software or in Streaming mode to combine all inputs into a single signal for streaming software.

Key features

• Designed for Podcasters, Streamers, Musicians
• Dual AD circuitry with 32-bit float recording technology
• Mic preamps, same as the Zoom F6
• 2x XLR/TRS combo inputs
• Headphone output and 2x TRS main outputs
• High-power headphone outputs (100 mW)
• Records up to 192 kHz sample rate
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS devices (Android not supported)
• Zoom Mix Control software mixer
• MUSIC and STREAMING modes available via the software to optimize I/O
• Loopback is available via the software
• Direct Monitor switch for latency-free recording
• Vertical or horizontal use
• Bus-powered operation (separate power required for Lightening-enabled iOS devices)

Zoom UAC-232 specs

• Channels of I/O: 2 Inputs / 2 Outputs
• Number of Microphone Preamps: 2 Preamps
• Maximum Sampling Rate: 192 kHz / 32-Bit Float
• Analog Audio I/O: 2 x Combo XLR-1/4″ TRS Balanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input
• Analog Audio I/O: 2 x 1/4″ TRS Balanced Line Output
• Analog Audio I/O: 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Headphone Output
• Phantom Power: 48 V, Selectable On/Off
• Host Connection / USB: USB-C
• Host Connection Protocol: USB 2.0
• USB (Non-Host): 1 x USB-C (Power Input)
• MIDI I/O: 1 x DIN 5-Pin Input
• MIDI I/O: 1 x DIN 5-Pin Output
• Power Requirements: USB Bus Power
• Current Consumption: 293 mA
• Power Consumption: 5 W (Maximum)
• Dimensions: 164×10,5×65 mm / 6,5×4,2×2,6in
• Weight: 355g / 12,5oz

Price and availability

The Zoom UAC-232 2×2 USB-C audio interface is now shipping and retails for $199.99. For further information, please visit the Zoom website here.

What do you think about the Zoom UAC-232 audio interface? Are the days of 24-bit over, and is there no way around 32-bit recordings? Please leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.