Behringer UMC1820

Bought to replace old Firewire interfaces (MOTO Traveller, Focusrite Saffire Pro14) with similar input counts due to upgrading my computer to one has no Firewire socket. I retained the MOTU unit to use via the ADAT I/o for additional 8 inputs. I have a small home studio with about 20 synths/drum machines and like having lots of inputs.

PROS

1. Well built. Solid connections, lots of hardware features.

2. Sound is indistinguishable (at least to my worn out ears) to the old MOTU, and superior to the Focusrite. YMMV, but I have no complaints here. Subjectively I would describe the preamps as 'clean, sparkly' although they do not appear to have quite the headroom of the MOTU preamps - it's a little easier to overdrive the inputs, but not an issue if you're sensible.

CONNS
Two big differences to those older units that I was disappointed with:

1. NO SOFTWARE INTERFACE
This is a big PITA for someone who's used to direct monitoring, being able to change levels, pads, panning etc. 20 year old MOTU and Focusrite units have this as standard and you can still download updated versions that will work with current Win/Mac OS.

2. NO DIRECT MONITORING OF DIGITAL INPUTS!
Direct monitoring is for inputs 1-8 only, and these default to panned pairs. Not great if you need direct mono monitoring of a vocal (there is a stereo-mono switch but this has no effect as far as I can see). No direct monitoring of ADAT inputs 9-16 and SPDIF inputs 17-18 whatsoever.

I'm using all digital inputs for submitters, synths etc, especially the more noisy vintage stuff so I can mute when I'm not using it. I'm therefore forced to use software monitoring with the DAW. Not a problem if all I'm doing is live MIDI stuff as the input buffer can be set low (32 samples) which reduces latency to negligible levels. But adding VST synths and audio effects means the buffer needs to go up in order to avoid clicks/pops and soon latency becomes a problem.

Two other observations: This unit runs fairly hot so take ventilation into consideration - I'm not sure I'd want this sat in the middle of my rack.

Also - the unit is sensitive to the type/quality of input cable. I used a skinny 5m long USB-C to USB-B cable and there were significant clicks and pops on wav playback that essentially render the unit unusable. Swapping to a chunkier USB-B to B cable (same length, even cheaper) cured the issue immediately. In both cases I used the same USB hub.

On the other hand, I've chained three USB hubs of various quality together and stuck this unit on the end with no appreciable effect on its performance.

SUMMING UP
Soundwise, no complaints (once I gave it a USB cable it liked). The lack of software and direct monitoring mean I need to use workarounds that I wasn't counting on. It's ok for now but I can see myself upgrading in future.

Used this pedal to control various functions like patch/song changes, backing tracks, loopers, channel mutes, and software guitar effect plugins within Apple Mainstage for a gutarist/singer live setup. Lots of pedals and banks. Painful to program manually (like a manic game of Simon Says), but there are a couple of 3rd party software programs that make the mapping more visible and easier to perform. I started simple and then added more controls. I didn't use anywhere near the 100 or so channels available. Physically the unit is quite well built and heavy so it stays where its put on stage. I'm only an occasional performer and I've only had it for a few months so can't vouch for its robustness under heavy use/gigging etc. One feature that slightly annoyed me was the LED on each pedal illuminates when the pedal is pressed but doesn't extinguish if you press again, only when you press another pedal, so if you use it for something on-off it doesn't reflect this.

I've purchased this audio interface mainly for convenience, as I have upgraded from single-channel AI. It is very convenient to have all of the available external gear connected right away (I use two synths, a guitar, and a bass).

Three stars for handling, because I have experienced difficulties with driver installation on windows 10 (maybe even my fault). The soundcard was working great before it started to produce clicking noises (outside DAW as well). The full removal of drivers and re-installation has solved the problem though. Keep in mind that it is mandatory to install UMC Asio driver if you want all of your inputs to be recognized and if you want to be able to play sound on your PC or MAC along with the DAW.

Five stars for features, because definitely at this price point it is the most feature-packed AI. Lots of channels, good sounding preamps, mix between sound from inputs and sound from the DAW (good if you practice instruments and need no latency). Also, I love that headphone outputs are loud and there are two of them.

Sound-wise, can't say that this particular device somehow is better than the competitors at this price point. I think that it should be kind of neutral and this is the point that you do not want it to be colored or something.

Great quality for the price, everything feels sturdy, with no air in the gain knobs.

I use this interface in the studio sometimes but the main usage is for live sets and gigs. If you are looking for an high end studio designed ADC/DAC that's not what you need (obviously), subtile crackle and noises are ordinary with the UMC1820. But if you are looking for an affordable and easy to move and versatile interface...here it is, this Behringer black brick will follow you everywhere and everywhen you need it, fits in a backpack, in a keyboard bag or in a flight standard hand luggage. Essential In/Out (8 mic-line-inst in/Main L-R + 8 line out), gain knob, pad and line/inst switch for each tracks, two separated phones out with dedicated knobs , MIDI In/Out, SPDIF/ADAT...in conclusion everything you need to play around. I traveled all around Europe with this interface and it never let me down and never made problems. The value of the UMC1820 depends on your particular needs, as everything.

I have used many audio interfaces and as far as budget ones go, Behringer UMC1820 has become the gold standard for entry level devices. The preamps are not the best for super low volume recordings, but otherwise I have had no problems with them, even with an ADAT.
The interface is plain, in the sense that it has no special/unique features, and for some this might be boring. But as said before - this is a budget solution.
As far as build goes, I've had no issues myself, but a friend of mine had problems with the one of the headphone outputs. Thankfully there are 2. I really like how compact it actually is, compared to some more advanced 8 channel interfaces out there.
Though I have moved on from using UMC 1820 as my primary interface, I still have one stored away as a backup and from time to time I lend it out.
If you are just starting your journey and need an interface with 8 inputs, this is your guy. You can always upgrade once you outgrow it, and who knows - it might even outlast some higher end devices, I know mine has.