ButlerPC Blog » Music

Last year I put up a short review on YouTube of Behringer’s UCA222 USB audio input/output interface for recording stuff into your computer. I just did the review for fun after getting my Ultra HD pocket video recorder but, since then, it has received thousands of views and a lot of comments too — many of which I responded to. Here is a rough overview of the device, and after that I’ll put up a small FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

This device basically allows you to record to your computer high quality stereo sound from any device that outputs red & white RCA cables. You simply plug in the USB to your computer (Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux) and most systems will install the software automatically. It will show up as a new audio input/output device that you may select in your recording software such as Audacity. For me, the UCA222 was actually selected automatically while plugged in.

The manufacturer claims 48khz 16bit sound quality. This is much higher quality than you’re likely to get from your built in sound card. It can also be used to replace your existing sound card to output stereo sound through the device. In fact, while plugged in, your normal sound card will be muted and you’ll have to use this one for any output.

FAQ:

Q: Can I record my guitar with this device?
A: This isn’t used for recording guitars. For recording your guitar into your PC via USB, your best bet is to buy the Behringer UCG102, the sister product made for guitars and analogue instruments.

Q: Can you play music on your computer and have it come out through the UCA222 USB like a sound card?
A: Yes, once plugged in, all sound generated from your computer will actually now go through the stereo output on the UCA222.

Q: How is this different from the UCA202?
A: They’re the same exact device, except UCA222 is red instead of silver, and UCA222 comes packaged with EnergyXT software with a lot of free VSTs for making music.

Q: After its connected do you control the volume at the mixing board or the computer?
A: The mixing board. For me, when I plugged it in, there wasn’t anyway to control the input recording volume, it was simply set to 0.0 dB.

Full Video:

Dance Mix MP3 01-31-2010

mbutler — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:06:10 +0000

Here’s another MP3 recorded during my DJ-in-training set.
Click on it to start playing instantly, or right-click to Download & Save As…

statik01-31-2010.mp3 Duration 56:18

Track listing:
Marco V – Unprepared
The Message
I’ve Been Waiting – Dave Dresden & DJ Lynnwood Remix
I Will Be Here – Tiesto & Sneaky Sound System
Papilon – Editors (Tiesto Remix)
I Remember – deadmau5 & kaskade
The Fractal Universe – Mat Zo
Louder than Boom – Tiesto
Sail – Armin Van Buuren
Shivers – Alex MORPH Red Light Dub
On a good day – oceanlab

New Dance Mix MP3

mbutler — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:23:55 +0000

Here’s a new mix for your listening pleasure. There were some mistakes so I did some post-processing to remove them as best I could. But for the most part, it is a live mix.
Click to stream & play, right-click to save and download for your iPod.
StatiKEffecK Mix 01/2010 (55 MB)

Triclops
yaya
lovegame
piece of me
halo
evacuate the dancefloor
in the air
let me think about it
hometown glory
i will be here
infinity 2008
poker face

StatiKEffecK Mix 01 MP3

mbutler — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:40:32 +0000

After practicing with the iDJ2 for a few weeks, and obtaining some recording equipment, I recorded 30 minutes into an MP3. Part of it can be watched on YouTube, or you can download the MP3.

Youtube Link

Download the MP3 28:00 (might want to right-click and Save As…)

I also obtained a Flip UltraHD pocket camcorder. Maybe I’ll write about that one day.