Behringer UV1 Microphone Preamp

Microphone Preamplifier Channel Strip with Midas Design

Vocal recording demands a clean signal path and precise dynamic control before audio reaches a DAW. The Behringer Ultravoice UV1 pairs a Midas-designed preamplifier with analog processors and a high-resolution USB audio interface in a rackmountable chassis, managing the entire vocal chain from capsule to broadcast-ready output. For engineers working in treated or untreated rooms, compression, de-essing, enhancement, and noise gating at the source reduce the need for corrective plugin chains during mixing.

Midas Preamp and Integrated USB Interface

Standing out among channel strips, this model combines a Midas-designed discrete preamp with a 24-bit/192 kHz USB audio interface. You get −126 dBu equivalent input noise, and the interface supports sample rates up to 192 kHz with Mac class-compliant operation. The dedicated insert send/return loop on the rear panel enables you to patch external processors into the analog signal path.

Preamplifier Gain and Input Connectivity

Proper gain structure at the preamp determines the noise floor and headroom of everything downstream. The front-panel combo jack accepts XLR and 6.3 mm TRS sources, features a 4 Kilohms input impedance, and handles up to +17 dBu input level.

• Microphone Gain Range: 0 to +60 dB — suitable for low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones
• Phantom Power: +48 V switchable — allows you to power condenser capsules via XLR pin configuration
• The low cut filter at -18 dB/octave (80 Hz) efficiently removes stage rumble and vibration while preserving vocal clarity.

Compressor, De-Esser, Enhancer, and Expander/Gate

Four analog processing sections follow the preamp, each with its own front-panel control. Compressor functions use Drive and Density parameters, which replace traditional ratio and attack controls, so you set threshold and release with just two dials.

• Compressor Density: 1 to 75 dB/sec — from subtle leveling to strong pumping effects
• Enhancer Boost provides 0 to +12 dB on LF and HF bands, bringing back harmonics lost in compression
• Expander/Gate Ratio: 1:1 to 10:1 — helps suppress room noise and breathing between phrases

USB Audio Interface and Zero-Latency Monitoring

USB 2.0 Type-B connectivity offers 2 inputs and 2 outputs at up to 192 kHz / 24-bit, with compatibility for Windows and macOS (Mac requires no drivers). The front-panel Mix control lets you blend direct analog input with USB playback for zero-latency headphone monitoring.

• Sample Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz — all standard and high-resolution recording formats are supported
• Dynamic Range: 110 dB A-weighted — preserves quiet musical details and transients
• The headphone output (6.3 mm TRS, Level control) supports headphones from 32 to 600 Ohms, suitable for a wide range of studio cans.