NAMM 2020: Ultra-Portable Audio Interface

US ESI's UGM192 is half the size of a smartphone and as light as a bar of chocolate 16/01/20

ESI has intoduced the UGM196 24-bit / 192 kHz USB Audio Adapter which they say is the perfect device for recording on the go as it is half the size of a smartphone and as lightweight as a bar of chocolate. Here's the details in their own words...

Recording guitar riffs or vocals on the go? That’s possible with the new UGM192 from ESI. The ultra-compact interface with 24-bit / 192 kHz / 114dB audio quality can be connected to a PC or Mac, as well as to any smartphone or tablet with USB audio support. There are no creative boundaries!

Compact and versatile like never before

Ultra-light weight and a compact size of 8.5 cm x 6.5 cm - thanks to these slim dimensions, the UGM192 is the ideal companion for music producers and musicians, whether on tour or in their own recording studio.
The UGM192's two analog jack inputs allow you to easily connect an electric guitar and microphone. This applies to both dynamic microphones and condenser microphones, thanks to the switchable +48V phantom power on the front of the unit.
Both recorded signals can be listened to directly via the headphone input on the rear panel and thus can be processed in real time. That means: monitoring with zero latency.

High-end quality at an unbeatable price

The red design of the new compact series is a statement: All ESI products launched after 2020 in red/black are characterized by particularly high audio quality in 192 kHz. "We have developed a premium series of compact devices that can still be offered at a very favorable price," says ESI CEO Claus Riethmüller.
UGM196 will be available for less than 130€.

Extremely low latency thanks to high-quality drivers - made in Germany

ESI interfaces are known for their extremely low latency thanks to the high-quality drivers that are developed in-house in Germany. The UGM192 also comes with a powerful driver that can be downloaded from the ESI website and installed easily.
UGM192 is 100% class compliant and meets the latest requirements as a USB 3.1 audio interface. Thanks to the supplied adapter cable, the device is also USB 2.0 compatible.

Specifications:
   •   USB 3.1 audio interface with USB-C connector (cable incl.)
   •   USB 2.0 compatible (cable incl.)
   •   USB bus powered
   •   Separate power connector for optional use (microUSB)
   •   Professional microphone preamp, balanced 1/4" TRS connector with switchable 48V phantom power support
   •   Professional Hi-Z instrument input, unbalanced 1/4" TS connector
   •   100% class compliant