UMC404HD Not Working: Causes and Troubleshooting 

The Behringer UMC404HD is a great pick for anyone looking for an audio interface. A good system like this is worth a try!

However, setting up an audio interface can be a bit daunting. And even after setting it up, it might not be working for you.

So, you might be wondering why is your UMC404HD not working? 

It could be due to a number of reasons. These include wiring issues, wrong drivers, and lack of power. You have to find the problem and then take steps accordingly.

If you’re struggling with your UMC404HD not working, we got you covered! In this article, we’re going to discuss the possible reasons and discuss how to fix them! 

Quick Fix/ Let’s Confirm a Few Things

Before we get into troubleshooting, it’s better to deal with a few things first. Quite often, we miss out on minimal factors that cause these problems for us.

The things you need to check before troubleshooting are- 

Is your Product Registered? 

Before you start your UMC404HD, you need to get it registered. Doing this will put your system into the Behringer servers.

Once it’s registered, you get access to the Tracktion software and you become eligible for a warranty. 

In some systems, unregistered interfaces won’t work. So, make sure you’ve registered your system before setting it up.

Is it Properly Set Up? 

Setting up the Behringer UMC404HD is fairly simple. However, it can be a bit technical if you aren’t well acquainted with the system.

There might be flaws in your setup, such as loose connections or faulty wiring. You need to take care of them first. 

Check the setup guidelines and see if you’ve missed out on anything. If it still doesn’t work, keep reading to know the troubleshooting steps. 

Are You Using the Correct Drivers?

Having the right set of drivers is a must, especially for Windows users!

The Behringer website contains a set of UMC404HD drivers. You need to download and install them before setting it up! 

Also, if you have old drivers, you need to update the drivers first!

Did you Try Windows/Mac Troubleshooting Feature?

Troubleshooting could be a great way to determine the problems in your system.

If you have Windows 10 or higher, the Windows troubleshooting mechanism will check your system thoroughly to find the problems and deal with them. 

Which USB Port are you Using? 

USB ports are often underrated. Updated USB ports are faster and they’re compatible with more devices.

When it comes to running theUMC404HD, you need ports that are USB 2.0 or higher. 

Did you Try Disabling all Other Audio Devices? 

This is a very common problem with a simple fix. Your devices can override each other, eventually causing the UMC404HD to not work. 

Disconnect all the audio devices from your PC and connect your Behringer. If it still doesn’t work, you need further troubleshooting. 

Did you Try Resetting your UMC404HD? 

It’s the easiest, yet, sometimes the most effective option. Giving the device a hard reset takes it back to its basic settings.

A hard reset takes it back to its factory settings, which is ideal.

Do you Have Enough Power to Run it? 

Since you can connect it directly to your PC, you might ask, “Does the UMC404HD need power?”

The UMC404HD is pretty power intensive. So, you might need external power if your system can’t provide the power. If you’re using USB 2.0, the power from the system might not be sufficient. 


The UMC404HD needs at least 500mA to run at its best. So, make sure the system is getting enough power, internally and externally. 

Still Not Working? Let’s Get Down to the Real Fix for your UMC404HD! 

If the quick fix didn’t work, it’s time to get your hands dirty! We need to find the root cause of the problems and deal with them. 

However, your UMC404HD troubleshooting depends on your system. The solutions are different for Windows and Mac.

So here we’ve discussed solutions for both systems. Let’s begin! 

Fix For Audio Interface Related Issue for Windows

For Windows users, solving issues related to your interface is pretty easy. The key here is to find the problems first.

For example, if you have your UMC404HD not recognized, you need to reset the system. 

With that said, let’s discuss the problems and how to deal with them!

Issues Related to Windows Connectivity 

The most common reason behind your audio interface not working is connectivity issues. It could be due to a number of reasons including faulty ports and old drivers.

So, if you’re asking why is my audio interface not working? 

There are a number of reasons for your audio interface to not work. These include issues with connection and power, software and hardware issues. You have to understand the potential reason and deal with it.

The possible reasons behind your UMC404HD now working and their solution- 

Reason 1: Compatibility and Drivers 

To begin with, you need to know if your computer is compatible with your interface.

Check the system requirements for the UMC404 and see if it matches your computer.

If your software versions aren’t compatible, you might need to update or roll back. Look for older software and versions of the UMC404HD Windows 10 driver online.

Reason 2: Windows Sleep Settings

Windows sleep settings can seem a bit complicated at times. When you put your hard drive to sleep mode, it often gets rid of temporary data.

Thus, audio and MIDI drivers are often unmounted beforehand. 

So, oftentimes, when the computer is turned back on from sleep, the interface doesn’t work.

In that case, you need to update your PC settings to prevent the drivers from unmounting. 

Reason 3: USB Hubs 

Hubs are very convenient when used correctly. But when it comes to something like the UMC404HD, hubs can be a bad idea. 

The hub can prevent the interface from properly connecting with your computer.

As a result, it loses power and doesn’t turn on. So, it’s recommended to connect them to the ports directly. 

However, if hubs are a must for you, use a hub with an external power supply. It provides the necessary power to keep the UMC404HD running. 

If you’re looking for USB hubs, here are our recommendations- 

These are some of the best out there. Check out their reviews for more!

Reason 4: Startup Sequence 

If all the devices don’t receive power properly, they won’t run smoothly. So, for something like the UMC404HD, the starting sequence is crucial. 

The ideal startup sequence for smoothly running your audio interface is- 

  • Power on your UMC404HD and connect it to your computer
  • Turn on your computer 
  • Turn on your speakers and other devices


Following this startup sequence ensures proper communication between devices.

If your UMC404HD is connected before the computer is powered in, the computer can notice it during startup. 

The startup sequence is also important if your speakers aren’t working properly. So, keep that in mind as well. 

Issues Related to Windows Sound Settings 

If restarting your UMC404HD doesn’t help, it’s probably due to your sound settings. The audio interface should be a selectable sound device in windows.

Otherwise, it won’t work.

So, if you have Behringer UMC404HD inputs not working, it’s probably due to the sound settings. The steps to fix the sound settings are –

Update Default Windows Sounds Settings 

You need to have the UMC404HD as your default playback system. Otherwise, there won’t be any sound coming from it.

You can test that by playing any sound from your computer. If it doesn’t work, you might need to change the settings. 

Steps to select your default music output- 

  • Go to the control panel and open “sound”. You can also right-click on the sound icon on the Windows taskbar 
  • Once there, look for the Playback devices menu 
  • Select the UMC404HD and set it as the default 
  • Click ok and close the menu

Also, if you have any apps running, close them beforehand. Otherwise, they won’t recognize the change and you’d have to restart them.

DAW Sound Settings 

Certain applications, especially DAWs, have their own audio settings. So, you have to change the settings of these separately.

Generally, the audio devices detect the change and fix it accordingly. 

However, if it doesn’t change due to some glitch, you need to do it by yourself. The steps for reselecting your DAW audio interface are the same for windows and MAC.

They are- 

  • Launch your DAW and open settings 
  • Locate your audio interface and select your UMC404HD as the default 
  • Configure the input and output settings accordingly 

With that, we’ve discussed all the connectivity issues! 

Windows Can’t Detect Your UMC404HD 

One of the most common issues is windows not recognizing your interface. If you have a UMC404HD not detected, it’s probably due to driver issues.

The solutions include – 

Check Device Manager 

The easiest way to see if any of your drivers are working is via the device manager. You can check, monitor, and manage all the connections easily.

If your UMC404HD is connected properly, it will be in the “Sound, video, and game controllers” option. 

If you see it in the other devices tab, it’s due to a driver issue. 

Reinstall Audio Device Driver 

If you find any issues with your driver, you need to get it fixed. The easiest way to deal with a faulty driver is by uninstalling it and reinstalling it.

So, you might ask, how do I reset my driver? 

Resetting your driver is actually pretty simple. First, go to the device manager and look for your device. Once you find the device, right-click on it and uninstall the drivers. Then download the updated driver and restart your system.

Install ASIO4All

If you’re looking for a one-stop fix for all things related to your UMC404HD, ASIO4All is what you need!

The ASIO4All driver works for every audio interface seamlessly. You can easily see what’s wrong and fix it from ASIO4All without any extra hassle. 

With that, we’ve discussed the troubleshooting for UMC404HD for Windows!

Fix For Audio Interface Related Issues for MAC  

When it comes to mac, UMC404HD issues are a bit rare. Thus, dealing with them can be a bit hard.

If your Behringer UMC404HD is not recognized in mac, you have to find the cause first.

So, it’s common for a user to ask, why my audio interface isn’t working in mac? 


It’s mostly due to lack of compatibility, driver issues, and connection problems. The troubleshooting is pretty similar for Windows and Mac. You have to find the problem first and deal with it accordingly!

Mac Audio Device Connectivity 

When it comes to Mac, connectivity issues are just as common. If the device isn’t connected properly, it won’t work.

So, if you’re wondering how do I connect my Behringer mixer to my Mac, it’s pretty simple!

Once you’ve registered your audio interface to the website, you have to turn it on. Then connect it to your mac and turn it on. The system should start working immediately if it’s receiving enough power. 

Compatibility and Drivers 

The first step is to know if your system is compatible to run the UMC404HD. So, if you’re wondering if Behringer is compatible with mac, the answer is yes! 

However, the issue here is with software. If the software version isn’t compatible with your mac, it won’t work. In that case, you need to update or rollback.

Sleepy Computers 

Both mac and windows tend to unload their drivers when the computers are put to sleep.

To avoid overload, the audio and MIDI drivers are often unmounted, causing the UMC404HD to stop.

In order to prevent the drivers from unloading, you need to make a few changes. The steps include- 

  • Go to the menu bar and click the apple icon. From there, go to system preferences. 
  • Click on Energy saver and Uncheck “Put hard disks to sleep when possible”
  • Then, check “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off.”

This will prevent your mac from unmounting the drivers. Thus, ensuring the interface works when the PC is in sleep.

USB hubs

When it comes to hubs, windows and mac are pretty similar. The key here is the power of the hub and the quality of your port.

The UMC404HD is fairly power-intensive, so connect it directly. 

Thus, we recommend going for a hub that has an external power source. 

Power-On Sequence 

The power-on sequence is pretty similar to the previous solution. Your UMC404HD needs to get the required power.

The steps are pretty similar for Mac as it is for windows. Follow the above-mentioned steps and you’re good to go!

MacOS Sound Preference 

If the drivers are in check, you need to check your preference. You need to make sure the UMC404HD is set as your main player.

Otherwise, the system won’t work at all. 

Fix 1: Update Default MacOS Audio Device 

The playback from your apps depends on the selected media. So, you need to make sure the UMC404HD is set as the preferred device.

The steps for setting up your audio interface is-

  • Go to system preferences from the menu bar 
  • Click on sound, and look for the input and output devices 
  • Then set the UMC404HD as your audio interface. 

If your interface still doesn’t work, you might need to look into the problem further. Keep scrolling! 

Fix 2: DAW Sound Preference 

Similar to Windows, the DAW’s in Mac also struggle with the change in the system.

So, even if the system’s default playback is changed, you need to do it separately for your DAW. 

The steps are similar here just in case for windows. Follow them thoroughly and you’re good to go!

If Mac Can’t Detect your Audio Device 

If Mac can’t detect your audio device, you need to put in some effort. You have to see if the system detects the product.

Afterward, check the audio MIDI systems for any sort of detection. If there’s no detection, reconnect the device.

Fix 1: Check System Information

The system information is similar to the device manager in Windows. It helps you see what devices are connected and which ones are not. The steps to check your Mac’s system information are-

  • Click the apple key and hold option. Afterward, click on system information. 
  • Once you’re in the menu, go to hardware and select system information. 
  • Then locate the audio devices and check if your UMC404HD is connected. 
Fix 2: Check Audio MIDI Setup

If you see nothing in the system information, go for the audio MIDI setup. It’s used to manage the audio and MIDI devices connected to your computer.

If your interface is on MIDI setup, it means it’s recognized by your Mac. 

So, you might ask, how do I enable MIDI on Mac? 

In order to enable MIDI, go to the Utilities on your finder menu. Then double click on the Audio MIDI setup and select your devices in the Audio Devices part. If your interface is working properly, MIDI will start automatically!

Fix 3: NVRAM reset

If nothing works, the last option is to run an NVRAM reset. Although it’s pretty sensitive, an NVRAM reset can out all the drivers in its designated place.

The steps for an NVRAM reset are- 

  • Power off your Mac 
  • Once the Mac is off, press and hold option, command, P, and R keys together. Make sure you’ve pressed them simultaneously. 
  • Wait until the system restarts, then release the keys. 
  • Press the keys again to repeat the reset. 

With that, we’ve discussed the ways to fix the UMC404 not working. Now there are a few other problems as well.

The solution to these problems are- 

Fix for No Sound 

Having no sound can be troublesome. Also, you need to be able to manage the sounds better.

In case you’re dealing with Behringer UMC404HD no sound or Behringer UMC404Hd low volume output level. The fix for no sound issues are- 

  • Make sure the drivers are in order. You need to use the most updated drivers or the right ones for your system. 
  • If the drivers are done, fix the knobs accordingly. Make sure all the knobs are set to the USB port it is connected to. Also, put the Mix pot clockwise. This will ensure all the knobs are connected to the same port. 

Fix for Recording Related Issues 

One of the most common issues for the UMC404HD is recording.

If the UMC404HD audacity isn’t correct, you might not be able to store or manage the recordings. Fix for the recording issues are- 

  • Firstly, you need to fix the drivers. Follow the steps mentioned above to see if the drivers are in order. If you have a UMC404HD driver not working, update or roll back where necessary. 
  • Afterward, check the Behringer software. Check the recording settings to see recording options and set it back to default. 
  • Also, the interface might not record properly if it’s not receiving enough power. If you have it connected to hubs, connect them directly instead.
  • If you have a specific device that’s not recording, it might be due to the cable. Change the cables connected to the UMC404HD connections and reconnect. If you have a faulty cable, this should fix the problem.

Fix for Buzzing or Crackling Sound 

One of the biggest nightmares for audio engineers is the buzzing sound. The extra buzzing sound can ruin your music for good.

If you have a Behringer UMC404HD crackling, you need to fix it asap. 

The steps for dealing with the buzzing sound are- 

  • If you have any electrical interference, it could be the cause of the noise. In order to deal with that, connect the interface directly to USB to prevent any electrical interference.
  • Also, your other devices such as solid-state amps might be crackling. Fix them to prevent the sound.
  • Also, if the USB port is loose, it could cause a buzzing noise. Change the USB port and you’re good to go! 
  • Loose cables can also cause the sound to crackle. You can try using a better cable. If you’re looking for a good quality cable for your UMC404HD, check our recommendations-

These are some of the best cables out there! Check out their recommendations for more!

Fix for Microphone Not Working 

If your microphone isn’t working, it could be due to a number of reasons. If your microphone is working properly, follow these steps- 

  • The first thing you need is to check the cables. Change the connecting cable for the microphone and try it again. Tt would fix the problem if the microphone is working.
  • The microphone might not be working if the drivers aren’t correct. Try checking the capability of your drivers and changing them if necessary. 
  • If the drivers and cables are right, check the audio settings. Make sure the audio jack is connected with the right port. 

What if tou Accidentally Spilled Water On your UMC404HD?

If you spill water on your UMC404HD, it’s likely that it won’t work. When it comes to spills, you need to deal with them immediately.

Otherwise, it could damage the interface for good. The steps to follow in case of spills are- 

Step 1: Disconnect The Device 

Firstly, you need to disconnect the UMC404HD from your system. Turn the power supply off, and carefully remove it from your PC.

Since there’s water in the system, be careful to prevent any electrocution. 

Step 2: Open Up the Outer Cover 

Once the interface is disconnected, wipe the water off the interface. Use a clean, lint-free piece of cloth to carefully remove the water.

Then, remove the screws and open the outer cover. Keep the outer cover and the main body separately.

Step 3: Let It Dry 

Now you have to let it dry! Keep the UMC404HD in a cool, shady place to dry. Don’t put it directly under the sun or keep it in a warm place.

Once it has dried thoroughly, put it back together.

Things you Can Do to Avoid Facing Problem with your UMC404HD

Prevention is better than cure. It’s better to be aware of problems and prepare than fix them later. Things you can do to prevent problems with your interface are- 

  • Connect it directly to your USB instead of relying on hubs. This will make sure the interface is always powered to run optimally. Preventing any damage due to power loss or faulty hubs. 
  • Always use updated drivers and software. Backdated software can damage the communication between the interface and your system. 

FAQs 

Does the UMC404HD need power? 

While you don’t need external power, you need to make sure your system is providing adequate power. Otherwise, the system won’t run properly. 

How do I reset my audio interface? 

In order to reset your audio interface, you need to uninstall the drivers. Go to the device manager and uninstall your old drivers. Set up the new one’s and you’re good to go!

Is an NVRAM reset safe for my device? 

While NVRAM resets are pretty technical, they’re as safe as it gets. Just set them up carefully and you’re good to go! 

Conclusion

A good audio interface is an audio engineer’s dream. The UMC404HD is one of the best out there.

If you’re struggling with your UMC404HD not working, we got you covered! We’ve discussed all the ins and outs of the audio interface to help you out!

We hope you find this article helpful!

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