Stienberg also make Cubase DAW and I used the IR12 with an ipad mini and the really usedul IOS Cubase DAW to record two audiobooks that are now on Audible both using using a standard Rode NT1 microphone. This version of the UR12 had an external power supply, which was good because the ipad could not drive 48v. To connect to the iPad I used the dual input power and data “camera” adapter after mistakenly buying the recommended data-only iPad input adaptor which meant no power to the iPad and its battery went flat within two hours due to the heavy proxessing. In three and a half years I never had a problem with the UR12, it never let me down. Significant benefits of this unit are the really nice build quality, the layout, the functionality for recording - all the knobs are on the front, except the phantom power switch which is on the back… and the top includes decals to show you where things are located at the back which you cannot see.. The 48v switch being on the back so it cannot be accidently activated if you don’t need it is good in my opinion and it was no trouble to seitch it off at the end of a session and then on again the next day.. The lights are bright and clear and you can see eaily when the signal is clipping,, but Cubase has great monitoring meters anyway. It was easy to use the UR12 in a small space at home where I record. The unit is compact, pleasingly heavy and stays where you put it and I miss using it. The only two negative aspects which ultimately lead me to sell it and upgrade are: 1. You must get the correct impedance matched headphones - the output on the UR12 is weak. Having said that though - the direct monitoring is something I really missed when I got a new audio input, and eventually I bought another pre-amp which had direct monitoring to resolve this. 2. the noise floorof the UR12 is not the best and without a lot of care and detailed mic placement it was not ideal for voice
over - but, a bad workman blames their tools and I have to say, it is not bad - there are two 9 hour audiobooks on Audible that passed the noise floor test to prove it, but partly that was due to using the Rode NT1 which is one of the quietest budget microphones. I really like the Steinberg - the build quality and design layout of the Steinberg range is as good as Audient in my opionion and I prefer buttons on the front rather than the top. Another disadvantage of the UR12 compared with other Audio Inputs is the lack of TRS outputs for monitors, but that was not really a consideration, because I used this only for recording in a separate room to where I do the editing. For the money it is brilliant and it earned me back what I paid for it ten times over.
