Steinberg UR22 MK2 Value Edition B-Stock

The Steinberg UR22 MK2, shown here in the Value Edition, is a compact entry-level USB audio interface for Mac and PC. It has two line inputs, the second of which can be switched to instrument (Hi-Z). The inputs are implemented as XLR/jack combo sockets, which means that microphones can also be connected, and each input features a dedicated gain control for recording. For direct monitoring (i.e. listening to what is being played or sung with zero latency), there is a mix control that determines the balance between input and DAW. What is more, a comprehensive software package is included in the scope of delivery - including the Cubase Elements 11 DAW. This interface is designed for (iOS) musicians, amateur producers, and DJs who want to start recording at a very affordable price.

The front panel of the UR22 MK2 features two peak LED indicators to allow the input's gain level to be set correctly using the two gain controls, in addition to the indicator lights for USB and phantom power. Yamaha's D-PRE preamps (Class A) are designed to provide a transparent sound with plenty of detail. On the rear panel, phantom power can be switched on for both microphone inputs in order to operate condenser microphones with the UR22 MK2. The maximum sampling rate of 192kHz with a 24-bit resolution leaves nothing to be desired in terms of sound quality, and the signal level balance between the input and the DAW, which are mixed as a mono signal, can be set via the "Mix" control. In addition to the two balanced outputs (6.3mm jack format), the rear panel also features a MIDI input and output as well as the connection for the power supply or a USB battery.

With the Steinberg UR22 MK2 Value Edition, musicians as well as content creators will find a good and easy-to-use point of entry into the world of recording. The UR22 MK2 is equally suitable for making demo recordings of songs and for podcasts, and its robust all-metal housing is designed to withstand damage, making the interface particularly suitable for live musicians and DJs, but it also offers a good introduction for budding producers in the studio. The Steinberg UR22 MK2 is bus-powered on Mac and PC, so it doesn't need any additional power supply, and it is both compact and relatively light, making it easy to transport - advantages that are both especially interesting for live music and DJing. A master keyboard or other equipment can be connected via the MIDI interface on the back.

The Steinberg UR22 MK2 can be used with all software solutions that support the ASIO, Core Audio, or WDM standard, and Steinberg has included the following digital audio workstations (DAWs) with the interface: Cubase AI (for Mac and PC) and Cubasis LE (for iOS). The UR22 MK2 supports iPad and iPhone via Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning-to-USB camera adapter. To ensure that the interface also gets enough power on mobile devices, the power source can be selected between USB and a micro-USB port for a mobile USB battery pack or a USB power supply via a corresponding switch on the back. Audio can be effectively transmitted via the internet using the "Loopback" function. Here, the input signals are mixed with the output signals of the DAW on two channels of the interface, and these are then returned to the computer.