Steinberg UR22C USB Audio Interface

Steinberg UR22C — Portable USB Audio Interface with Studio-Grade Conversion

The Steinberg UR22C packs genuine 32-bit/192 kHz conversion, two Class-A Yamaha D-PRE microphone preamps, and a full-metal chassis into a desktop-sized enclosure that travels easily between studio and stage. USB 3.1 SuperSpeed over USB-C delivers low-latency performance on Mac, PC, and iOS devices, while bus-powered operation removes the need for an external supply in most setups. This interface is a strong match for producers, singer-songwriters, and streamers who need reliable capture quality in a portable form factor.

What Sets the UR22C Apart

Yamaha's Class-A D-PRE preamps are rarely seen at this tier, and the onboard SSP3 DSP chip runs REV-X reverb, the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip, and Guitar Amp Classics entirely inside the interface for zero-latency monitoring. A Loopback function merges incoming audio with DAW playback for live streaming, and Class Compliant mode unlocks iPad recording with Cubasis LE.

Conversion Quality and Microphone Preamps

The conversion stage defines what reaches your DAW, and the unit delivers true 32-bit/192 kHz resolution with a measured dynamic range of 102 dB on the mic inputs. Two Class-A D-PRE preamps provide transparent, detailed capture with an equivalent input noise of -123.3 dBu.

• Sample Rate: 192 kHz — captures frequencies well above the audible range for later pitch or time manipulation
• Bit Depth — 32-bit internal processing headroom that preserves transient detail in every take
• Number of Preamps — two D-PRE Class-A preamps for clean, musical gain on vocals, acoustic instruments, and ribbon mics
• Dynamic Range Input — measured 102 dB on the mic inputs, a quiet floor suitable for condenser and dynamic microphones

Inputs, Outputs, and Host Connection

Two combo XLR/TRS jacks accept microphones, line-level instruments, and one channel switches to Hi-Z for direct guitar or bass recording. Phantom power is available on both XLR inputs for condenser microphones, and MIDI I/O keeps hardware synths and controllers in the signal chain.

• Inputs: 2 combo XLR-Jack, MIDI IN — record a stereo source or mic-plus-instrument pair with MIDI gear
• Outputs: 2 Jack 6.3 mm TRS, MIDI OUT, Headphone Jack 6.3 mm TRS — feed studio monitors and a headphone mix simultaneously
• Host Port: USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1 SuperSpeed) — fast, stable data transfer with backward USB 2.0 compatibility
• Phantom Power — +48V on both channels, powers condenser microphones without an external supply

Build Quality, DSP, and Portability

The full-metal enclosure weighs 1000 g and measures 159 x 159 x 47 mm, small enough to slip into a laptop bag yet rugged enough for daily transport. Inside, the SSP3 DSP chip handles all monitoring effects internally, so latency stays below 0.5 ms even with channel strip and amp simulations engaged.

• Weight: 1000 g — solid feel without becoming a burden in a mobile rig
• Dimensions: 159 x 159 x 47 mm — fits beside a laptop or on a small desktop stand
• Onboard DSP — SSP3 chip running REV-X reverb, Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip, and Guitar Amp Classics for zero-latency monitoring with effects in any DAW
• Digital Expansion — no ADAT, S/PDIF, or AES/EBU, keeping the 2-channel design focused and affordable