Steinberg UR242 Reviews

Best interface at this price range

I like the pres on this better than on the focusrite scarlet series.

Need to be careful with plugging in the power, and I'd recommend a power conditioner - as it'll pick up interference through the wall wart if you don't have clean power. Probably not an issue for most people, but I noticed this coming from a USB powered unit to this. Since plugging it into a conditioner I've had no issues.

Love the line inputs, makes plugging in my modular quick and easy, without having to remove my mics.

The DSP is particularly useful, and often not found in units at this price range.

The only thing this leaves me wanting is some sort of level indication, other than just a peaking led. But at this price range you don't really see that on any units.

Really like this interface, and it even comes bundled with Cubase AI!

for me the best audio interface w/4 inputs

i have alsis io2 express but i needed more inputs and wasn't happy with the latency performance

so I've been making choice between focusrite scarlett 6i6 and steinberg ur242.

I went with scarlett as it has decent reviews for its audio quality. but after a day of testing i was totally upset. a lot of buzz and noise probably caused by the ground loops or whatever. once I have connected active monitors the noise level coming from the input was unacceptable.

so i sent it back and took ur242. additionally i have read a lots of similar complaints regarding the noise.

the ur242 is something completelly different. the D/A has very very nice sound and is totally clean. i had tried the inputs and the were no issues with the noise or ground loop. i'm using the same cables. latency is awesome and audio quality as well. fully reccommended over scarlett anytime! and the price is lower too :) on top of that you'll get the latest cubase AI which is also nice piece of software.

update:

after I have post this review I have realized that this box has a VERY nice feature. Yes, it has DSP which is not new to me. You may add a reverb and one of the 4 guitar amp models (each one can be tweaked) per channel. That was something I ignored that and did not intent to use as I have everything in my Cubase. BUT - you can use the preset even your computer is shut down. That's really awesome if just want to quicly grab and play guitar without making noise during the night hours using a proper guitar amp. just power the UR242, plug the guitar in, put headphones on, or turn on monitors. I really love that feature. The amps do not sound awesome, especially on higher gain, but cleans and crunch is just ... ok for some practicing.