Steinberg UR22 Mk 2 USB Audio Interface

The UR22 is a two-in, two-out bus-powered USB 2 audio interface from Steinberg, and is the entry-level unit in a range that includes two bigger brothers, the desktop UR28M and the rackmounted UR824. This interface represents a definite step up in quality from the more compact CI series, which employ USB 1.1 and have sample rates limited to 48kHz. Most notably, the UR22 features the same Yamaha D-Pre preamplifiers used in the more expensive UR/MR-series units and Yamaha's N-series mixers, and offers sample rates of up to 192kHz, all of which bodes well for quality at a relatively modest price point. To further sweeten the deal, the interface comes bundled with Cubase AI, version 6.

Out of the box, first impressions are very favourable. The UR22 is presented in a stylish black and silver metal case that feels even sturdier than that of the UR28M I previously reviewed. Indeed, this robustness extends to the controls themselves; the potentiometers all have a solid action and a stiff, flush-mounted toggle switch is used to avoid the accidental switching of phantom power.

To get the hardware up and running, you install a simple USB driver from the disc included in the box. This driver provides a control panel allowing Windows users to change buffer settings and sample rate. For Mac OS computers, these settings are available in the standard Audio MIDI Setup application.