Reddit reviews Steinberg UR22MKII 2-Channel USB Interface

$500... lessee...

Mic: Electro-Voice RE320 — https://www.amazon.com/EV-RE320-Variable-D-Instrument-Microphone/dp/B00KCN83VI


Interface: Steinberg UR22MKII — https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM


Windscreen: Electro-Voice WS-PL2 — https://www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-WS-PL2-Foam-Windscreen/dp/B0043ISZXY


Stand: On Stage MS7701B — https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Stands-MS7701B-Tripod-Microphone/dp/B000978D58

Cables: XLR cable — https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Male-Female-Microphone-Cable/dp/B01JNLTTKS

Cables: USB cable — https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-USB-215AB-Type-Speed-Cable/dp/B000VBGD6S

Justification for each:


RE320: It's a hell of a mic. Consider the Rode Procaster instead if you want to save a bit of money.


UR22MKII: Solid interface. Nothing more to say, really, except that it has a full 60dB of available gain, unlike some cheaper interfaces.


WS-PL2: It's a windscreen. Since my intention here would be close-talking into the mic (i.e., lips practically pressed against it), the windscreen is the better choice. It's expensive, but it's a thick-ass microphone.


MS7701B: Since the mic doesn't come with a shock mount, a floor stand is probably going to be preferable so keyboard/mouse noises or desk bumps aren't picked up as much.

XLR cable: It's an XLR cable. You'll need that.

USB A-to-B cable: It's a USB cable. I'm not 100% certain whether the interface comes with one, but... just in case. Obviously, if you intend to buy them, find out for sure whether it does or not, first.

Total as of right now: $487.09

Steinberg UR22MKII:
https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496843405&sr=8-1&keywords=steinberg+ur22mkii

Chances are you aren't going to get very clean audio out of a $62CDN mixer - I tried Behringer stuff before and ended up pretty disappointed. Went with something like this instead.

You should see an increase in audio quality going from a USB mic to a mixer, even if the mixer is also connected by USB. All microphones capsules output a low voltage analog signal. In order to connect them through USB you need to first amplify that signal and then run it through a DAC (Digital Audio Converter) in order to get a digital signal that can be sent over USB.

A USB microphone has a built in amplifier and DAC. However, since they are generally lower-priced pieces of hardware, the amplifier and DAC are not very good quality. The amplifier and DAC also have a lot to do with how much static or internal noise you will get, especially if you are pushing the gain on your amplifier past 80% or so.

By using a better amplifier and DAC on a mixing board you can get a much cleaner signal than you would get on a USB microphone. You should also be able to amplify your sound more without noise or distortion. Now you should be asking yourself if that is worth your money, or if that is something you are having issues with. If so, here are some suggestions.

Yamaha MG10XU ($200 Mixing board)

Mackie ProFx8V2 ($180 Mixing board)

Yamaha Steinberg UR22MKII ($150 Audio interface)

There are less expensive mixing boards and audio interfaces, but if you are upgrading for better amplifiers and DACs then this is the lowest I would recommend. They are a bit more than you were looking to spend, but you may find some deals with black friday around the corner. If you really must have a cheaper solution then I've heard good (but mixed) results with the Scarlett 2i2. I had driver issues with the one I got though.

You're in luck! Check out the JBLs recommended at the top of the page that come in just under $300. If you're going from regular computer speakers to studio monitors, you'll need something else to connect to the speakers. You could technically just use a 3.5mm to dual quarter inch cable to start off, but you'll really benefit from an external dac and/or preamp or an audio interface (which is basically a dac/preamp combo that also has inputs). For those I'd rely on others for recommendations. I have a Sternberg UR22 audio interface that treats me well, but if you just want audio output, there may be higher value options on the DAC side of things.


The JBLs:
https://www.amazon.com/JBL-LSR305-Professional-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00F1DEI8G/

My steinberg, for reference:
https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1493746130&sr=1-1&keywords=steinberg+ur22

An audio interface with balanced outputs would work best. The have outputs for monitors and headphones.

A DAC/Amp combo would work too, but you may get more noise.

I suggest any of the following for an interface:

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Onyx-Artist-1-2-Interface/dp/B07664LMPQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538615994&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mackie+onyx+artist&dpPl=1&dpID=41g1YyxjwFL&ref=plSrch


https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC202HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURUBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616381&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=behringer+u-phoria&dpPl=1&dpID=41LnZHDgziL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56EA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616639&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=scarlett+2i2&dpPl=1&dpID=41L6SD2-BwL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616711&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=steinberg+interface&dpPl=1&dpID=41NuXCXoVGL&ref=plSrch

For a DAC/Amp combo, I suggest the following:

I personally own this and it is great.
https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-G2-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01N14SY65/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616843&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=origen+g2&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616970&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dac%2Famp&dpPl=1&dpID=41iOCuvyjdL&ref=plSrch

http://www.schiit.com/products/fulla-1


https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-o2-sdac-dac-amp

or this:
http://www.schiit.com/products/magni-1
plus this:
http://www.schiit.com/products/modi-1

Here's the one I use and it works very well: Steinberg UR22. There's the UR12 that has one input instead of two, for about $40 less. I like having two inputs since sometimes I use two mics, but if you're strictly recording one input/mic at a time then the UR12 will work just as well.

I might pick up that power supply if the mic doesn't work! That Mackie seems way too extensive for me. I was looking at something more along the lines of this

I would like to add music production hardware to this list. Since OP is gonna use it for making music, good speakers and a sound card are a must.

I recommend the UR22 sound card. It connects via USB to your computer has 2 ins and 2 outs and comes with pre-amps, which is perfect for the home studio (unless you're recording several tracks at once for drums). The UR22 comes with the Cubase 6 software, which is what I personally use. The Pro Tools Sound card is really expensive and harder to find. If you already have software you can still use the UR22. My only complaint is that the preamps are a little on the low side, but they get the job done on a budget, not really a big deal.

https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465770351&sr=8-1&keywords=ur+22

As for audio monitors, I really like the Mackie CR3s. You can get a pair of these for 99, which is great on a budget and still produce high quality sound. Monitors can get really pricey and take up a lot of space, if you want something of a higher quality you'd have to buy each on separately. Also get 2 1/4" cables to go out from the sound card to the audio monitors.

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR3-Creative-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4E/ref=zg_bs_11974991_1

This is an awesome response, thank you!

I'm currently using this audio interface. I know they're meant for instruments/mics, but I don't suppose there's a way to use one of the line in's for game console audio? (just to save me buying another unit)

I have a USB audio interface that I'm using for music production (https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479411269&sr=8-1&keywords=steinberg+ur22 this guy specifically), if I wanted to upgrade to a good set of headphones (thinking HD600) would it make sense to use the line out on the back of the interface for the DAC (rather than have to buy a separate one), and run that through a separate dedicated headphone amp?

Like one of these?

Steinberg UR22MKII 2-Channel USB Interface https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HReJBbDNV2DZY

Steinberg/Yamaha UR22 is very solid budget solution in your case ;)

2 inputs, pre amp, phantom power, good quality for this price with 192kHz 24bit.

https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM

An audio interface, such as this, has volume control and DAC: https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1541691184&sr=1-1&keywords=steinberg+ur22+mkii

Or, you can cobble something together like this:

• ART Cleanbox Pro - converts unbalanced signal to balanced: https://www.amazon.com/ART-CLEANBoxPro-2-channel-Unbalanced-Converter/dp/B003S7T49K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541691516&sr=8-3&keywords=art+cleanbox+pro
  
• Passive volume knob, such as JBL Nano Patch+ https://www.amazon.com/JBL-NPATCH-BLK-2-Channel-Controller/dp/B01I3B0OH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541691621&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+nano+patch%2B+compact+2-channel+passive+volume+controller
  
• If you multiple analog inputs, you can use this TCC TC-716 selector https://www.amazon.com/Technolink-TC-716-6-Port-Stereo-Selector/dp/B078M7S4G8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541691718&sr=8-1&keywords=tcc+tc-716
  
  That's a lot of work to make studio monitors work for you. I concur with others that a receiver plus passive speakers is a better choice.
  
  ​

Hello! would love some help in getting something to replace what i believe is my bottle neck in my rig - thanks!

1. What is your budget?

Around $500 but pref. lower

2. What are you looking for?

Audio interface with a great DAC

3. How will you typically be using the gear?

At home/office at the pc

4. What gear do you own?

Steinberg UR22 MK2 (this is the one i would like to upgrade/replace!)

Genelec 8020C (monitors)

Genelec 7040A (sub)

AKG K702 (headphone)

5. What material will you be using your gear for?

Mostly Spotify but also Games etc and sometimes record guitar.


6. Are you willing to buy used?

reluctant

7. What have you looked at so far?

Audient iD14

Audient iD22

RME BabyFace Pro

You can't without adding a bunch of latency making it practically unusable. It's one of the limitations of USB Microphones and ASIO drivers on Windows.

If you are still in your return window, return the Yeti for a pro musicians audio interface with XLR and phantom power and get a XLR mic instead of a USB one.

If you are on a budget, the Steinberg UR22 is an inexpensive model: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_nPxrzbFY0V6MG

Don't go with the UR12 or Focusrite Scarlett Solo. They won't allow you to 'mix' the live vocals with the instrument track like you are asking - on those two interface it is a toggle button either or. You need to step up to the UR22 or the Scarlett 2i2 which instead of a toggle button use a mixing knob to mix between the instrument track and the vocal track or a sweet spot in between.