When comparing Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Recording Audio Interface vs Steinberg UR22MKII, the Slant community recommends Steinberg UR22MKII for most people. In the question“What are the best audio interfaces? ” Steinberg UR22MKII is ranked 1st while Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Recording Audio Interface is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Steinberg UR22MKII is:
It’ll be much easier for you to monitor your recordings. There is a mix balance knob which allows you to adjust the headphone output balance to favor either the input signal or recording signal more.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Good drivers
Device is USB audio class device, so it will work reliably without drivers on all platforms. Drivers are only necessary for special features, like changing the monitoring or the sync source.
Pro You can adjust mix monitoring balance
It’ll be much easier for you to monitor your recordings. There is a mix balance knob which allows you to adjust the headphone output balance to favor either the input signal or recording signal more.
Pro This is an affordable but feature-packed interface
The UR22MKII is more affordable than other similar options, yet you get a lot of features like quality pre-amps, mix balance monitoring, MIDI I/O and more. Other similarly-priced or more expensive options do not have this feature set.
Pro This interface is capable of high sample rates
Theoretically, you’ll be able to record higher quality audio with this interface compared to most of the other options in this price category. The UR22 MkII is capable of 192 kHz recordings while other options usually top out at 96 kHz.
Pro iOS compatible
The UR2 MkII can be used to record audio directly to an iPhone or iPad. At the back of the interface is a power switch selector. When recording with an iDevice, you’ll have to move the power switch to the micro-USB connector. You’ll need a suitable power supply and a Lighting to USB connector for the latest iDevices to make this setup work though.
Pro MIDI I/O connectors are present
The UR22 MkII will work with MIDI devices out of the box as there are 5-pin MIDI input and output connectors at the rear side.
Pro The pre-amps output clean and detailed audio
You won’t have problems with audio artifacts when recording with this interface. The pre-amps are high quality and produce clean and distortion-free audio. Gain levels are also very good so you’ll be able to dial in the audio source volumes to your liking.
Pro The output connectors are 6.3mm
This interface should be compatible with many output devices. The rear output ports are 6.3mm jacks instead of the usual RCA in budget interfaces. This negates the need to use adapters or converters to connect studio monitors, mixers and other studio devices to the UR22 MkII.
Pro Solid build quality
The UR22 MkII feels solid and well built. The outer casing is made out of metal so it won’t get damaged easily.
Cons
Con Instrument input has noise
Hi-Z instrument input has too much noise for DI electric guitar with high-gain effects.
Con There only is a single phantom power control for both inputs
You won’t be able to control phantom power settings for each individual input. The single +48v switch activates or deactivates phantom power for both input channels so you need to be aware of the mics connected to the interface before turning the feature on.
Con No signal indication
You'll only see the indicator light blinking when the signal clips. This can be confusing as you won't have a visual indicator if there is no clipping.