A recent comment from DavidT inspired me to write an article about the similarities and differences between Steinberg UR22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interfaces. If you find yourself in the position of having to choose one of these two devices and you need the ultimate reason to choose one of them, then the following comparison might be of help. I will try to point the main differences between these two audio interfaces but in the end, you have to make your own decision according to your own needs.
Background
I had the pleasure of working with both devices for different periods of time. I’ve tested the Steinberg UR22 for few hours at a friend’s house and I worked on Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for a longer period of time. While my overall opinion on these interfaces may be slightly biased, the comparison will be made on actual features and real user reviews.
Steinberg UR22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Build quality
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is packed in an aluminum case that seems solid and resistant to shocks. The UR22 has a similar metal body, making it heavy and durable. Both interfaces have sturdy and superior level buttons. We have a tie here.
Sample rate and audio resolution
There are some features on the UR22 that may surpass Scarlett 2i2, like the sample rate: 96kHz on Scarlet 2i2 vs 192kHz on Steinberg UR22. This is not necessarily a definitive difference between these two audio interfaces, since most users record at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. For a home studio, recording at 96kHz is more than enough. The maximum resolution is the same on both interfaces: 24-bit. UR22 won this round.
Steinberg UR22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Preamps
Included preamps are of great importance and they should weight a lot in your decision to buy an audio interface for your home studio. After testing both devices, I truly believe that Focusrite’s 2i2 is superior in terms of preamps, since it features the same D-Pre mic preamps found in their flagship device, the Liquid Saffire 56. While UR22′s preamps are pretty clean (I would say “common” is the right word to describe them), the preamps on Scarlett 2i2 are spectacular. As you may already know, Focusrite has an established 25 years history of manufacturing great audio devices with outstanding preamps. Focusrite Scarlett won this round.
MIDI in/out feature
This round is won hands down by the Steinberg UR22 interface, since there are no MIDI connectors on Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. UR22 won this round.
Software support
Again, I do believe that Steinberg UR22 is better in terms of software support and compatibility especially if you are working on Steinberg Cubase software. While I was using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 with Cubase 5 I noticed rare crashes and buffer problems when I was using too many effects. The UR22 worked flawlessly in Cubase. Both devices have recording software included in the box, the 2i2 has the Ableton Live Lite 8 while the UR22 has the Cubase 6 software. I think that Cubase 6 is better for a home studio project. UR22 won this round.
Users’s reviews and price
Steinberg UR22 costs $149.99 and Scarlett 2i2 costs $114. In terms of users’ rating, the UR22 has 4/5 stars while the 2i2 has 4.5/5 stars. As you can see, 2i2 is cheaper and is has better rating (according to Amazon).
My conclusion
As you can see in the feature comparison above, Steinberg UR22 could be seen as a better choice if you need an audio interface for your home studio. Now, I will share my own conclusion.If you plan to record vocals and you have an aditional MIDI port on other device in your studio then Scarlett 2i2 is a wiser choice. Its outstanding preamps will definitely make the difference. Users on Amazon have given this interface a better rating. If you need quality, go with Scarlett 2i2.
If you already own a great preamp in your home studio, then you should go for Steinberg UR22, since it has better features and software support. Also, it has a superior sample rate.
What’s your favorite audio interface? Read complete review on UR22 and on 2i2.
I believe, D-Pre mic preamps comes with UR22 not the 2i2
Yeah, everywhere I’ve read suggests the UR22 preamps are superior to the 2i2.
D-Pre preamps are manufactured by Yamaha and are in the Steinburg. Focusrite has their own proprietary mic preamps, and they are not called D-Pre.
Yeah over the past few weeks I’ve read several posts on forums from people who had used both saying the Steinberg’s pre amps are better, with less noise in gain
thing is, none of these is really pro, but the UR44 for example, really beats the c.. of any Focusrite.
D pre’s are indeed very good, while Focusrite has a gain problem, and especially a serios noise problem.
Drivers are waaay better on Steinberg , and UR44 has no less than.. 4 outputs which, is simpy amazing to use with an external device, while Focusrite has 1 psir of mains and that is that. UR also has DSP effects , Focusrite doesn’t. As for being so famous for their pre amps, just listen carefully, don’t just read the name Focusrite and assume it must be good, because it is not. By far not. The preamps are in fact quite poor for such a ‘ name’.
Just how I see it guys.