Steinberg UR242 4-Channel USB Interface Review (March 2024)

$229.99

Last updated on March 14, 2024 2:50 pm Details

Description

In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the Steinberg UR242 4-Channel USB Interface, including an overview of its unique features.

Product Description

Whether you are a musician or producer, the UR242 offers much more than just a portable I/O device or audio interface; it’s a complete mobile production solution. Giving you fantastic audio quality, flexible inputs, and outputs with advanced DSP-based effects, it’s a remarkably cost-effective solution to all musical situations.

At the same time as you’re thinking about what audio interface to choose, you’re probably thinking about today’s DAWs, virtual instruments, and boutique effect plug-ins which offer the kind of audio quality equal to top studios, even when used with a modestly-priced laptop or iOS device. Are you looking for a compact, portable audio interface with functionality and sound quality to match? Built to a truly professional standard, the UR242 is designed to offer the audio aficionado a cost-effective, mobile solution to seamlessly match the extraordinary audio quality and flexibility of today’s best music production software.

Whether you’re laying down studio guitar tracks or playing live through your laptop as a flexible digital guitar amp, the UR242 is designed for you as a guitar player. It includes DSP-powered, virtual amplifier FX to give you a superb, dynamic sound when monitoring, with zero latency. The Guitar Amp Classics FX suite offers four different classic tube amps with full control, the Hi-Z input on Channel 1 lets you plug your electric guitar or bass straight into the interface, while the professional quality D-PRE microphone preamps let you capture the sound of an acoustic instrument is unparalleled, sparkling detail.

As a keyboard or piano player, have you looked at mobile audio interfaces and never found the perfect one? The UR242’s mix of connectivity and portability could be just what you need. Its two line inputs and MIDI port give you a parallel recording of the audio signal and MIDI data, ready for further work in your DAW also using VSTis or routing to the main outputs for live gigs, while the professional D-PRE microphone preamps ensure every nuance of an acoustic piano is captured with stunning accuracy. The UR242 is an optimum yet affordable solution for any keyboard player or pianist, wherever you play.

Product Features

  • USB
  • MIDI I/O
  • 24-Bit/192 kHz
  • 4 In – 2 Out
  • Weight: 1.3 kg
  • 2x D-PRE Microphone preamps
  • Pad Switch for Input 1 and 2
  • 2 Analog outputs 6.3 mm jack
  • Dimensions: 198 x 47 x 159 mm
  • 1x Headphone output 6.3 mm jack
  • Switchable 48V Phantom power
  • Includes Steinberg Cubase AI software (download version)
  • 2 Analog line inputs 6.3 mm Jack balanced, backside
  • Apple iPad support (requires optional camera connection kit)
  • 2 Analog mic / line combo inputs XLR / 6.3 mm jack – Input 1 available as Hi-Z input (guitar / bass), front side
  • Zero-latency monitoring with DSP-based and no-latency effects: REV-X reverb, Guitar Amp Classics, and Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip
  • Minimum system requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or later, Apple iOS 6 or later, Apple iPad2 or later, Windows 7 or later

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Solid build
  • Reasonably Priced
  • Incredibly trusted
  • Favorable consumer reviews
  • Worth the investment
  • Terrific sound quality
  • Perfect for studio recording and live performance

Cons

  • Reverb
  • Plenty I/O options
  • Pres seems a little underpowered
  • The output of the headphones is not the loudest

Steinberg UR242 4-Channel USB Interface Demo

Our Verdict

Steinberg understands the importance of home recording studios. The success of their audio interfaces, specifically the UR242, demonstrates this. This audio interface provides four simultaneous input channels for the price of one, two of which have class A D-Pre mic preamps and the other two are for line-level sources.

The 4-channel UR242 continues to attract market popularity thanks to its two class A D-PRE microphone preamps, 24-bit/192kHz resolution, multi-operating system compatibility, and Loopback capabilities for live online streaming.

It offers plug-and-play compatibility with Cubase, as expected, but it also works well with competing DAWs. If you use Cubase or need an audio interface with more than two input channels, consider the Steinberg UR242. It’s worth a look because of its iOS compatibility and great build quality.

Where to Buy

The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.

Steinberg UR242 4-Channel USB Interface

$229.99
Amazon.com
as of March 17, 2024 7:07 pm

Pricing History

Price History for Steinberg UR242 4-Channel USB Interface

Statistics

Current Price $229.99 March 17, 2024
Highest Price $229.99 November 12, 2023
Lowest Price $99.00 September 24, 2023
Since August 31, 2023

Last price changes

$229.99 November 12, 2023
$170.00 October 15, 2023
$129.00 October 10, 2023
$135.00 September 26, 2023
$99.00 September 24, 2023

Last updated on March 17, 2024 7:07 pm

Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In

Best 4 Channel Audio Interfaces (2022)

Best Value Audio Interfaces Available

Best Portable Audio Interfaces (2022)

Additional information

Item Weight

2.86 pounds

Product Dimensions

13.1 x 8.1 x 4.1 inches

Country of Origin

China

Item model number

UR242

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer

No

Date First Available

March 14, 2015

Color Name

MultiColored

Compatible Devices

Notebook, Ipad, Mobile Phones

Hardware Interface

USB 2.0

Size

UR242

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