For most people buying a Steinberg audio interface in India, the UR22C is the right pick: two D-PRE mic preamps, 32-bit/192 kHz recording over USB 3.0, MIDI and latency-free DSP effects for ₹12,499. Pick the UR12 or IXO22 if you only need a simple 24-bit box for one or two sources, the UR24C if you DJ or run two sets of speakers, and the UR44C if you record a band or need two headphone mixes.
By user: a singer-songwriter or home producer should buy the UR22C. A streamer, podcaster or student on the tightest budget can start with the IXO22 or UR12. A DJ who also produces fits the UR24C. A band, a drummer or anyone tracking four mics at once needs the UR44C, and a full project studio should look at the rack-mount UR816C.
All prices below are as listed on proaudiobrands.com in September 2026, and each is for one interface unless a bundle is named. Every specification comes from Steinberg's own operation manuals, linked in our sources.
At a glance: Steinberg UR22C vs UR12 vs IXO22 vs UR24C vs UR44C
| Model | Mic preamps | Outputs | Resolution and USB | DSP effects | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steinberg UR12 | 1 (plus 1 Hi-Z guitar input) | RCA line out, headphones | 24-bit/192 kHz, USB 2.0 | No | ₹10,999 | One mic or one guitar, first interface |
| Steinberg IXO22 (White) | 2 (input 2 or a separate guitar jack) | Balanced TRS line out, headphones | 24-bit/192 kHz, USB 2.0 on USB-C | No | ₹10,000 | Streaming, podcasts, two mics on a budget |
| Steinberg UR22C | 2 (input 2 switchable to Hi-Z) | Balanced main out, headphones, MIDI | 32-bit/192 kHz, USB 3.0 on USB-C | Yes | ₹12,499 | Home recording and production |
| Steinberg UR24C | 2 (input 1 switchable to Hi-Z) | Balanced main out, 2 RCA stereo pairs, headphones, MIDI | 32-bit/192 kHz, USB 3.0 on USB-C | Yes | ₹19,630 | DJs, two monitor setups, live backing tracks |
| Steinberg UR44C | 4 (inputs 1 and 2 have Hi-Z jacks) | Balanced main out, 2 balanced line pairs, 2 headphones, MIDI | 32-bit/192 kHz, USB 3.0 on USB-C | Yes | ₹23,990 | Bands, duos, two headphone mixes |
Browse every model in our Steinberg collection, or compare against other brands in the full audio interface range.
Steinberg or Yamaha? What the name change means
Many people search for the "Yamaha UR22C", and there is a reason. Steinberg has always been part of the Yamaha Group, and in October 2025 Yamaha announced that it had taken over Steinberg's hardware business. The Steinberg-branded IXO12, IXO22, UR22C and UR44C are being reintroduced under the Yamaha brand as the UR12MK3, UR22MK3, URX22C and URX44C. Other Steinberg interfaces, such as the UR24C and UR816C, will gradually be phased out.
In practical terms, a Steinberg UR22C bought today is the interface Yamaha now sells as the URX22C, and both companies have said they will keep providing drivers and product support for the foreseeable future. The models in this guide are the UR-C generation (UR22C, UR24C, UR44C, UR816C), the IXO22 and the original UR12.
Steinberg UR12: the simplest way in
It has one XLR mic input with a D-PRE preamp and phantom power, plus a separate Hi-Z jack for guitar or bass. It records at 24-bit and up to 192 kHz over USB 2.0 and runs on bus power from a computer.
Keep its limits in mind. The line outputs are unbalanced RCA jacks, so connecting studio monitors usually means an RCA to TRS or RCA to XLR cable. One knob sets both the headphone and speaker level. The mic preamp's gain range is +10 dB to +54 dB, narrower than the +6 dB to +60 dB of the newer models, which matters with quiet dynamic mics. There is no MIDI port and no DSP effects, though it does have a direct monitor switch and a Loopback function for streaming.
It also has a 5 V DC micro USB port, so an iPad can be used with a USB power adapter or power bank supplying the power. Buy the UR12 if you record one voice or one guitar at a time and want the lowest cost Steinberg entry.
Steinberg IXO22: two mics and streaming tools, compact
The IXO22 is the newer entry model, launched in 2024 with a redesigned preamp and converter. It has two XLR/TRS combo inputs, both with mic preamps and phantom power, and a dedicated guitar jack that takes over input 2 when you plug in. Steinberg's manual lists a mic gain range of +6 dB to +60 dB and equivalent input noise of -128 dBu, and the line outputs are impedance balanced TRS jacks, which is better for monitors than the UR12's RCA outputs.
The front panel is built around streaming and podcasting. Each input has its own mute button, and a Monitor switch turns Loopback and direct monitoring on and off, so you can mix your voice with game or music audio from the computer and send both to OBS or a video call. The headphone output delivers 40 mW per side into 40 ohms, well above the UR12 and UR22C. The IXO22 weighs 450 g and draws 2.5 W over USB.
What it lacks is MIDI, DSP effects and 32-bit recording: it works at 24-bit up to 192 kHz over USB 2.0 through a USB-C socket. For an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning port, Steinberg says you need Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, and the IXO22 has a separate USB-C 5 V input for extra power. Buy the IXO22 if you stream, podcast with a guest, or record vocals and guitar and never touch a MIDI keyboard.
Steinberg UR22C: the one most home studios should buy
At ₹12,499 the UR22C costs only ₹2,499 more than the IXO22. It has two combo mic/line inputs with D-PRE preamps and a gain range of +6 dB to +60 dB, a Hi-Z switch on input 2 for guitar, 48 V phantom power, balanced main outputs, a headphone output and MIDI in and out.
What the extra money buys
- 32-bit/192 kHz over USB 3.0: the UR22C connects through USB-C in USB 3.0 (3.1 Gen 1) SuperSpeed mode and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports. The 32-bit integer format only matters if your DAW records in it; Cubase does.
- dspMixFx DSP effects: an SSP3 DSP chip runs REV-X reverb, the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip and Guitar Amp Classics inside the interface. A singer can hear reverb in the headphones while recording with no computer latency, and you choose whether the effect is recorded or only monitored.
- MIDI in and out: connect an older keyboard or synth with 5-pin DIN MIDI without a separate MIDI interface.
- Loopback for streaming, like the IXO22.
One number to know before you buy: the UR22C headphone output is rated at 15 mW per side into 40 ohms. If you own high-impedance headphones and monitor loud, the IXO22, UR24C and UR44C have more headphone power.
The UR22C is bus powered through USB-C and also has a 5 V DC micro USB port with a power source switch. Steinberg suggests using that port if the computer's USB power is unstable or causes ground-loop noise, and it is required for iPad use. It weighs 1.0 kg.
UR22C Recording Pack
The Steinberg UR22C Recording Pack (₹25,900) adds Steinberg's ST-M01 condenser microphone, ST-H01 headphones, a mic mount and an XLR cable, and Steinberg's package guide lists WaveLab LE alongside Cubase AI. It suits a first-time buyer who wants a matched mic, headphones and interface in one box. If you already own a microphone or headphones, the standalone UR22C and your own choice of mic is the better use of the money; our home studio microphone guide covers the options.
Steinberg UR24C: for DJs and two pairs of speakers
The UR24C keeps the UR22C's two D-PRE mic inputs, 32-bit/192 kHz USB 3.0 audio, DSP effects, Loopback and MIDI, and adds outputs. Besides the balanced main outputs, it has two stereo pairs of line outputs on RCA jacks. Note that the Hi-Z switch here is on input 1, not input 2.
The feature that sets it apart is a switchable DAW/DJ monitor mode for the headphones. In DJ mode the slide switch and Mix knob let you hear the cue signal and the master either split to the left and right ears or blended in stereo, which is how DJs preview the next track. The headphone output is also stronger than the UR22C's, at 100 mW per side into 40 ohms.
The extra RCA outputs are useful for a second pair of monitors to check mixes, for sending a click to a drummer while the stereo backing track goes to the front of house mixer, or for feeding a DJ mixer. The UR24C is bus powered, weighs 1.1 kg and has the same 5 V DC backup port as the UR22C. At ₹19,630 it only makes sense if you need those outputs or the DJ mode. If you need more inputs instead, the UR44C costs ₹4,360 more.
Steinberg UR44C: four mics and two headphone mixes
The UR44C is the model for recording more than two people at once. It has four D-PRE mic preamps with a +6 dB to +60 dB gain range. Inputs 1 and 2 take either an XLR mic or a guitar on their Hi-Z jacks, inputs 3 and 4 take a mic on XLR or a line source on TRS, and a pair of balanced line inputs (5 and 6) switch between +4 dBu and -10 dBV for a keyboard, drum machine or mixer. That is six inputs in total.
On the output side there are balanced main outputs and two further balanced line output pairs. Line output 2 carries a second mix, so you can send a separate monitor feed or re-amp a guitar. The main and line outputs reach +16 dBu, more headroom than the UR22C and UR24C at +12 dBu. The two headphone outputs each deliver 100 mW per side into 40 ohms, and the second one can carry a separate mix, so a singer and a guitarist can each hear what they need.
It has the same DSP effects, Loopback, MIDI and USB 3.0 connection as the UR22C. It can run on USB bus power, and it ships with a 12 V AC adaptor for when the USB port cannot supply enough, since it draws 7.5 W. It weighs 1.5 kg and measures 252 x 47 x 159 mm, still small enough for a rehearsal room bag.
Buy the UR44C for a two or three piece band, recording a drummer with a few mics, a podcast with three or four hosts, or a home studio that wants a keyboard permanently plugged into the line inputs.
Beyond the UR44C: UR816C and the podcast bundle
The Steinberg UR816C (₹54,990) is a 16-in, 16-out rack interface with eight D-PRE mic preamps, eight balanced line outputs, two headphone outputs, an optical port switchable between ADAT and S/PDIF, word clock and MIDI. It runs from an AC adaptor and includes rack brackets. It suits a full drum kit, a band recording live, or a studio that wants to add an eight-channel ADAT preamp later.
The Steinberg UR12B PS Podcast Starter Pack (₹18,150) is aimed at a single podcaster. Steinberg's package guide lists the UR12 interface, an ST-M01 condenser microphone, a desk microphone stand with mount, a pop screen, XLR and USB cables, and download information for Cubase AI and WaveLab Cast, Steinberg's software for editing spoken audio.
Specs that matter, in plain terms
24-bit vs 32-bit
24-bit recording already gives far more dynamic range than a home room's background noise allows. The UR-C models' 32-bit integer support is a genuine feature, but the practical gains for most users come from the preamps, DSP monitoring and MIDI. Do not choose between the IXO22 and UR22C on bit depth alone.
USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0
Two channels of audio fit easily within USB 2.0, so the UR12 and IXO22 are not held back for basic recording. The UR-C models use USB 3.0 but still work on USB 2.0 ports. What matters more on a laptop is a stable driver and enough bus power.
DSP monitoring vs direct monitoring
Every model here lets you hear your input with no delay. Only the UR-C models add effects to that zero-latency signal. If a singer performs better with some reverb in their headphones, that is a strong reason to buy a UR22C over an IXO22.
Using a Steinberg interface in India
- Power: the UR12, IXO22, UR22C and UR24C are USB powered, so they follow your laptop's supply. If you hear hum or crackle when the charger is connected, the 5 V DC port with a good phone charger or power bank often helps, as Steinberg's manuals suggest. The UR44C and UR816C use mains adaptors that should go through a surge protector or a line-interactive UPS, which also protects the computer during voltage dips and power cuts.
- Heat and dust: Steinberg rates these units for 0 to 40 °C. Keep them out of direct sun near a window and away from the air conditioner outlet, and cover them when not in use in a dusty room.
- Humidity: Steinberg warns about condensation. If you carry an interface from an air conditioned room into monsoon humidity, give it time to reach room temperature before powering it on.
- iPad and phone use: all of these models can record to an iPad, and Steinberg notes that Apple adapters and external USB power may be needed. Plan for a power bank if you record on location.
- Warranty and support: buying from an authorised dealer means your warranty is honoured locally and you get genuine units with valid software licences. With the Yamaha rebrand under way, that matters for driver updates and service.
Which Steinberg interface should you buy?
- Singer, rapper or songwriter recording at home: UR22C. Two inputs, DSP reverb for headphone monitoring and MIDI for a keyboard.
- Streamer, gamer or podcaster with one guest: IXO22. Two mic inputs, mute buttons, Loopback and a stronger headphone output for less money.
- Guitarist or voice-over artist on the smallest budget: UR12, as long as RCA outputs and a single mic input are enough.
- Beginner who owns nothing yet: UR22C Recording Pack for music, UR12B PS Podcast Starter Pack for speech.
- DJ who also produces: UR24C for the DJ monitor mode and extra outputs.
- Band, duo or drummer: UR44C for four preamps and two headphone mixes.
- Project studio recording a full kit: UR816C.
If you are still comparing across brands, our best audio interfaces for home studios in India guide sets these models against Focusrite, MOTU, Audient and SSL.
FAQ
What is the Steinberg UR22C price in India?
The Steinberg UR22C is listed at ₹12,499 on proaudiobrands.com in September 2026, for a single interface. The UR22C Recording Pack with the ST-M01 microphone and ST-H01 headphones is ₹25,900.
Is the Yamaha UR22C the same as the Steinberg UR22C?
Yes, in substance. Yamaha announced in October 2025 that the Steinberg UR22C is being reintroduced under the Yamaha brand as the URX22C. Yamaha and Steinberg both continue to provide drivers and support for Steinberg-branded units.
Steinberg UR12 vs UR22C: which is better?
The UR22C, if you can spend ₹1,500 more. It adds a second mic preamp, balanced outputs, MIDI, DSP effects and 32-bit/192 kHz recording over USB 3.0. The UR12 has one mic input, one guitar input and RCA outputs.
Steinberg IXO22 vs UR22C: which should I buy?
Both have two mic inputs. The IXO22 is lighter, has input mute buttons and a stronger headphone output, and suits streaming and podcasts. The UR22C adds MIDI, DSP reverb and channel strip effects and 32-bit recording, so it suits music production.
Can the Steinberg UR22C record a guitar directly?
Yes. Switch on Hi-Z for input 2 and plug the guitar in with an unbalanced instrument cable. The Guitar Amp Classics DSP effect lets you monitor through an amp simulation with no latency.
Does the Steinberg UR22C need a power adapter?
No. It runs on USB bus power from a computer. It has a 5 V DC micro USB port for a USB power adapter or power bank, which you need with an iPad and can use to reduce noise from an unstable laptop USB supply.
Which Steinberg sound card is best for recording a band?
The UR44C, with four mic preamps, two line inputs and two headphone outputs, is the practical choice for a small band. For a full drum kit plus other instruments, the UR816C gives eight preamps and ADAT expansion.