Steinberg UR816C USB Audio Interface

Quality should always be at the heart of your recording setup, which exactly sums up the Steinberg UR816C USB Audio Interface. It has comprehensive inputs and outputs for making multitrack recordings, exceptional microphone preamps, professional features including Word Clock, digital inputs/outputs and mute/dim switches — everything that’s needed for a first class recording every time.

32-bit/192 kHz audio resolution

The industry-leading converters used in the UR-C series deliver exceptional audio quality, thanks to a maximum sampling rate of 192 kHz with 32-bit resolution. High-quality conversion is a crucial first step to a great audio production and, with the UR-C interfaces, Steinberg’s designers invested a huge amount of time, effort and meticulous research in choosing the very best combination of components for outstanding analog to digital conversion. In addition to the great build quality of the UR series, the sound quality of the UR-C models has been refined by carefully adjusting components and incorporating 32-bit converters. These set a new standard for precisely and transparently capturing the subtlest nuances of every recorded signal, ensuring even the tiniest audio detail is maintained throughout the entire production process.

Class-A D-PRE mic preamps

The UR-C series features D-PRE preamps, offering stellar recording quality unmatched in this price class. Yamaha’s highly acclaimed D-PRE preamps deliver truly transparent and beautifully detailed sound. A sumptuously detailed high end, immaculate dynamic response and rich, rounded low frequencies are the hallmarks of D-PRE, a very special, class-leading preamp which has been praised by industry professionals and media alike ever since its introduction. And to faithfully capture and replay that warm, transparent sound, the UR-Cs feature AD and DA conversion stages with up to 32-bit/192 kHz resolution.

Compatible with all major audio software

UR-Cs are compatible with all major audio software supporting the ASIO, Core Audio or WDM standard, providing a fully integrated, DSP-based monitoring setup wherever you are and with whichever DAW you use. Integrating seamlessly with Cubase and almost any other DAW, UR-Cs deliver latency-free monitoring with DSP-powered FX, via the onboard SSP3 DSP chip and latest dspMixFx technology.

Dim and Mute studio controls

For studio sessions, the UR816C features functionality needed to work in a professional studio situation. Dim and Mute controls for easy communication between recording engineer and artist. When you turn the Mute switch on, the signal from the main outputs will be muted. You can also individually mute the output signal of each of the line outputs. By turning the Dim switch on, the signal from the main outputs will be reduced by a definable dB value. You can also individually dim the output signal of each line output by the same amount.

HA mode

HA mode is a special mode that allows one of a pair of UR816Cs to be used as an eight-channel mic preamp and one set of monitors conveniently used with both units. When using two UR816Cs, with one set to HA mode, the optical in/out jacks are connected to route audio signals between them, with the Word Clock input of the UR816C in HA mode connected to the Word Clock output of the unit in normal mode.

Latency-free monitoring with DSP effects

With built-in DSPs, UR-C interfaces provide zero-latency monitoring with effects for every DAW, with straightforward control of all routings and settings. Powered by Yamaha’s custom-designed SSP3 DSP chip, you can enjoy all the benefits of dspMixFx technology. This offers latency-free monitoring, together with the highly acclaimed REV-X reverb, the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip and Guitar Amp Classics for users of any DAW software. When using Cubase, all of the advanced monitoring capabilities are fully integrated into the application’s GUI by True Integrated Monitoring technology and users can choose to control the monitoring capabilities either from Cubase or the dspMixFx application, while the dspMixFx UR-C mixing application allows control of all effects when the interface is used with any other audio software.

Loopback function for streaming

The Loopback function of the UR-Cs offers an easy way of streaming performances live to the Internet. Often used by hosts of live online broadcasts, when the function is active, incoming audio signals to the UR-C (such as microphone, guitar or line source) are merged with the signal coming from audio playback software like Cubase or another DAW inside the computer. The merged signal will then be sent back to the computer for online streaming via your software of choice. And with the onboard effects of the UR-Cs you can tweak your sound, for example adding some reverb when doing online karaoke.

MIDI input and output

All UR-C audio interfaces are equipped with a MIDI I/O port to connect any MIDI device, making them extremely flexible for studio recording. Many studios and musicians still use MIDI input devices, classic sound modules, samplers and more as an integral part of their signature sound. The MIDI I/O on the UR-C series means that you can combine the latest audio interface technology with any MIDI device to ensure every aspect of your sound is just as you want it.

Optical digital connection

Alongside its array of XLR and 6.3mm audio connections, the UR816C features digital in/out ports which allow you to connect it (via optical cable) to digital audio devices. Switchable between ADAT and S/PDF format, up to eight channels of I/O can be accommodated. The possibility of expanding your studio setup with an additional eight-channel mic preamp makes the UR816C a perfect interface as your demands grow. You can, for example, use a second UR816C in HA mode as a stand-alone eight-channel mic preamp to grow your system.

Superspeed USB 3.1 with USB-C

UR-C interfaces feature the USB 3.1 Gen 1 SuperSpeed standard, which provides fast, reliable and seamless connectivity to Mac and PC computers, as well as iOS devices. Together with the enhanced low latency delivered by the newly designed SSP3 chip and latest, most refined drivers, the UR-C series gives you peace of mind wherever you are recording. Also being compatible with USB 2.0 standard, you can enjoy the benefits of enhanced low latency with computers that do not provide a USB 3 connection.

Ultra-rugged build

Built to the most exacting standards, with a robust metal casing, the UR-Cs are rugged enough to withstand all the rigors of the road. Location recording, or just transporting your gear from one place to another, always comes with the risk of bumps, bangs, drops or scrapes. The exceptional build quality of these interfaces means you don’t need to worry about the journey — they are tough enough to ensure that, when you set up to record, the high-quality internal components will work perfectly every time.

Word clock with SSPLL jitter reduction technology

The UR816C uses SSPLL, currently the most advanced technology for minimizing audio band jitter and vital when creating a high-quality, professional audio network. As more devices with clocks are added to an audio system, each clock beats against the others, creating audio band jitter. The traditional solution is to add expensive master clocks but, with audio equipment becoming more affordable, some manufacturers use cheap clock solutions which can lead to equipment not working properly. Robust Super Suppression Phase Locked Loop (SSPLL) technology performs at the same level as professional clocking products, making all connected equipment work reliably and virtually jitter-free.

dspMixFx Remote Bridge

dspMixFx Remote Bridge is a Windows/Macintosh computer application which allows you to control the DSP functions of a connected UR44C or UR816C wirelessly from an iOS device using dspMixFx iOS, when connected to the same wireless LAN. By using the Remote Bridge a singer or musician can easily adjust the DSP monitor settings from the recording booth

iOS ready via CC Mode

Combining UR-C units with an iOS audio application such as Steinberg’s Cubasis for iPad, provides you with a fully mobile audio recording solution. All UR-C interfaces automatically switch to Class Compliant (CC) mode when connected to an iPad or iPhone and the UR22C and UR44C can even be bus powered by the USB-C equipped iPad Pro models. With Steinberg’s Cubasis iPad app or other iOS audio apps, UR-Cs offer an effortlessly intuitive production experience on iPad or iPhone.

Included software and FX:

• Cubase AI
• Cubasis LE
• dspMixFx mixing application
• Bundled effects plug-in suite
• REV-X reverb
• Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip
• Guitar Amp Classics
• Clean
• Crunch
• Drive
• Lead