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Steinberg UR44c
Steinberg UR44c is a 6-in and 4-out USB 3.0 audio interface, featuring four Class-A D-PRE microphone preamps and supporting 192 kHz and 32-bit audio quality. The UR44c interface is equipped with a MIDI I/O port to connect any MIDI device such as classic sound modules and samplers. I use the Steinberg UR44c to facilitate streaming (e.g., through Zoom, or OBS). I use a separate audio interface (X32 digital mixer) for my DAW and other applications. See here how I have configured my setup for streaming.
Update 24 December 2023: For unknown reason I have problems with the UR44c in my streaming setup.
Update 26 May 2024: I did some further testing. I updated the drivers, the dspMixFx program, and the firmware. But now I get USB connection errors. A Google search learned that many users are facing this problem, which remains unresolved. Many of these users switched to another audio interface. I have also given up and replaced the audio interface with a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4.
Update 29 August 2025: I again updated the firmware. This time the interface seems be working again with my Portable Cubase setup.
Class-A D-PRE mic preamps
The UR-C series features D-PRE preamps. Yamaha’s 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.
Latency-free monitoring with DSP effects
With built-in digital signal processing (DSP), UR-C interfaces provide zero latency monitoring with effects for every DAW, including straightforward control of all routings and settings. It is powered by Yamaha’s custom-designed SSP3 DSP chip. It offers latency-free monitoring, together with the REV-X reverb, the Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip and Guitar Amp Classics for users of any DAW software. When using Cubase, all of monitoring capabilities are fully integrated into the application’s GUI by True Integrated Monitoring technology. You 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.
dspMixFx Remote Bridge
dspMixFx Remote Bridge is a computer application which allows you to control the DSP functions of a connected UR44C 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.
The device
Image: The Steinberg UR44c.
Loopback for streaming
The Loopback function of the UR-Cs offers an easy way of streaming performances live to the Internet. 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 (USB channel 1/2) for online streaming via your software of choice (e.g., through Zoom, or OBS). See also the signal flow below. The UR44C has two loopback modes:
- Live Cast: inputs and computer audio will be streamed. To be used if you are the only person to be heard on the stream.
- Voice Chat: only the inputs of the interface are streamed (not the computer audio such as Zoom, DAW, etc). To be used if you want to have a conservation with someone else and don’t want that their voice is streamed back to them.
Update: 26 May 2024: in the latest version of the software the Live/Voice cast menu has been removed in virtue of three faders (DAW, Music, Voice) that should provide the same functionality. I have not tested this.
How to use the loopback mode
Routing and block diagram
The UR44C allows, for example, to record dry vocals while the vocalists hears him/herself on headphones with Reverb. If the loopback function is turned on then also the reverb is recorded.
The software and plugins
Upper row: the URc-44 mixer without and with the input metering. Lower left: The REV-X digital reverb. Lower Right: the effect strip with a compressor and equalizer.
REV-X is a digital reverb platform based on the Yamaha SPX2000. One REV-X effect is included in this unit. Input signals can be sent to the REV-X effect, and the REV-X effect is applied only to the monitor outputs. However, with the loopback function engaged the reverb is also streamed (e.g., to USB channel 1/2). Three types of REV-X are available: Hall, Room, and Plate.
Setup in my studio
See Solutions to stream your DAW.
Video
How to create podcasts on your ipad/iphone using the URC44c
Technical Specifications
MIC INPUT 1-4 (balanced)
- Frequency Response +0.0/-0.4 dB, 20 Hz − 22 kHz
- Dynamic Range 102 dB, A-Weighted
- THD+N 0.003%, 1 kHz, 22 Hz/22 kHz BPF
- Maximum Input Level +6 dBu
- Input Impedance 3 kΩ
- Gain Range +6 dB − +60 dB
HI-Z INPUT 1/2 (unbalanced)
- Maximum Input Level +9.0 dBV
- Input Impedance 1 MΩ
- Gain Range +0.8 dB − +54.8 dB
LINE INPUT 3/4 (balanced)
- Maximum Input Level +22 dBu
- Input Impedance 10 kΩ
- Gain Range -10 dB − +44 dB
LINE INPUT 5/6 (balanced)
- Frequency Response +0.0/-0.4 dB, 20 Hz − 22 kHz
- Dynamic Range 106 dB, A-Weighted
- THD+N 0.002%, 1 kHz, 22 Hz/22 kHz BPF
- Maximum Input Level +22 dBu (+4 dBu input), +2.1 dBV (-10 dBV input)
- Input Impedance 10 kΩ (+4 dBu input), 10 kΩ (-10 dBV input)
- Gain Selection +4 dBu or -10 dBV input Switchable
MAIN OUTPUT (balanced)
- Frequency Response +0.0/-0.2 dB, 20 Hz − 22 kHz
- Dynamic Range 105 dB, A-Weighted
- THD+N 0.002%, 1 kHz, 22 Hz/22 kHz BPF
- Maximum Output Level +16 dBu
- Output Impedance 75 Ω
LINE OUTPUT (balanced)
- Frequency Response +0.0/-0.2 dB, 20 Hz − 22 kHz
- Dynamic Range 105 dB, A-Weighted
- THD+N 0.002%, 1 kHz, 22 Hz/22 kHz BPF
- Maximum Output Level +16 dBu
- Output Impedance 75 Ω
PHONES 1/2
- Maximum Output Level 100 mW+100 mW, 40 Ω
USB
- Specification USB 3.0, 32-bit, 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/88.2 kHz/96 kHz/176.4 kHz/192 kHz
| Total number of inputs | 6 |
|---|---|
| Total number of individual outputs | 4 |
| Total number of Outputs | 6 |
| Microphone preamp | D-PRE |
| Microphone inputs | 4 |
| Inputs with line level | 4 |
| Inputs with HI-Z | 2 |
| Analog inputs TRS | 2 |
| Analog inputs Combo | 4 |
| Analog outputs TRS | 6 |
| Phantom power | 4 |
| Headphone | With dedicated volume control |
| Headphones outputs | 2 |
| MIDI I/O | yes |
| Monitoring | Latency free monitoring with FX |
|---|---|
| Onboard DSP | SSP 3 |
| True Integrated Monitoring with FX in Cubase | Yes |
| High-Pass filter | Yes |
| REV-X Reverb | Yes |
| Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip | Yes |
Documentation and Manual
