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#Linux #audio: #PreSonus Studio24C -vs- #Steinberg UR22C #review !

Studio24C has 5-state level indicators for both input and output channels. UR22C has only 2 state indicators (peak or not) for ins, and nothing for outs. You won't know if you get any audio until it's clipped. Without a software meter, gain is a mystery. That's crippling. Why didn't they use RGB LEDs?

UR22C's selling point is onboard DSP that can only be set on Windows or Mac. Also can run on a powerbank.

More details in pics!

PreSonus Studio 24C USB-C 2.0 audio interface running on Linux. Fantastic front panel with 5-state level indicators for both input and output channels. Combo sockets on the left, big display in the middle, all controls on the right. Balanced TRS outputs, a stereo headphone output plus MIDI in/out ports on the back - less desk clutter! Phantom switch with an LED indicator on the front as well - could be on the back, but if you have lots of mics in your home studio to swap between this can't hurt. No High-Z input option though, but it takes guitar input fine. Overall a joy to use. Works flawlessly on Linux without issues. One downside I noticed was distorted stereo balance on the headphone output pot on low levels. At the absolute low end all signal pans to the right before going mute completely, but that's rarely an issue in normal use. It did appeared after a couple months of use and I had the same problem on Behringer UMC202HD, though that one lasted a year or two before developing the unbalanced headphone knob syndrome. Interestingly the monitoring Mixer (Inputs/Outputs) is clearly done in software and has a delayed reaction to knob inputs. More a curiosity than a problem really. You might think that it using USB 2.0 instead of USB 3.1 like Steinberg UR22C is a downside - actually it's an upside, because it doesn't reduce it's functionality or audio quality at all. I think it's just because of DSP power cost on the UR22C. This unit comes with 2 USB leads as well!
Steinberg UR22C USB-C 3.1 interface running on Linux. Only 2-state input level indicators means your only feedback from the device about your gain levels is when they're too hot already. No indicators for output, though that's standard fare. Gain knobs are placed close to their respective combo sockets, LEDs on the top, knobs on the center and right. A large main output knob with a white LED ring around it that only tells you if the device has power. Could be RGB to show output levels. The audio input indicators could also have been RGB LEDs showing way more feedback about input signal. I guess this might be better if you're colorblind because all lights are either on of off. But Pre-Sonus still beats that hands-down with 4 LEDs for each input and output channel which are distinguished both by position and color, with a dB scale present as well. UR22C's main unique feature is onboard DSP that can only be accessed via proprietary software that's Window and Mac exclusive. I guess the device was designed to be used with a Windows laptop or a MacBook and then the lack of hardware level indicators is probably not an issue. I am sure one could get used to it, but after months of using PreSonus Studio 24C that lack of level indicators felt absolutely perplexing to me. Another unique feature is a secondary micro-USB port on the back that can make the device take power fro ma power bank, separate from the USB-C socket connected to a computer. Not a good choice for your desk.
Steinberg's UR22C is clearly compenstating for something with that box size. How much packaging and shipping overhead does that add in comparison to PreSonus Studio 24C? Steinberg's box has: - the device - a USB C-A lead - a thick manual or two - extra cardboard and plastic - lots of expansive air that's shipped across the world PreSonus' box has: - the device - a USB A-C lead - a USB C-C lead (yes! an extra cable!) - a set of optional 4 rubber feet (everyone else has them pre-applied) - a slim booklet - a little bit of packaging foam to protect the device - no space left To be fair Steinberg's device is a tiny bit larger itself, as it has to contain extra DSP hardware you'll never use on Linux anyway. My opinion: UR22C is a complete waste and an inferior experience if you don't specifically need it's unique features (onboard DSP and independent power source port).
#Linux #audio #Review #presonus #steinberg
This entry was edited (2 years ago)
in reply to unfa🇺🇦

unfa🇺🇦
mastodon - Link to source
unfa🇺🇦
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About UR22C's "32-bit audio interface" tagline: it's a gross simplification at best and plain false advertising at worst.
The interface's A/D converters are 24-bit like any other I/F's in this class, and the 32-bit refers to onboard DSP processing only. No, you won't get a higher dynamic range when recording through it. The USB-C 3.1 connectivity and the 32-bit marketing makes it seem like something more than it is.
Unknown parent

unfa🇺🇦
mastodon - Link to source
unfa🇺🇦
• •
@octopoulpe I suspect the PreSonus Studio24C would also have a solid chunk of it's wight in the metal shell - to some extent I appreciate that if it makes the device more rugged. Unless we're putting steel slabs in to fake "heft" 😁
@poulpomancien
in reply to unfa🇺🇦

sxpert
pleroma - Link to source
sxpert
• •
The motu M4 appears to be better than those 2 relative to the things you’re looking for
in reply to sxpert

unfa🇺🇦
mastodon - Link to source
unfa🇺🇦
• •
@sxpert Yes, but MOTU M4 costs 270 EUR and PreSonus Studio24C is 150 EUR. That's almost 2 times cheaper.
@sxpert

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