Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface? It is a toss-up — take the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
Neither one leads on more of the chart than the other: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) takes Mic Inputs, the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface takes Creator Features. With the trade even, $49.01 is the tiebreaker, and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is the cheaper side of it.
Unless…
- You need creator features — get the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface.
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) | Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 5/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Popular 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with low-noise preamps and direct monitoring.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) takes XLR inputs (2, +1). It gives up loopback to the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
Leads on
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface takes loopback (Yes). It gives up XLR inputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). That costs $49.01 more than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
Leads on
-
LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
Where they’re identical
These 10 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O None
- Bus Powered Yes
- TRS Outputs 2
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface has and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 10 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite and Steinberg, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface?
It is a toss-up — take the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). Neither one leads on more of the chart than the other: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) takes Mic Inputs, the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface takes Creator Features. With the trade even, $49.01 is the tiebreaker, and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is the cheaper side of it.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 10 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit) and phantom power (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface worth the extra $49 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface costs $199.00 against $149.99, a difference of $49. The premium buys loopback (Yes). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.