Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface vs Audient iD24
Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface vs Audient iD24 compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface or Audient iD24? Get the Audient iD24.
The Audient iD24 wins Mic Inputs, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $399, so the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface stays the pick if $200 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need audio resolution — 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 | Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface | Audient iD24 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
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 sample rate (192kHz, +96kHz). It gives up ADAT expansion and XLR inputs to the Audient iD24. It is the cheaper of the two, by $200.00.
Leads on
-
Sample Rate +96kHz192kHz96kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
Audient iD24
Pro-level USB-C audio interface with strong preamps, monitor control, and expandable I/O.
On paper the Audient iD24 takes ADAT expansion (Yes), XLR inputs (2, +1), headphone outputs (2, +1) and TRS outputs (4, +2). It gives up sample rate to the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface. That costs $200.00 more than the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface.
Leads on
-
ADAT ExpansionYesNo
ADAT lets you add eight more inputs later instead of replacing the interface.
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
-
Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
-
TRS Outputs +242
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
Where they’re identical
These 7 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback Yes
- MIDI I/O None
- Bus Powered Yes
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 Audient iD24 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 Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface and Audient iD24?
The clearest difference is ADAT expansion, which the Audient iD24 has and the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 5 specs. They match on 7 specs, including connection type, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from Steinberg and Audient, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface or Audient iD24?
Get the Audient iD24. The Audient iD24 wins Mic Inputs, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $399, so the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface stays the pick if $200 matters more than those specs.
What do the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface and Audient iD24 have in common?
Both share 7 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and direct monitoring (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Audient iD24 worth the extra $200 over the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface?
The Audient iD24 costs $399.00 against $199.00, a difference of $200. The premium buys ADAT expansion (Yes), XLR inputs (2) and headphone outputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.