Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen), narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) wins Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199.99, so the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface stays the pick if $0.99 matters more than those specs.
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 | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 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.
It gives up XLR inputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen). The two are priced the same, so price does not decide it.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Two-channel USB-C audio interface with studio-grade preamps for recording, streaming, and vocals.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) takes XLR inputs (2, +1). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. The two are priced the same, so price does not decide it.
Leads on
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
Where they’re identical
These 11 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
- Loopback 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 (4th 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 Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?
The largest gap is XLR inputs, where the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) leads — 2 against 1. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 1 spec. They match on 11 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Steinberg and Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) wins Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199.99, so the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface stays the pick if $0.99 matters more than those specs.
What do the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) have in common?
Both share 11 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.