Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface vs Universal Audio Volt 2
Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface vs Universal Audio Volt 2: It is a toss-up. Neither one leads on more of the chart than the other, the Steinberg UR12C...
The Ruling
Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface or Universal Audio Volt 2? It is a toss-up.
Neither one leads on more of the chart than the other — the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface takes Creator Features, the Universal Audio Volt 2 takes Mic Inputs — and they are priced the same. Buy for the axis you actually use.
Unless…
- You need creator features — get the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface.
- You need mic inputs — get the Universal Audio Volt 2.
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 | Universal Audio Volt 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 5/10 |
| 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.
On paper the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface takes loopback (Yes). It gives up XLR inputs to the Universal Audio Volt 2. The two are priced the same, so price does not decide it.
Leads on
-
LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
Universal Audio Volt 2
2-in/2-out USB audio interface with high-quality preamps and analog-inspired tone shaping.
On paper the Universal Audio Volt 2 takes XLR inputs (2, +1). It gives up loopback to the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface. 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 9 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
- 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
Neither product wins outright on the specs the catalog holds, so the choice comes down to which set of strengths matches your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface and Universal Audio Volt 2?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface has and the Universal Audio Volt 2 does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 9 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Steinberg and Universal Audio, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface or Universal Audio Volt 2?
It is a toss-up. Neither one leads on more of the chart than the other — the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface takes Creator Features, the Universal Audio Volt 2 takes Mic Inputs — and they are priced the same. Buy for the axis you actually use.
What do the Steinberg UR12C Audio Interface and Universal Audio Volt 2 have in common?
Both share 9 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.