information, an installation CD, Power supply
(wall wart style) and a USB cable. It weighs in at
3.7 lbs, is about 8” square and is constructed
with a sturdy metal housing. You could easily
fit it in a backpack. The UR-RT2 has 4 total
inputs. On the front are two analog combo
TRS/XLR inputs with a Hi impedance switch
on channel one for an electric guitar or bass.
Both channels have a simple peak indicator in
case your signal is too hot and a +48v Phantom
indicator. Next to them are gain controls for the
two input channels with switches to engage
the Rupert Neve transformers. On the right is
a headphone jack with level control and a main
output level control knob. On the back panel
are the Power input and switch, USB2 jack,
+48v switch, MIDI in & out, Main stereo outputs
and Line inputs 3 & 4. The top back has labels
above the back panel making it easy to find
things without turning the unit around.
SETUP:
The first thing to do is go to the Steinberg
website, open an account, and register your
interface. Next install the elicenser control app
and Cubase AI software. You can download
a soft-elicense for use without the Steinberg
and 16 instrument tracks. There are 28 VST
Savvy laptop
effects, including AudioWarp, Chord Track, and
musicians want
Ampsimulator. Included are two great Virtual
instruments: Halion Sonic SE and Groove
Agent. With a keyboard controller, you can do a
better sounding ton with this software. It’s a perfect opportunity
recordings. there’s an upgrade path to a pro version of the
to learn Cubase and once you are proficient,
program.
dongle. After setting up the UR-RT2 I was
impressed with the cool interface app for the
CONCLUSION:
iPhone or iPad. The app has a 4-channel mixer
with access to the internal DSP effects. Each
RECORDING:
The UR-RT2 is a really great sounding interface
channel has Hi Pass, Phase Reverse, +48v
with Rupert Neve Design Transformers and
phantom. They also have an insert option for I found the mic pres to be clean with a good bit the Yamaha Pre’s. I really enjoyed working
either the DSP Guitar amp models or the Sweet of headroom. Engaging the Rupert Neve Design with it. It’s perfect for someone who might be
Spot Morphing channel strip with EQ, and transformers, definitely adds harmonic content, starting out but still serious about how well
Compressor with sidechain. The channel strip and when pushed maybe a little compression. things sound. I found it simple to use with the
has 6 basic presets, and you can customize, These transformers are what really sets this unit iPhone app, and the addition of Cubase AI,
store and name them. The Guitar amp models apart from other entry priced interfaces. I was internal DSP for real-time effects, and MIDI in/
include: Clean, Crunch, Lead and Drive. The surprised at how much difference they made. out makes this unit really stand out in this price
Clean amp also has chorus & vibrato with Combined with the Yamaha Class A D-Mic range. It’s a great affordable unit with lots of
speed, depth & blend controls. Last is the pre’s, this interface is pretty great. I was able features for guys who need to record remote
global REV-X reverb for monitoring including to get some solid guitar and bass tones with or play live with a laptop. The interface is small
five Room and Plate algorithms with 10 different input one combined with the amp simulator & enough to fit in a backpack.
adjustable parameters. The DSP effects can be transformer engaged. Cubase AI also has nice recorded through or used for monitoring only. internal Guitar amp simulations so you have For the review, I installed the included Cubase your choice. The Cubase DAW is pretty cool AI software. It’s a great little DAW especially too. It has 32/24-bit tracks, 48 MIDI tracks
$349.99 Street Price
www.Steinberg.net
considering it’s free.
April 2019
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