Steinberg UR-44 USB Interface?

I am considering purchasing the UR-44.  Here's a linkL
http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/audio_interfaces/ur_series/models/ur44.html
 
I really like the 6 inputs, four outputs, two separate headphone mixes, Zero latency monitoring with effects, iPad compatible along with PC, clip lights on mic channel inputs, separate customizable line outs, and the specs seem very good.
 
I am comparing to the Presonus 44VSL.  Both are the same price.
 
Any thoughts?
 
Thanks.
 
Rimshot

Update:  
I have integrated my new UR-44 into my home-based system.  I have to return the unit due to the hi-z inputs being defective.  However, the other features are working well.  Here is what I get:
 
1.  6 inputs (4 mic pres, 2 line level).
2.  Zero-latency using Steinberg's DSP mixer that has comp, EQ, reverb, and guitar amp effects that can be used for monitor only or printed.
3.  Very clean mic pres from Yamaha.  The best I have experienced so far. 
4.  Very solid interface with Sonar X3 and Studio One.
5.  Very solid interface with my iPad 2 running both Auria (24bit 96hz with video sync options) and Cubasis.
6.  Steinberg Cubase AI (free) that I loaded on my laptop.  The UR-44 works perfectly with it.
7.  Two independent headphone mix outputs.
8.  The UR-44 allows me to use it with Camtasia so that I can record audio while capturing desktop videos for training purposes.
I now have the capability to record live audio with my iPad or laptop with 4 xlr inputs that are super clean.
On my regular PC, the UR-44 is easy to use and the headphone output level is just loud enough where I don't need an external headphone amp.  
 
So all this for $299.00 from Sweetwater on a no interest charge for 36 months with a 2 year warranty.
 
Thought this was something some of you would be interested in.
 
RImshot
 

You have to install the elicencer.  which is the software version. the computer has to been on line , you enter the activation code and they send you a email with a registration code. 

Cactus Music
You have to install the elicencer.  which is the software version. the computer has to been on line , you enter the activation code and they send you a email with a registration code. 

 
Thanks for the info, Cactus Music.

thomasabarnes
Looks like a real good unit at a bargain price ($300,) and jim Roseberry has vouched for it having good drivers for low latency performance. I'll be looking forward to your review of the unit when you get it. I hope you mention if using the included Cubase AI software requires a dongle or any other type of hardware based copy protection scheme.

UPDATE: I have been playing with the UR-44 in X3, S1, and now my iPad using Cubasis.  I do get all outputs of the UR-44 as inputs.  There seems to be plenty of output level gain on the master volume knob on the unit.  I am driving my Equator D5's and I don't even get up to 12 o'clock on the knob. 
 
The latency free DSP mixer works well and I am learning how to set it of for both the iPad and PC.  It can save setup presets to help make that easy.  Overall, this is a great unit.  I know need to get the replacement due to some bad mic pre inputs.  
 
 

For your balanced cables, are you using stereo 1/4" cables or xlr?

btw, I just used some mic cables, which are probably way to light a gauge wire, but seemed to be OK.
 

Mine sounds OK, but I'm finding the mic pres don't really have enough clean gain.  I'm trying to use a lower output RE-20 dynamic, and I have to crank the pre just about all the way up. I've experimented trying to "make up" with their little built in channel strip, but it just adds noise really instead of clean gain.  Wonder if a Cloudlifter CL-1 would help.... at half the price of the UR-44!
 
I know there wouldn't be enough for a SM7 or a low output ribbon too.  Took me awhile to find the "loopback" so my screen capture could record system audio..  but works good.  Only nit is I'm guessing it only has about 45-50dB of clean gain.

I've tried a 57 and a 58 and had to crank them up almost all the way too...just for narration and being about 6 inches from the mic.  No way I can get the peak lights to light up, with just a voice, unless I'm screaming loud.  Otherwise, I'm just starting to get a waveform in Sonar...A good 30dB down I would guess.  I'm going to experiment more with other pres going into the UR44 line ins.

Yeah...I plugged a RE-20 into another pre...actually a cheapie Yamaha mixer...and barely turned it up to keep the inherent noise down on that pre.  Then the UR-44 only had to be turned half way up and the levels were great.  I ran ALL balanced lines, and that helped keep things quiet.  I do quite a bit of narration, so I think I'll be experimenting more with a gate or expander as well with this newer setup.
Yes...I agree...I got what I guessed to be about 45-50dB of gain...then the "ocean" became quite apparent....plus I ran out of rotation on my gain knob ;-D

Rimshot
I am considering purchasing the UR-44.  Here's a linkL
http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/audio_interfaces/ur_series/models/ur44.html
 
I really like the 6 inputs, four outputs, two separate headphone mixes, Zero latency monitoring with effects, iPad compatible along with PC, clip lights on mic channel inputs, separate customizable line outs, and the specs seem very good.
 
I am comparing to the Presonus 44VSL.  Both are the same price.
 
Any thoughts?
 
Thanks.
 
Rimshot

 
 
Hi Rim - 
 
Just singing praises of the UR44 here
 
I've been researching the ur44 and came across a few cakewalk threads. I got mine from sweetwater the other day and just ran a band rehearsal with it. I needed it for the four out puts and a to give the drummer a headphone mix in a click in sonar. (We're an 80's band without a keyboard player so yes we using a backing track with a click and some harmonies (GASP the horror)
 
anyway - I was using a Tascam us-1641 16 ins and 4 outs  but didn't need to lug around all that around and it doesn't have a dsp and drummer not always happy with mix in his head monitors - 
 
 
UR44 with the dsp -- Solved all. 
 
Very nice interface. Plus I do regular business with Sweetwater and my agent and I have a good business relationship - you get the 2 year warranty as you stated in other threads and - he sometimes knocks cash off the price. 
 
The install of the drivers and dsp went very smooth due to Rimshots threads and inputs on the subject - it was all easy 
 
I passed on installing of the Cubasis 1 or LE or whatever they are calling it. Heck I am still on SonarX2 -- it all works fine for my needs.  
 
 
this is the typoe of stuff I need the UR44 for playing live - video page  thats us http://riskybusiness.us/video
 
Thanks Rimshot!! 
 
 
 
 
Mooch -(Paul)

Rimshot
I have read that using an SM7 generally takes alot of mic pre gain to get it going.  I use a B1, SM57, SM58, and Rhodes M5 mics without any gain problem at all.  The Yamaha mic pres are super clean.

+1
 
The SM7 (along with the RE20) are notorious for needing a LOT of gain.  The vast majority of mics work just fine with the URXX pres.  These are the D-Pres Yamaha puts in their mixers and they are very nice indeed.
 
Anyone with a SM7 or RE20 (or any mic with that needs a lot of gain) should invest in a Cloudlifter, which adds gobs of clean gain and allow the mics to be used with any pre.
 
In fact, it's such a popular solution that Sweetwater actually sells the Cloudlifter bundled with mics like the RE20.