I am interested in recommendations between the following 2 audio interfaces, both of which are in the same price range.  From what I have been able to determine, the Steinberg allows sampling up to 192 k, and has drivers for Windows 81, but only seems to like USB 2 ports, whereas the Focusrite samples up to 96 k, but seems to allow USB 2 or USB 3 ports, and its drivers seem to only show going to Windows 8.
 
I already have a couple of audio interfaces, and I am looking at one of these 2 for a friend of mine.
 
Steinberg UR22 USB2.0 Audio Interface
 
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
 
Any advice on my choosing one of the above for my friend?  In the $150 price range, is there anything better?
 
Thanks, 
 
Bob Bone

I've read comments on both of those, and the PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL, that they may require a powered USB hub, especially when engaging +48 VDC phantom power.
 
You don't mention to what type of device it will be connected (PC v laptop v tablet), so just be aware of the possible issue.
 
I have the 44VSL and a Tascam, both of which have power supplies, so it's not something I can check.

Yeah - it looks like both are USB powered, but that seems OK.  One of my friend's has the Steinberg, and seems quite happy with it, was just wondering if anyone had good or bad to say about either.
 
He has powered USB 2 and USB 3 ports, so however it needs to be plugged in, either one should be OK, as far as that goes.
 
Thanks, 
 
Bob Bone
 

Bob,
when my MOTU died and I sent it in for repair, I decided to buy a cheap interface to be a backup and one that I could use as a portable unit if desired (I have my MOTU mounted in a rack with I/O going to a patchbay, so it's not very portable).
 
I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.  it's pretty.  :)  
 
it didn't work well for me and I took it back as defective.  I've had conversations with others who own focusrite products including the 2i2 and the 2i4 and the 6i6 and they all love it, so I had to assume the one I bought from GC was a defective one and that it might not happen to someone else.
 
the gain on the 2 inputs of mine did not work well.  I tried both inputs and they both needed a LOT of knob before I could get enough gain out of the unit to record anything and there was a point where they both distorted the signal before I ever reached maximum gain on the knob.
 
again, I'm assuming the one unit I happened to pick out and buy at GC happened to be defective.
 
so I returned it to GC as defective and bought a Presonus Audiobox 2x2 and it worked perfectly out of the box!  no problems using the same setup with the same cables and the same mics and connections as I had with the 2i2.
 
just my 2 cents.

Would check if that Focusrite actually is better on a USB 3 port, (I'm guessing it's not but it just USB 3 compatible).
(My AKAI Eie pro has stopped cracking since I plug it in a USB 2 port).
Also would check latency as I've seen some Focusrite high latency posts on the web.
 
 

The Focusrite I have is similar that the gain needs a lot of motion to bring up, then gets "touchy" in the proper range. Almost like the unity position on a fader. This doesn't bother me, but I have seen others comment on it.

I cannot speak to either directly however.

Bob,
 
This is a strange question coming from you because I consider you to be a very wise expert already on so many of these kinds of topics.
 
Here's my strong opinion: The KB-37 from Line 6.  (Apparently the drivers are not Win 10 ready, but Line 6 is working on that presently).
 
Highlights:
 
- I have four audio interfaces, including two Focusrites.  This blows away my other audio interface's performance for recording tracks in terms of the latency experience.  I use the other ones for mixing and other parts of the process, but I could just use the KB-37 and call it good.  For example, when recording electric guitar, fully loaded with effects, I can perform and hear real-time with those effects and amp sims, and the track still records the dry guitar. It sounds like I'm listening to the actual amp as I record.  Same for vocals etc.
 
- It has a midi keyboard.  Can't say that about typical audio interfaces.  Especially at this price.
 
- It does a lot in one compact unit - as shown in the video links below. Bottom link is today's pricing at Amazon.
 
If I needed a desert island audio interface, this would be it.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwBR1OfHRtM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRpCXWSC8TE

Listed at Amazon at $300 new, one used at $200

http://www.amazon.com/Lin...=8-1&keywords=kb37

Thanks for the info, folks.  I haven't used either interface myself, so that is why I was seeking input from the community on their experiences with either.
 
I'll check out the Presonus as well. I happen to have a bigger brother to that one - the AudioBox 1818 VSL, which I like quite a bit, but I just seem to recall that for lots of folks in the past who have been asked about interfaces in the entry level group, that the Focus Rite seemed to be pretty well liked - and I thought I would add the Steinberg as it seems to be owned by Yamaha now (?).
 
In the past, I had recommended that a friend buy an EMU Tracker Pre, and it turns out that it blows chunks when trying to run it on Windows 8.1, with what looks like no hope whatsoever of further drivers for it, and I don't want to make a similar mistake again, in recommending one that ends up being a lemon, or a dead end discontinued model or defunct company.
 
Thanks again, 
 
Bob Bone
 

I myself do not recommend any interface that does not have a proper power supply as an option. 
I have read way to many issues with this over the last few years. A friend of mine bought a 2i2 and then had to buy a little mixer because the phantom power was just not usable. He also had the hum issue until I advised himto use a ferrite choke USB cable. It's working fine now but he might as well have bought the 6i6 which does not have these issues. I like the looks of the Tascam 4x4.