Yamaha Audio Interfaces UR-MK3
Executive Summary
The Yamaha Audio Interface UR-MK3 series is designed for aspiring musicians and streamers with little to no production experience. It provides a seamless connectivity, compact minimalist design, and bundled Steinberg software, making it an ideal first step into recording, producing, and streaming. The UR-MK3 series includes the UR12MK3 and UR22MK3 models, both of which offer high-quality audio interfaces with 24-bit/192 kHz USB 2.0 audio and 2 x 2 analog I/O.Architecture & Design
The UR12MK3 features a compact, lightweight metal casing with two color options. It has one combo input with a mute button, a UR mic preamp, and phantom power, plus one Hi-Z input. The UR22MK3 has two mic/line combo inputs, both of which support Hi-Z, and two TRS inputs. Both models have a USB 2.0 port for connection to a host device and a phones output with a maximum power of 40 mW + 40 mW @ 40 Ohm for the UR12MK3 and UR22MK3. The UR-MK3 series is compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS devices. The UR-MK3 series has a dedicated software called "dspMixFx" which provides features such as input gain, mono/stereo switch, Hi-Z for input 2, +48V phantom power, mix balance, main volume, and headphones volume. The series also includes a setup guide, Cubase AI license card, and Steinberg Plus license card. The UR12MK3 and UR22MK3 have a frequency response of +0.0/-0.3 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz) and a total harmonic distortion of 0.004% at 1 kHz, 20 kHz LPF. The dynamic range for both models is 106 dB for the mic/line/Hi-Z input and 107 dB for the main output.Performance & Thermal
The UR-MK3 series has a sampling frequency rate of 192 kHz - 44.1 kHz. The power requirements for the UR12MK3 and UR22MK3 are DC 5V/0.5A, and the power consumption is 2.5W for both models. The URX22C and URX44C have a power requirement of DC 5V/0.9A and DC 12V/1.5A, respectively, with a power consumption of 4.5W and 7.5W. The UR-MK3 series has a gain range of 54 dB, with the Hi-Z input having a gain range of 39.5 dB. The series also has a direct monitoring and loopback function, making it suitable for recording and streaming applications.Market Positioning
The Yamaha Audio Interface UR-MK3 series is positioned as an entry-level audio interface for aspiring musicians and streamers. The UR12MK3 is priced at $119.99, making it an affordable option for those looking to start recording and producing music. The series is compatible with major audio software that supports ASIO, CoreAudio, and other formats, making it a versatile option for users.Verdict
The Yamaha Audio Interface UR-MK3 series is a solid option for those looking to start recording and producing music. With its compact design, high-quality audio, and bundled software, it provides a comprehensive solution for aspiring musicians and streamers. The series is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, making it a versatile option for users. However, the series may not be suitable for professional users who require more advanced features and higher-quality audio. The UR-MK3 series is a great starting point for those new to music production and streaming. It provides a user-friendly interface, high-quality audio, and a range of features that make it easy to start recording and producing music. With its affordable price point and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, the UR-MK3 series is an excellent option for those looking to start their music production journey. In terms of performance, the UR-MK3 series delivers high-quality audio with a frequency response of +0.0/-0.3 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz) and a total harmonic distortion of 0.004% at 1 kHz, 20 kHz LPF. The series also has a dynamic range of 106 dB for the mic/line/Hi-Z input and 107 dB for the main output. The UR-MK3 series is also designed with ease of use in mind. The series has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to take on the go. The series also has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and start recording and producing music. Overall, the Yamaha Audio Interface UR-MK3 series is a solid option for those looking to start recording and producing music. With its high-quality audio, compact design, and bundled software, it provides a comprehensive solution for aspiring musicians and streamers. The series is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, making it a versatile option for users. The UR-MK3 series is also a great option for those who want to start streaming. The series has a loopback function, which allows users to stream audio from their computer and mix it with the audio from the interface. The series also has a direct monitoring function, which allows users to hear the audio from the interface in real-time. In conclusion, the Yamaha Audio Interface UR-MK3 series is a great option for those looking to start recording and producing music. With its high-quality audio, compact design, and bundled software, it provides a comprehensive solution for aspiring musicians and streamers. The series is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, making it a versatile option for users. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, the UR-MK3 series is definitely worth considering. The UR-MK3 series is also a great option for those who want to start podcasting. The series has a high-quality audio interface, which is essential for producing high-quality podcasts. The series also has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and start recording and producing podcasts. In terms of compatibility, the UR-MK3 series is compatible with a wide range of devices and software. The series is compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS devices, making it a versatile option for users. The series is also compatible with major audio software that supports ASIO, CoreAudio, and other formats. Overall, the Yamaha Audio Interface UR-MK3 series is a solid option for those looking to start recording and producing music. With its high-quality audio, compact design, and bundled software, it provides a comprehensive solution for aspiring musicians and streamers. The series is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, making it a versatile option for users. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, the UR-MK3 series is definitely worth considering.Specifications
| Analog Input | 1 Mic/Line Combo, 1 TRS |
|---|---|
| Analog Output | 2 TRS |
| USB TO HOST | 1 (USB Type-C, 24-bit) |
| Phones | 1 TRS (40 mW+40 mW @40 Ohm) |
| DC | 2 (Type-C USB bus power or Type-C USB DC IN) |
| MIDI | - |
| User Interface | Input Gain, Mute, +48 V phantom power, Monitor switch, Volume (Main/Headphones) |
| Recording & Playback | USB 2-track recording, 2-track playback |
| Sampling frequency rate | 192 kHz - 44.1 kHz |
| Frequency response | +0.0/-0.3 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.004 % at 1 kHz, 20 kHz LPF |
| Dynamic range | 106 dB |
| Gain range | 54 dB (Hi-Z |
| Power requirements | DC5 V/0.5 A |
| Power consumption | 2.5 W |
| Dimensions | 158 mm (6.2 |
| Net weight | 450 g (1.0 lb) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sampling frequency rate of the UR-MK3 series?
192 kHz - 44.1 kHz
What is the frequency response of the UR-MK3 series?
+0.0/-0.3 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
What is the total harmonic distortion of the UR-MK3 series?
0.004 % at 1 kHz, 20 kHz LPF
What is the dynamic range of the UR-MK3 series?
106 dB
What is the gain range of the UR-MK3 series?
54 dB (Hi-Z: 39.5 dB)