For this category, our pick is the Steinberg UR22C. Steinberg — the company behind Cubase — builds its UR-series interfaces with a dedicated 5-pin MIDI in and out on the back panel, which is exactly the detail this category is built around: real MIDI ports, not just USB MIDI class compliance.
That matters the moment a hardware synth, drum machine, or MIDI controller needs to send or receive note and clock data alongside the audio signal, since the alternative is routing MIDI through a separate USB connection and hoping the timing holds up. Having both handled by one box, over one USB-C connection, keeps a hardware-based setup simpler and reduces one more point of failure.
Alongside the MIDI ports, the UR22C carries Yamaha’s D-PRE mic preamps across two combo inputs, so there’s still enough clean gain for a mic or instrument alongside whatever hardware gear is connected. It’s a compact two-input design rather than a large-format unit, which keeps it sensible for a hybrid hardware-and-software rig rather than a full studio console replacement.
- Dedicated 5-pin MIDI in and out, not just USB MIDI
- Yamaha D-PRE mic preamps on two combo inputs
- USB-C connectivity for current computers
- Reliable MIDI clock sync for locking hardware to a DAW
It’s aimed at electronic musicians, synth collectors, and anyone building a hybrid hardware-and-software rig where outboard gear plays a central role. Browse the full shortlist for current picks.
