From Steinberg to Yamaha: a complete evolution in audio interfaces

As part of a global restructuring, Yamaha and Steinberg have announced that Yamaha will take over Steinberg’s hardware division, aiming to offer users a more integrated and high-performance experience.

From now on, hardware products previously marketed under the Steinberg brand will become part of the Yamaha lineup. In this way, Steinberg will focus exclusively on software development and marketing, while Yamaha will concentrate on the design, manufacturing, and global distribution of professional audio hardware.

This new stage strengthens a collaboration that began in 2005, when Steinberg joined the Yamaha Group, and bore its first fruits in 2008 with the launch of jointly developed products. Since then, the UR, UR-C, UR-RT, and IXO interface ranges have become synonymous with reliability and sound quality for creators of all levels—from beginners to professional studios.

New generation of interfaces: UR-mk3 and URX-C

As part of this transition, Yamaha introduces the new UR-mk3 and URX-C series, inheriting the reliability, quality, and most valued features of the historic Steinberg UR range. These interfaces are designed to provide musicians, producers, and content creators with versatile, high-resolution recording and streaming solutions and an optimized user experience.

The UR12mk3 and UR22mk3 models offer a compact format ideal for beginners, featuring high-quality UR mic preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz recording, portable design, and intuitive controls. They come bundled with Steinberg Cubase AI music production software, as well as Steinberg Plus and the new MixKey software, which simplifies streaming applications.

The URX22C and URX44C interfaces target intermediate users who require a smooth workflow for recording and live streaming. Equipped with Yamaha’s D-PRE preamps and 32-bit/192 kHz resolution, they include advanced mixing functions powered by Yamaha’s DSP technology, effect and volume control via the free dspMixFx app, dual headphone outputs, independent volume controls, and compatibility with Elgato Stream Deck.

These new interfaces deliver an intuitive experience that allows users to record, produce, and share content seamlessly, ensuring professional sound and perfect integration between hardware and software.

A strategic brand transition

Following the reorganization, the Steinberg IXO12, IXO22, UR22C, and UR44C models are being relaunched under the Yamaha brand as UR12MK3, UR22MK3, URX22C, and URX44C, respectively. Other Steinberg-branded interfaces will gradually be phased out from the market.

To ensure a smooth transition and avoid any inconvenience to customers, Yamaha and Steinberg will continue to provide technical support and driver updates for the foreseeable future.

At the same time, Steinberg officially introduces its new MixKey software—an innovative tool aimed at digital creators and streamers—at TwitchCon 2025.

Yamaha has always aimed to support music creators at every stage, from those just starting out to seasoned professionals. The UR-mk3 and URX-C series reflect our commitment to sound quality, reliability, and user-focused design. This brand transition marks a new chapter that will allow us to offer even more integrated, powerful, and connected solutions for today’s creators, says Takatsuna Maeda, Senior General Manager, Creator & Consumer Audio Division.

The new Yamaha UR-mk3 and URX-C audio interfaces are available now through authorized Yamaha distributors.