Description
YAMAHA UR12MK3 B Audio Interface – Black
The Yamaha UR12MK3 B is a compact 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface designed to make home recording, guitar recording, podcasting and live streaming straightforward.
It's an ideal first interface for a guitarist, singer-songwriter or content creator who doesn't need a huge number of inputs but still wants proper recording quality. You get a Yamaha mic preamp with phantom power, a dedicated Hi-Z instrument input, direct monitoring, loopback for streaming and recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Add the included Steinberg software package and you've got a very capable little recording setup that can live permanently on your desk or easily travel with a laptop.
Record Guitar and Vocals
The UR12MK3 gives you two inputs designed around the things most home-recording musicians actually need.
Input 1 is a Mic/Line combo input with Yamaha's UR mic preamp and switchable +48V phantom power, allowing you to connect dynamic and compatible condenser microphones.
Input 2 is a Hi-Z instrument input, so an electric guitar or bass can be connected directly to the interface without needing a separate DI box.
That makes the UR12MK3 particularly useful for singer-songwriters and guitarists who want a simple way to get ideas into a computer.
24-bit/192kHz Recording
Despite its compact size and accessible price point, the UR12MK3 supports recording and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Yamaha specifies an input dynamic range of 106dB, giving you a clean recording path for capturing vocals and instruments with plenty of detail.
For someone putting together their first home studio, there's more than enough recording quality here to produce serious results.
Direct Monitoring
Latency can be distracting when you're trying to record a vocal or guitar part.
The UR12MK3 includes a Direct Monitor switch, allowing you to monitor the incoming signal directly through the hardware rather than waiting for it to travel into your computer and back again.
It's simple, but it's one of those features that makes recording considerably more comfortable.
Built-In Loopback for Streaming
The UR12MK3 isn't limited to traditional music recording.
Its Loopback function allows audio from your computer to be combined with your live input signal and sent back into streaming or recording software.
That makes it useful for livestreaming, online lessons, podcasts and content creation, where you may need your microphone or guitar alongside audio playing from the computer.
Outputs & Headphone Monitoring
On the rear you'll find two TRS line outputs for connecting a pair of powered studio monitors.
There's also a headphone output for private recording and monitoring, with the headphone level controlled alongside the main output level.
For a compact desktop setup, you've got the essential connections covered without unnecessary complexity.
Compact Metal Construction
At only 158 x 47 x 102mm and approximately 450g, the UR12MK3 takes up very little space.
The metal housing also makes it a practical portable interface for musicians who want to record between home, rehearsals, lessons or other locations.
USB-C connectivity handles the connection to your computer, with USB bus power supported.
Software Included
The UR12MK3 comes with a useful Steinberg software package to get you started, including:
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Cubase AI music production software
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Cubasis LE for compatible iPhone/iPad setups
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Steinberg Plus software content
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USB cable
Cubase AI gives new users a proper DAW environment for recording, arranging, editing and mixing music without needing to immediately purchase additional recording software.
Key Features
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2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface
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Up to 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback
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106dB input dynamic range
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Yamaha UR microphone preamp
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Mic/Line combo input
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Dedicated Hi-Z instrument input
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+48V phantom power
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Direct hardware monitoring
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Loopback function for streaming
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Input mute button
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2 x TRS line outputs
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Headphone output
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USB bus powered
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Compact metal housing
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Black finish
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Dimensions: 158 x 47 x 102mm
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Weight: approximately 450g
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Cubase AI included
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Cubasis LE included
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Steinberg Plus included
Who Is the Yamaha UR12MK3 For?
The UR12MK3 makes a lot of sense as a first audio interface, particularly for guitarists, bass players, singers and solo content creators.
If you mainly need to record one microphone and one instrument, there's little reason to fill your desk with a much larger interface.
It's also a good option for someone wanting a compact interface for online guitar lessons, livestreaming, podcasting or recording demos at home.
If you regularly need to record two microphones simultaneously, however, stepping up to the Yamaha UR22MK3 would make more sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug an electric guitar directly into the UR12MK3?
Yes. Input 2 supports Hi-Z instrument signals, allowing you to connect an electric guitar or bass directly to the interface.
Can I use a condenser microphone?
Yes. The microphone input provides +48V phantom power for compatible condenser microphones.
Does the Yamaha UR12MK3 have USB-C?
Yes. The UR12MK3 uses USB Type-C for its host connection and supports USB bus power.
Can I use the UR12MK3 for livestreaming?
Yes. Yamaha includes a Loopback function specifically to make routing computer audio together with your live input easier for streaming and content creation.
Does it have zero-latency monitoring?
The UR12MK3 has a Direct Monitor switch, allowing you to hear the input directly through the hardware without the latency introduced by routing the signal through your recording software.
What's the difference between the UR12MK3 and UR22MK3?
The biggest practical difference is the inputs. The UR12MK3 has one Mic/Line combo input plus one Hi-Z instrument input, while the UR22MK3 provides two Mic/Line combo inputs, with Input 2 supporting Hi-Z. If you're recording one person at a time, the UR12MK3 is likely all you need. If you want to record two microphones simultaneously, look at the UR22MK3.
Looking to buy the Yamaha UR12MK3 B Audio Interface in Black? Visit us at Colemans Music in South Melbourne or shop online with fast shipping Australia-wide.
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