The UR-RT2 has two Yamaha Class-A D-PRE mic preamps (four on the UR-RT4) with switchable Rupert Neve Designs transformers on each front input channel's XLR/TRS combo inputs. There is a Hi-Z switch on Input 1 for direct recording of electric guitar or bass. Good to see LEDs used to indicate USB connection, +48-volt phantom power, and input level peaking. Also on its front panel is a headphones jack with an independent level control a well as a main stereo output volume control.

I installed the included Steinberg USB driver and got to work using the UR-RT2 with Pro Tools. The all-metal case and the built-in features make this the perfect rig for lap top portable use. In addition to the driver software, you get the authorization code for installing Cubase AI software for Mac and PC and/or the Cubasis LE DAW app for iPad.

The Cubase software configures the whole setup for latency-free DSP-powered monitoring along with REV-X reverb, Channel Strip, and Guitar Amp--all Steinberg Classics. There is the dspMixFx editor application for Windows, MAC OS and iOS also included!

I like having the option of using the transformer on an individual basis--sometimes I was looking for a thicker and warmer tone for recording a direct guitar of female vocal--just kick in the transformer! Other times I was OK without it when tracking a bass guitar or handclaps. All the controls works smoothly and as expected from good equipment.