AXR4U USB-C Audio Interface

With the AXR4, Steinberg sets a standard in audio interfaces for studios, producers and professional musicians. Featuring connectivity and facilities aimed at professional-level recording, including 32-bit integer resolution and a sample rate of up to 384 kHz, this premium audio interface significantly raises the bar. The hybrid mic preamps with Rupert Neve Designs SILK emulation add exceptional tonal control, while SSPLL guarantees ultra-low jitter. The AXR4 ensures universal excellence for all recording applications.

32-bit integer/384 kHz
The industry-leading converters used in the AXR4 series deliver exceptional quality audio, thanks to a maximum sampling rate of 384 kHz with 32-bit resolution. High-quality conversion is a crucial first step to a great audio production and, with the AXR4 interfaces, we have set a new standard. They include 32-bit integer converters, which not only allow for a significantly higher dynamic range, but also capture every nuance and detail of recorded signals in the most precise, transparent manner. We have raised the bar further with a sample rate of up to 384 kHz, allowing the reproduction of transients, the stereo image and the recording environment to be much more detailed, while the anti-aliasing filter can be set at a level where it won’t be heard.

AXR hybrid mic preamps
The AXR4 features extraordinarily natural-sounding hybrid microphone preamps, developed by Yamaha, which are available on all front input channels. Developed as part of Yamaha’s “Natural Sound” philosophy, the choice of components, mechanical construction, circuit layout, power supply and grounding were all painstakingly evaluated and refined in the AXR4. The preamps, which also feature in Yamaha’s state-of-the-art digital mixers, combine clean, natural analog sound with Rupert Neve Designs SILK processing. This precisely modeled emulation of high-end analog devices by a true legend of studio hardware is incorporated into the AXR4 using original Yamaha VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology.

Rupert Neve Designs SILK
Recording engineers have used microphone preamps designed by the legendary Rupert Neve for many years, giving their sound a remarkably musical touch of natural compression and saturation. The precisely modeled Rupert Neve Designs SILK processing in the AXR4’s hybrid microphone preamplifiers adds an exquisite sonic quality, giving sounds that can get lost in the mix new life and intensity. There are two choices of SILK processing; Red for sparkling energy, and Blue for solidity and power. A continuously variable Texture control also shapes the harmonic components to best suit the sound source. Additionally, SILK benefits the way that channel EQ and reverb plug-ins affect the sound. It can be used with all mic inputs, either on specific channels or to all for adding depth and perspective to the overall mix.

Compatible with all major audio software
The AXR4 is compatible with all major audio editing, mastering, and music production software supporting the ASIO, Core Audio or WDM (2-ch) standard, providing a fully integrated, DSP-based monitoring setup wherever you are and with whichever DAW you use. When using Cubase, all of the advanced latency-free monitoring capabilities are fully integrated into the Cubase GUI by True Integrated Monitoring technology. You can choose to control the monitoring capabilities either from Cubase or the dspMixFx application. When the interface is used with any other audio software, the dspMixFx AXR mixing application allows full control of all effects and settings.

Digital connection
Alongside its array of XLR and 6.3mm audio connections, the AXR4 features digital in/out ports which allow you to connect it (via optical cable) to digital audio devices. Switchable between ADAT and S/PDIF format, the Optical A and Optical B connectors allow you to expand the AXR4 with up to eight extra I/O channels each. In addition, the Optical B digital port can be switched to AES/EBU for connecting via a DB25-type connector.

Word clock with SSPLL jitter reduction technology
The AXR4 uses robust SSPLL (Super Suppression Phase Locked Loop) technology, currently the most advanced technology for minimizing audio band jitter and vital when creating a high-quality, professional audio network. As more devices with clocks are added to an audio system, each clock beats against the others, creating audio band jitter. The traditional solution is to add expensive master clocks but, with audio equipment becoming more affordable, some manufacturers use cheap clock solutions which can lead to equipment not working properly. SSPLL performs at the same level as professional clocking products, making all connected equipment work reliably and virtually jitter-free.

Thunderbolt 2 with low latency (AXR4T)
By using Thunderbolt 2 technology, the AXR4T delivers very low latency and high CPU efficiency, a high number of I/Os and two system expansion ports. It allows up to three units to be daisy-chained, for a total of 84 inputs and 72 outputs, sufficient for most recording applications. The AXR4T is compatible with Macintosh computers using either Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt 3 (via an adapter). For Windows computers a Thunderbolt 3 port and adapter is needed.

SuperSpeed USB 3.1 with USB Type-C (AXR4U)
The AXR4U features the USB 3.1 Gen 1 SuperSpeed standard, which provides fast, reliable and seamless connectivity to Mac and PC computers via a USB Type-C connector. Together with the reduced latency of our newly designed SSP3 chip and latest, most refined drivers, the AXR4 gives you peace of mind wherever you are recording. By being compatible with the USB 2.0 standard*, you can also enjoy the benefits of reduced latency with computers that do not provide a USB 3 connection. There is a channel limitation at 176.4 kHz or higher sample rate when connecting AXR4U to PC via USB 2.0 standard.

Cubase AI
Based on Steinberg’s award-winning advanced music production system Cubase Pro, Cubase AI is a powerful, one-stop music software solution for studio-quality recording. Combining audio and MIDI recording, editing, mixing and scoring in a single, integrated software package, Cubase AI is the perfect entry into the world of computer-based music production. Featuring Steinberg’s advanced audio engine, flexible routing and full automatic delay compensation, it supports 48 MIDI, 16 instrument, 32 audio tracks and 16 physical inputs. Cubase AI comes with a range of high-quality audio effect processors, the HALion Sonic SE workstation instrument and MixConsole for a stellar mixing experience.

dspMixFx AXR mixing application
Thanks to the built-in DSP chips including Yamaha’s custom-designed DSPX chip and dspMixFx AXR software, the AXR4 provides zero-latency monitoring with effects for every DAW, with straightforward control of all routings and settings. The dspMixFx AXR technology provides not only latency-free monitoring but also the acclaimed Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip, REV-X reverb and the Vintage Classics Compressor VCM 276 and VCM EQ601. When using Cubase, all of the advanced monitoring capabilities are fully integrated into the application’s GUI by True Integrated Monitoring technology.