Universal Audio Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max Audio Interfaces Buyer's Guide

Universal Audio has a rich reputation for building industry-leading studio gear, from classic compressors to cutting-edge audio interfaces. Recently, the brand updated its beloved Volt Series USB interfaces with six new models, introducing fresh features like Tone Shaping preamps, studio-grade 32-bit / 192 kHz converters, and a suite of premium UAD plug-ins. In this blog, we’ll break down each of the new Universal Audio Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max Series audio interfaces and how they can streamline your workflow in the studio or on the go.

Universal Audio Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max Series Features

While each of the Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max Series audio interfaces fill different roles, the family shares several key features.

Tone Shaping Preamps

The heart of every great interface is a high-quality preamp, and the Volt Series absolutely delivers with UA’s groundbreaking new Tone Shaping Preamps. An evolution of the Vintage Mic Preamp mode on the original Volt Series interfaces, UA’s Tone Shaping Preamps let you choose from three distinct mic preamps inspired by classic designs:

• Warmth: based on vintage UA 610 console tube preamps, Warmth delivers a rich, full, musical sound with plenty of harmonic distortion

• Focus: inspired by US-made solid-state console preamps, Focus offers a punchy, aggressive, and midrange-forward sound that cuts through busy mixes

• Shine: modeled after iconic British Class A preamp designs, Shine adds powerful low-end weight and a smooth, sweet high-end

Studio-Grade Converters

Even with a great microphone and a world-class preamp, the quality of your digital recordings will always be limited by your converters. That’s why Universal Audio equipped the Volt Series with best-in-class 32-bit / 192 kHz converters to capture every nuance of your recordings. On the output side, Volt’s converters ensure loud, clear playback from the speaker and headphone outputs, so you can hear every detail of your mixes.

USB-Powered For Portability

One of the best parts of using a desktop audio interface is that you’re no longer tethered to the studio. You can take Volt anywhere and record whenever inspiration strikes. The Volt Series is USB class-compliant on Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone, meaning you can start recording right out of the box, no power outlet or external power supply required. Just plug Volt into your computer, tablet, or phone, pull up a session, and get to work.

Includes Premium UAD Software

Of course, no Universal Audio interface would be complete without a suite of UAD plug-ins, and the Volt Series has you covered. Every Volt includes over 15 UAD plug-ins and instruments, plus other popular software titles from third-party manufacturers.

UAD Volt Studio Bundle

• LUNA Digital Audio Workstation
• Topline Vocal Tune
• UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection
• Century Tube Channel Strip
• Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor
• UA 1176 Classic FET Compressor
• Pure Plate Reverb
• Galaxy Tape Echo
• Oxide Tape Recorder
• Vibe Analog Machines
• PolyMAX Synth
• Anthem Analog Synth
• UAD Lion ‘68 Super Lead Amp
• UAD Showtime ’64 Tube Amp

Additional Software

• Melodyne Essential by Celemony
• Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Bundle by Plugin Alliance
• Includes Ampeg SVT-VR Classic, bx_Tuner, bx_Masterdesk_Classic
• Virtual Drummer DEEP by UJAM
• Virtual Bassist DANDY by UJAM
• Splice INSTRUMENT
• Prisma - Producer Lab by UVI
• FL Studio Producer Edition (3 months free)

Versatile Smart Display

Another new feature available on the Volt Series interfaces (except the Volt 1) is the Smart Display: a full-color screen that gives instant visual feedback on all of the key elements of your project. At a glance, you can see input settings for the currently selected channel, input levels for each channel, and levels for both speaker and headphone outputs.

Auto Gain & Clip Protection

While the Smart Display makes it easy to keep an eye on your levels, Volt’s Auto Gain and Clip Protection features (not available on the Volt 1) make it so easy to record that you never have to worry about clipping. Auto Gain does exactly what the name implies and automatically sets your recording levels based on the incoming signal, ensuring you always get a strong, clear signal. Clip Protection uses Volt’s cutting-edge converter technology to prevent peaks before they happen, making it virtually impossible to clip a signal or introduce digital distortion.

Max Dynamics Processing

In addition to the Tone Shaping Preamps, the Volt MAX Series interfaces include UA’s innovative Max dynamics processing technology, which lets you choose from six versatile presets based on the brand’s legendary 1176 and LA-2A compressors. Instantly add punch and polish to vocals, guitars, bass, and more with presets ranging from "Rap Vocals" to "Jangly Acoustic."

Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2 Audio Interface

The most compact interface in the Volt lineup, the Volt 1 Gen 2 is perfect for singer/songwriters and tracking on the go.

• Simultaneous I/O: 2-in / 2-out
• Microphone Preamp: One, 60 dB available gain with Tone Shaping
• Monitor Outputs: One stereo
• Headphone Output: One stereo (shared monitor mix)
• USB:
  • One USB 2.0 Host port
  • One USB External Power input port – requires 5VDC @ 1A minimum
  • USB Type-C connectors
• Digital / Optical: None
• MIDI: None

Universal Audio Volt 2 Gen 2 Audio Interface

The Volt 2 Gen 2 features two mic preamps and two dedicated instrument inputs for stereo recordings.

• Simultaneous I/O: 2-in / 4-out
• Microphone Preamps: Two, 60 dB available gain with Tone Shaping
• Monitor Outputs: One stereo
• Headphone Output: One stereo (one cue mix)
• USB:
  • One USB 2.0 Host port
  • One USB External Power input port – requires 5VDC @ 1A minimum
  • USB Type-C connectors
• Digital / Optical: None
• MIDI: None

Universal Audio Volt 4 Gen 2 Audio Interface

The largest of the standard Volt interfaces, the Volt 4 Gen 2 offers additional I/O to connect all your favorite studio gear.

• Simultaneous I/O: 12-in / 6-out
• Microphone Preamps: Two, 60 dB available gain with Tone Shaping
• Monitor Outputs: One stereo
• Headphone Output: One stereo (one cue mix)
• USB:
  • One USB 2.0 Host port
  • One USB Hub port for peripherals – supplies 5VDC @ 0.5A maximum
  • One USB External Power input port – requires 5VDC @ 1A minimum
  • USB Type-C connectors
• Digital / Optical:
  • ADAT or S/PDIF optical input
  • ADAT IN: 8 channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 4 channels at 96 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 2 channels at 192 kHz
  • S/PDIF IN: 2 channels at all supported sample rates
• MIDI:
  • In, Out, ⅛” TRS Mini-Jack
  • MIDI Type A

Universal Audio Volt 2 Max Audio Interface

The smallest interface in the Volt Max lineup, the Volt 2 Max combines stereo mic preamps and instrument inputs with versatile features like Max Compression.

• Simultaneous I/O: 10-in / 4-out
• Microphone Preamps: Two, 60 dB available gain with Tone Shaping, Harmonic Saturation, and Max Compression
• Monitor Outputs: One stereo
• Headphone Outputs: Two stereo (one shared cue mix)
• USB:
  • One USB 2.0 Host port
  • One USB Hub port for peripherals – supplies 5VDC @ 0.5A maximum
  • One USB External Power input port – requires 5VDC @ 1A minimum
  • USB Type-C connectors
• Digital / Optical:
  • ADAT or S/PDIF optical input
  • ADAT IN: 8 channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 4 channels at 96 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 2 channels at 192 kHz
  • S/PDIF IN: 2 channels at all supported sample rates
• MIDI:
  • In, Out, ⅛” TRS Mini-Jack
  • MIDI Type A
• Talkback: Built-in microphone

Universal Audio Volt 4 Max Audio Interface

The Volt 4 Max offers additional I/O, including dedicated line-level and MIDI I/O, plus a dedicated Optical input.

• Simultaneous I/O: 12-in / 6-out
• Microphone Preamps: Two, 60 dB available gain with Tone Shaping, Harmonic Saturation, and Max Compression
• Monitor Outputs: Two stereo (main and alt speaker switching)
• Headphone Outputs: Two stereo (one shared cue mix)
• USB:
  • One USB 2.0 Host port
  • One USB Hub port for peripherals – supplies 5VDC @ 0.5A maximum
  • One USB External Power input port – requires 5VDC @ 1.5A minimum (3A provided with unit)
  • USB Type-C connectors
• Digital / Optical:
  • ADAT or S/PDIF optical input
  • ADAT IN: 8 channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 4 channels at 96 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 2 channels at 192 kHz
  • S/PDIF IN: 2 channels at all supported sample rates
• MIDI:
  • In, Out, ⅛” TRS Mini-Jack
  • MIDI Type A
• Talkback: Built-in microphone

Universal Audio Volt 4P Max Audio Interface

The largest of the Volt Max series interfaces, the Volt 4P Max features four studio-grade microphone preamps for multi-channel recordings.

• Simultaneous I/O: 12-in / 6-out
• Microphone Preamps: Four, 60 dB available gain with Tone Shaping, Harmonic Saturation, and Max Compression
• Monitor Outputs: Two stereo (main and alt speaker switching)
• Headphone Outputs: Two stereo (one shared cue mix)
• USB:
  • One USB 2.0 Host port
  • One USB Hub port for peripherals – supplies 5VDC @ 0.5A maximum
  • One USB External Power input port – requires 5VDC @ 2A minimum (3A provided with unit)
  • USB Type-C connectors
• Digital / Optical:
  • ADAT or S/PDIF optical input
  • ADAT IN: 8 channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 4 channels at 96 kHz
    • S/MUX capable 2 channels at 192 kHz
  • S/PDIF IN: 2 channels at all supported sample rates
• MIDI:
  • In, Out, ⅛” TRS Mini-Jack
  • MIDI Type A
• Talkback: Built-in microphone