Universal Audio announced six new USB audio interfaces on October 1: the Volt 1 Gen 2, Volt 2 Gen 2 and Volt 4 Gen 2, plus three new Volt Max models, the Volt 2 Max, Volt 4 Max and Volt 4P Max. All six are USB bus-powered and class-compliant, convert at up to 32-bit/192 kHz, and went on sale the day they were announced.
The lineup
From UA’s own comparison table, with US prices as reported by Sound On Sound: the Volt 1 Gen 2 is 2-in/2-out at $149, the Volt 2 Gen 2 is 2-in/4-out at $219, and the Volt 4 Gen 2 is 12-in/6-out at $299. Among the Max models, the Volt 2 Max is 10-in/4-out at $299, the Volt 4 Max is 12-in/6-out at $399, and the Volt 4P Max is 12-in/6-out at $499.
Those large input counts come from ADAT optical, which adds up to eight digital channels from an external preamp. The Volt 4 Gen 2 and all three Max models have it. Every model except the Volt 1 Gen 2 has a colour display, and the line also gets features UA calls Auto-Gain and Clip Protection. The “P” in Volt 4P Max means all four of its analogue inputs are mic preamps. Indian pricing will depend on local distribution, so the dollar figures are only a guide to where each model sits.
Three preamp characters
The headline feature is what UA calls Tone Shaping Preamps: a switch at the input with three modes. Warmth is tube-based (MusicRadar reports it is inspired by UA’s own 610 tube preamp), Focus is based on an American solid-state console, and Shine on British Class-A circuitry.
One thing to understand before relying on them: the character is applied before the signal reaches your DAW, so it is recorded into the file. Unlike a plug-in, you cannot change your mind at the mix. That is how analogue preamps have always worked, and committing early is a perfectly good way to make records. But if you are not sure, choose the mode you would be happy to live with rather than the most dramatic one, especially on a vocal take you cannot repeat.
Max Processing: compression on the way in
The three Max models add Max Processing: six one-touch compression presets based on UA’s emulations of the 1176, the LA-2A and VCA-style compressors, which UA says run in real time with no added latency. Combined with the three preamp modes, UA counts 18 tonal combinations per channel.
The idea isn’t new to the range. The first Volt interfaces, launched in 2021, included the Volt 176, 276 and 476, which built in an analogue compressor based on the 1176’s circuit. The Max models widen that from one compressor style to three. The same caution applies as with the preamp modes: compression on the way in is printed to the recording. Prices have also moved up a little. The original Volt 1 and Volt 2 launched at $139 and $189; the Gen 2 versions are $149 and $219.
Software and who it’s for
Each interface comes with UA’s Volt Studio bundle. UA lists 15 plug-ins, among them its LA-2A, 1176, Topline Vocal Tune, Showtime ’64, Lion ’68, Anthem and PolyMAX, plus its LUNA recording software. The bundle also includes Celemony Melodyne Essential and a three-month trial of FL Studio Producer Edition.
“Every artist has a sound they’re chasing. We want Volt Gen 2 to give people the confidence to explore that sound, experiment, and keep creating — whether they’re recording their first song or working on their tenth album,” said Bill Putnam Jr., UA’s CEO.
Soundb’s gear database already covers the entry end of this market, from the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) and Audient EVO 4 to the Behringer UMC22 we have reviewed. Volt Gen 2 sits a step above those on price. What it adds is a choice of input character; Focusrite’s Air switch, which adds presence or presence plus harmonic drive, is the nearest thing at that price. We have not tested Volt Gen 2 yet.