Universal Audio goes budget with its new entry- and mid-level Volt USB-C audio interfaces making the UA quality accessible to everyone.
Audio interface with DSP power, Universal Audio is difficult to get past. But only if you have enough budget, as the interfaces are anything but super affordable. It starts at 700 € for the smallest model. A price range not for everyone.
Today, Universal Audio has introduced a new series of audio interfaces that will attract musicians, songwriters, podcasters… also with a smaller budget.
Univeral Audio Volt 1 & 2
Five new interfaces mark the start of the Volt series. Volt 1 and Volt 2 are the budget line with either 1 in/2 outs or 2 ins/2outs. The inputs offers both line and 48V phantom power. They come with a vintage mic preamp mode with a modeled mic/line preamp circuitry from the UA610 console. Both versions have a built-in MIDI interface (in/out), big knob for hardware monitoring, USB-C port, and a headphone out with a dedicated leveler.
For me, the look is very timeless with the beige/white housing. There are also colored buttons (vintage, instruments) that give them a bit of a vintage flair.
Universal Audio Volt 176, 276 & 476
The Volt series is also available in the mid-range with more features and a different design. The start makes the Volt 176 with 1 input/2 output, then 276 (2 in/2out) and the 476. The latter doubles the amount of connectivity with 4 ins and 4 outs. You get the same vintage preamp mode but also built-in analog 76-style compressor circuits. They come with included presets for voice, guitar, and other sources.
In the Volt 76 series, the controls have slid onto the top. The nice beige/white case got an upgrade with “wooden” side panels which makes the whole look more solid.
The entire Volts family has 24-bit/192kHz conversion, and compatibility with macOS, Windows, iPad, and Phones over USB-C ( USB 2.0) connection. Universal Audio equals DSP power. Not here. “DSP Power” is not built into any of the new Volt audio interfaces, which means there is no support for the Luna DAW or UA plugins don’t work on it.
A very interesting lineup of interfaces. It is very welcome that UA is now also offering audio interfaces for beginners with a smaller budget. Tests have to see whether they convince with the same UA quality.
Universal Audio Volt interfaces and Studio Packs are available for pre-order and will be available in late November 2021. The prices are the following: Volt 1 (139€), Volt 2 (189€), Volt 176 (249€), 276 (299€), and 476 (369€). The studio packs cost 319€ and 429€.
More information here: Univeral Audio
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