First Look: Universal Audio Volt

For decades, Universal Audio has provided professional producers, engineers, and musicians with the tools they need to ply their craft. Now, thanks to the Volt series, hobbyists and home recordists can get in on the action, too. These USB-C audio interfaces are a worthy addition to the UA stable, packing high-grade analog circuitry and class-leading 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion. Their Vintage Preamp mode employs solid-state electronics to deliver tube-like saturation and clipping, and select models include a built-in 76-style analog compressor. To top it off, their cool — and rugged — retro-inspired industrial design looks amazing on your desktop. And they’re compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS. Sweetwater sat down with UA’s Shawn Ellis to learn more about these amazing interfaces.

More Than a Mere Entry-level Interface

Volt series audio interfaces are jam-packed with UA’s traditional analog flavor, providing artists and engineers with a cost-effective entry point into the world of studio recording. “We’re expanding the circle, welcoming more people into the Universal Audio fold,” explains Shawn. “It’s the perfect jumping-on point for somebody who doesn’t want something complex.” Shawn continues, “Customers want the great sound quality that Universal Audio is known for — that’s how records get made — and Volt interfaces deliver.”

Volts are a far cry from “entry level.” To the contrary, these budget-friendly audio interfaces are designed to produce album-worthy tracks. “We designed the Volt holistically to deliver keeper-quality tracks,” Shawn states. “From the conversion to the amount of gain on the mic input to the analog circuits — it’s an entire system.”

610-inspired Microphone Preamps

Universal Audio is a company with a legacy — they know how to build analog circuits. The Volt’s microphone preamps epitomize this celebrated history, boasting tailor-crafted solid-state electronics that deliver a decidedly 610 tube preamp–like flavor. “It’s like with DSP — you’re modeling what’s happening in the analog realm,” explains Shawn. “But, instead of doing it digitally, we’re doing it with op-amps.” What’s more, the Volt’s selectable Vintage Preamp mode enables you to inject your signal with tube-like analog saturation and clipping.

Built-in FET Compression

The Volt 76 models include built-in FET compression modeled after the UREI 1176. Best of all, these are real-world analog compressors, not a digital emulation. While these compressors nail the 1176’s fabled punch and presence, they’re easy to use, courtesy of three application-specific modes for vocals, guitars, and drums. “With the compressor,” states Shawn, “we made presets with optimized attack and release times to make it super-easy for people who aren’t familiar with a hardware compressor with all its knobs, bells, and whistles.”

A High-quality Analog Front End — No Rack Required

Volt interfaces supply users with a high-quality analog front end — a requisite for studio-quality recordings — without the need for outboard analog gear. Shawn states, “With Vintage Preamp mode and the 76 Compressor analog circuits, you can really dial in the grit and warm overtones.” And if you want to keep it clean? No problem. “That’s why they’re engageable,” Shawn explains.

Offering Something for Everyone

The Volt series includes five models: the streamlined Volt 1 and Volt 2 plus the compressor-equipped Volt 176, Volt 276, and Volt 476. If you’d like to get your hands on one of these excellent USB-C audio interfaces, then give your Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.