Universal Audio Volt 4 USB-C Audio Interface Reviews
The Universal Audio Volt 4 leverages UA's renowned analog expertise to deliver a USB-C audio interface worthy of a decades-long legacy. The Volt 4 boasts top-flight analog circuitry, along with class-leading 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion, enabling you to create professional-sounding music productions, livestreams, and podcasts. This audio interface boasts two microphone preamplifiers with switchable 610-style analog sound, two additional line inputs, and convenient input metering. Beyond that, six analog outputs and a headphones output make monitoring a snap, plus you get direct monitoring for zero-latency operation. You also get MIDI I/O for your synths and controllers. The Volt 4 vaunts a rugged, retro-inspired industrial design and comes with a cutting-edge native software bundle.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Glad I chose this one.
My other interfaces are Focusrite, so I was going to get the 2i2 for when I travel, but went for this out of curiosity. It's about the size of a book, and I gaffa-taped a little padding to the back left corner so I can stand it vertically to save space - UAD should fix that! It works great, and having lines 3 & 4 in and out means I could set up a Pro Tools insert: midi in/out could prove useful as well.
Volt 4
Very easy to set up.
Great interface for the price!
I spent a lot of time comparing various 4x4 interfaces including options from SSL, MOTU, and the ubiquitous Scarlett 4i4. While I had some initial reservations about trying the Volt, I could not be happier with this unit. The drivers are relatively unobtrusive on Windows and the bonus plug-ins were a great perk. A bonus that I discovered is that the interface seems to be compatible with Tidal's MQA format as I can passthrough MQA directly to the Volt 4. I really like the ability to select which inputs and outputs are routed to the Monitor/Headphone mix while also being able to have separate isolated outputs for channels 1-4.
The preamps have a good amount of gain and are relatively quiet. Inputs 1-2 each have a 2-bar meter showing an easy to read level. The top bar lights green/yellow/red giving added detail for the meters.
The only con's I can find are the lack of a blend knob to mix signals from the live inputs with PC output levels and the unit is just tall enough that it cannot be rack mounted.
Just........WOW!
Purchased the interface and have only been using it for a week. I upgraded from a FocusRite 2i2-3rd gen, which I enjoyed using also. With my previous set-up, I utilized a Presonus Blue Tube pre-amp for acoustic, electric, mandolin and vocals. With the Volt4, no need for a pre-amp. Vocals are crisp and clear. Acoustic resonance is warm and clear. My DAW of choice is Presonus Studio One+ v.6. I disagree with the comment below regarding latency. As with any new interface, during set-up, you have to go thru the motions of adjusting your sample rate and your block size in order to reduce latency. So much is dependent on the processing power (faster the better) and the ammount of ram (the more the better)within your computer. With factory settings, initially, I had some latency, but when adjusted, vocals, microphoned acoustic, and direct input instruments did not show any discernable latency. The plug-in package by Universal Audio is outstanding. Still discovering what's available and how to bring those into my projects. Thanks Joel McCann for your expertise in helping me to make an informed decision regarding purchase.
Perfect interface for a small set up
I upgraded to this from a very old refurbished Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. The scarlet began consistently blue-screening my PC because of driver issues. This interface beats out that old 2i2 in every way. The AD/DA is noticeably better, just listening to music is very nice in comparison to the scarlet. I love that this can be powered via DC adapter. I'm no hardware engineer but I can't trust an interface that can run off just an iPad. The vintage preamps are nice, although I can't see myself using them. Direct monitoring is a game changer, I knew how I lived without it but man did it suck.
DM aside, recording guitar with Ableton on a Macbook air I heard no perceivable latency out of the box. Which is just fantastic. The only downside to going with the Volt 4 from the 2i2 is losing that big shiny metal knob
Nice!!!!!!!!!!
I've had for about a year now and I like it. Clean sound good recordings, and gets the job done. Also it came with free UA plugins, can't go wrong with that.
Perfect for my home studio
The preamps sounds great. The vintage button is great for adding warmth to guitar tracks that are going into amp sims. The extra outputs come in very useful for reamping. The interface is very easy to use. I can't find anything to complain about with this unit.
Perfect upgrade
I upgraded to this from the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8, and I'm super happy with it! The sound is cleaner, the interface is smaller, and it has all of the I/Os I need. Really impressed with the sound quality! I use it for live sound in my keys rig.
Latency and lack of support
On my apple M1 ultra the volt is not useable if you are trying to do anything other midi and loops.
if your trying to use guitars the latency is terrible, unusable.
too be honest i am doubting the authenticity of the reviews.
trying to contact UA support is useless. it whole experience is disappointing.