Universal Audio Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max Quickstart Guide
NOTE: This guide is for the next-generation Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max audio interfaces. Our Setup Guide for the original Universal Audio Volt line is here.
The second-generation Universal Audio Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max USB bus-powered audio interfaces can be used with any digital audio workstation (DAW) on Mac and Windows and even with iPhone and iPad.
Get your Volt set up and ready to record with UA’s integrated suite of software. Let’s get started.
- Install UA Connect & Download the Software
- Create an iLok Account
- Universal Audio Volt Tutorial Videos
Install UA Connect & Download the Software
UA Connect is where you install the software for your Volt.
On Mac and Windows, the Volt relies on custom software that’s included with your purchase. Before you start recording, you’ll need to follow the registration procedure using the UA Connect app.
UA Connect
- Connect your Volt directly to your Mac or Windows computer with a USB-C data cable. The Volt will be powered over USB.
- On your computer, go to the Universal Audio website and log in to your account or create a new one.
- Download UA Connect. Run the installer and launch the app.
- In UA Connect, log in to your account.
- Click on the Volt icon in the pane on the left.
UA Connect will detect your Volt and walk you through registration and installation. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If there’s a firmware update available, then you will be asked to install it. Follow the instructions carefully; and don’t disconnect your Volt or quit the UA Connect app while the update is being installed.
If you’re on Windows, then you’ll also see a link to install the ASIO driver, which is required. On macOS, the Volt is class compliant, so there is no driver.
Launch Volt Intro
The Launch Volt Intro start screen.
Click “Launch Volt Intro” and follow the steps.
UA Connect will walk you through plugging in headphones to your Volt, connecting a microphone or instrument, and setting the controls to get a signal.
Testing an input level on the Volt 4 Max.
It’s good to confirm that things are working!
UAD Console
UAD Console for the Volt.
In UA Connect, under “Included With Your Volt,” download and install UAD Console.
UAD Console is the app that sits between your Volt and your DAW to configure recording and set up monitor mixes. UAD Console lets you control many settings that you can make on the Volt’s hardware buttons and knobs, but UAD Console is also where you control additional features that are only accessible in the software.
You’ll leave UAD Console running whenever you use your DAW.
On macOS, the first time you launch UAD Console, you’ll be asked to grant permission for the app to “access the microphone.” This is a security setting for macOS that actually permits the app to receive all audio input. Click “Allow.”
LUNA, Universal Audio’s DAW
The LUNA home page.
You can use your Volt with any DAW, but you will want to check out the unique features in the free version of UA’s DAW, called LUNA, for macOS and Windows.
In UA Connect, click on the LUNA icon in the pane on the left and download and install the app.
Additional Downloads
In the Volt pane in UA Connect, scroll down to see all the options for additional software, including the UAD Volt Studio Bundle, which is included with your purchase, and lots of third-party content.
Universal Audio Volt Owner’s Manuals
UA provides Volt owner’s manuals as webpages. Bookmark this link for reference.
Create an iLok Account
Several bundled and third-party software plugins are licensed through the iLok system. If you don’t already have an iLok account, then this is the time to set it up on your computer. Follow the instructions in our iLok License Manager Quickstart Guide.
Universal Audio Volt Tutorial Videos
Getting Started with Volt
UA provides an excellent series of short videos to get you started, explaining basic concepts while showing you how to access the settings you need. You can find links to these videos within the UA Connect app on the Volt page, or you can look them up on the Universal Audio YouTube Getting Started with Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max playlist.
Getting Started with Volt Audio Interfaces | Volt Gen 2 + Volt Max
Here’s the point in the video where they discuss getting set up in LUNA.
Setting Up Volt in Luna
LUNA has a unique mode for quickly recording your first track. LUNA then automates setting up a full project. Here’s their tutorial.
Introducing LUNA Play | A Faster, Simpler Way to Record
Using Universal Audio Volt with Your DAW
In the Universal Audio DAW Setup with Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max playlist on YouTube, they provide short, handy videos for working with these DAWs:
- Setting up Your Volt with Cubase | Volt Gen 2 + Volt Max
- Setting up Your Volt with GarageBand | Volt Gen 2 + Volt Max
- Setting up Your Volt with Logic Pro | Volt Gen 2 + Volt Max
- Setting up Your Volt with Pro Tools | Volt Gen 2 + Volt Max
- Setting up Your Volt with Ableton Live | Volt Gen 2 + Volt Max
- Setting up Your Volt with FL Studio | Volt Gen 2 + Volt Max
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