Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2 — a compact USB audio interface

Universal Audio has announced the second generation of its popular affordable Volt audio interfaces, starting with the Volt 1 Gen 2.

Photo: official website uaudio

The main change is a move to 32-bit ADCs and DACs supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz, for greater dynamic range and headroom during conversion. The single XLR/TRS combo input has an improved Tone Shaping Preamp with up to 60 dB gain. The first version emulated only the tube stage of a UA 610 console. The new circuit offers three hardware sound-colouring modes: Warmth for tube saturation, Focus for a transistor character and Shine for a British Class A console effect.

Photo: official website uaudio

Other features include integration with the UAD Console virtual mixer and LUNA DAW, 48 V phantom power and built-in loopback for streaming and podcasts. Connections include a pair of balanced TRS monitor outputs, an independent studio-grade headphone amplifier and a Hi-Z TRS instrument input. USB-C supplies all power, with support for macOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone. The UAD Volt Studio Bundle includes 15 plugins, among them LA-2A and 1176 compressors and UAD Topline Vocal Tune.

Photo: official website uaudio

Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2 is available for $150.