A Quick Guide to the Universal Audio Volt Interfaces: Which One Is Best For You?

[@henryeowens]

Analog compression on a desktop interface is fantastic. Sounds great.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Henry!

[@djmonize13]

Just wanted to leave a comment saying that this actually hleped me a lot in my reasearch of upgrading from an old Scarlett 2i2!

[@topdazzle]

Thanks Kyle - I am currently studying for a Masters of Science Degree in Audio and Video Forensics here in the UK and I purchased the Volt 4 for this application and critical listening / audio restoration and enhancement. I also have a home studio so I use it for this also and recording. I'm very pleased with it and it's portable which is a big plus for me as I am on the road so much. I pair it with Rode NTH-100 headphones and Yamaha HS-7 powered monitors. You might be interested to know that we use your videos a great deal for our University studies and I have a playlist made up of your videos for important topics such as decibels and standing waves / room modes. Thanks for all you do - we appreciate you and your efforts!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, topdazzle! I’m glad you like the interface!

[@lukasbecker6652]

I've been thinking about buying one of these for several weeks and was pretty sure the Volt 2 is the best one for me. But after hearing the analog compression of the Volt x76 Series, I will totally buy one of those. Thank you very much for this comparison!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, Lukas! Let us know how it sounds when yours comes in. Thanks for watching.

[@presleydavisjr.1764]

I have the volt 276 and have enjoyed having the compression and pre options when recording. It sounds really great! If I am in doubt on wether compression is needed I just use the vocal setting so I don't over compress. Recorded some drums in the studio over the weekend, aggregated my interfaces and used the volt for the kick and snare. Perfect.

[@Rahul_Tyagi]

Noted Sir.

[@UniversalAudio]

Nicely done Kyle! Great rundown of the line!

[@stefanhansen5882]

This was an AMAZINGLY well-structured overview. I subscribed for that reason. Thanks!

[@RockG.o.d]

I think you have just sold me on this. I am currently changing my equipment from things like helix floor and other things, to more simple devices which won't give me option paralysis.

[@jamestheradioman]

Next time you gotta feature that singing voice bruh! Great review, as always, informative and clear!

[@clicks59]

Great video, Kyle. I didn’t realize UA offered so many different models of their Volt interfaces. I enjoyed your in depth comparison. Even if someone is just starting out, I think saving for the higher channel count models would be well worth it. I particularly like the 76 models. My next purchase is going to be either the Antelope Orion or a UA Apollo. I would love to see some comparisons between their different models. Thanks

[@AudioUniversity]

That's a great video suggestion, TB Player! Thanks! I'm glad you liked the video.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

I love the idea of the 76 variants, and I am considering the 476P. The only thing I am not so happy about it one button for 48 volt, so you can only turn it on for all at once.

[@johncollins5552]

Maybe buy a volt one and use that on a 476 send.

[@JorgeEgrejasFrancisco]

It seems to be good stuff, but I already invested in a RME UCX II (along with a RME QUADMIC II for additional 48V mic inputs) that I truly find of a greater value. Cheers 👍

[@AudioUniversity]

Also a great interface!

[@Unlucky_Vampire]

I wonder if I use the wall plug I won’t need a headphone amplifier for my beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm)

[@Spookophonicstudios]

good video, love the bass playing part

[@MUCHMOREofU]

Great material and presented in such an easy to listen and understandable way. Thank you!

[@yassine.hammar1974]

Thanks kyle for important details. Helpful

[@TalkNRock]

Hello there! Awesome review. Im building a home studio and I need to buy a AI and came across the Universal Ausio Volt 1. I want to be able to plug in a guitar and a microphone and use Neural DSP plugins and record some stuff on Cakewalk. Is Volt1 the interface that covers all these?

[@Iesous27]

I just want something that I connect my guitar to and play to the computer, and also listen to that through my headphones/speakers. I also plan to do a bit of recording. I was planning on getting the volt 1 for this purpose. Think it's enough? 😅 I'm completely new to this stuff.

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes! The Volt 1 is a great choice for this! I’d encourage you to go with the Volt 2 if you ever want to record guitar and another instrument at the same time. Or if you ever want to record a stereo (left & right) source.

[@Iesous27]

​@@AudioUniversitythanks! I ended up going with the volt 1. I only play guitar, so I don't plan to ever record 2 instruments at a time. Love your content, keep it up!

[@ikigai47]

I just got the Volt 476p. What's your opinion on why they excluded the direct monitoring button for the 476p? There is just a "mono" button. Some of their choices seem like they thought them up as they went along and as they rushed them out to market. For instance, on the 276 they have 4 options per 76 compressor input: vocals / guitar / fast / off. That seems kind of dumb to have "off" be an option. Just simply have the light go OFF for the 4th press of the button. Well, on the 476p that's how it is. 3 options then off. As for "vintage", that sounds NOTHING like a solo/610 preamp but to be fair all these companies seem to be in a 'bells & whistle gimmick' contest. SSL with the 4k button, Focusrite with "air," and UA with Vintage/76. So they're trying to outdo each other. The only fault I have with any of them is UA because they make specific promises (solo 610 / 1176) and my ears don't hear that. Also it's a bit dirty to have a volume boost when engaging the 76 option since our ears equate volume increase with better sound. They know that better than anyone Additionally I use a cheap headphone amp with mine. My cans are Beyerdynamic 250ohm. It's not quite as loud as it should be at max volume imo and the headphone amp solves that.

[@jcisme]

Do the line inputs (3 & 4) on the back of the Volt 4 bypass all circuits and go straight to the converters ? IE - Great for external preamps ?

[@ddbear8786]

Where do you like to set the knob for a good amount of compression without overdoing it?

[@ஐMaxine]

Hello great contribution, I have a volt2, and I want to connect my Roland td17kvx2 electric battery, through MIDI could you help me how to achieve it

[@estawis]

Great breakdown…how would you rate the 276 againts the Apollo solo?

[@AudioUniversity]

The 276 is very powerful for the money, but the Apollo offers another level of functionality. The main benefits of the Apollo vs the Volt 276 is that it allows you to set up headphone mixes, use UA DSP plugins, and gives you much more control over the preamp and compressor settings. Both are great - but these are the reasons you might invest more for the Apollo series. Hope that helps!

[@estawis]

@@AudioUniversity thanks!

[@milton522]

Amazing video! Is the compressor on the 76 series a vital part when recording instruments or is it not as necessary? When the compressor was off in the demonstrations, did the Volt 1,2 and 4 series sound the same way as well at all times?

[@JamesKavanagh-s6h]

Thanks for the video. Looking at the 476 myself. Initially I plan to record videos directly through the camera app on my phone. Acoustic guitar, vocals and my drum pedal. Is this possible to do with the Volt 476? Uncomplicated plug and play. I will get eventually get into editing through a DAW but that’s for another day. Would you recommend 476 for this purpose? Thank you

[@linkert810]

I'm looking at these interfaces for integrating an "ampless" bass and guitar setup with our entertainment setup at home. Basically we have a larger computer monitor setup with A) Chromecast HD and B) a USB-C docking dongle for connecting our laptops. It doubles for (A) streaming and (B) work/gaming. The audio for the above stuff is taken care of by an integrated amp (SMSL SA300) with a pair of bookshelf speakers (Elac B-something). There are a couple of aspects I'm not sure about with the Volt interfaces: - The monitor outputs, can I run them to my integrated amp via it's Line Inputs? Or are those monitor outputs somehow specific to active studio monitors? - The USB connection on the Volts - can I send whatever audio I like back through it and have it go to the monitor outputs? Thinking when I use the laptop for anything other than DAW use, or maybe when gaming or simply wanting to play along a song with the bass. Thanks if you or anyone else here in the comments have an idea on this!

[@6stringsandasf]

as far as the 2 outputs (left/right) on the rear side can be used many different ways surprisingly... for home studio (if youre just rockin a small setup to just make music) then id suggest a pair of powered studio monitors... tbh they produce lovely playback... BUUUTT, when i slung together my first home setup, i had a Focusrite Scarlett Solo ver. 3... and the finished build when was all said and done, i had a set of non-powered monitors (non balanced) so from the left output i ran a Y split cable so both speakers were both playing, then out of the second jack in the y splitter i ran that into a ORANGE Micro Dark, the little baby amp with the 8 inch Cabinet, and that was run directly into front of that amp, just rolled back the gain... and then the cherry on top i ran a cable out from the scarletts right output into an adapter, into a insanely loud and lovely sounding Home theater SoundBar which i kinda buried back behind a little shelf... and my duuudeee, im prolly gonna be crucified by someone saying thats dumb... but the absolute EARGASMIC overall sound that came forth out of my McGuyver setup :-P was incredible blasting thru my lil recording shack/mini house... i super apologize for this novel, but im just tryin to open some minds, with a lil inginuity youll create friggin monster setups!!! *and yes youj can use an interface to run whatever music you want into the interface from wherever (comp, AUX, line in, etc) and itll play thru your chosen setup

[@6stringsandasf]

not to mention i had a brand new PEAVEY 6505+ 1x12 Combo, and that sat unused for quite some time after that build was done (and i was running mostly plug ins and ableton)... STL Tonality: Andy James signature plug in suite... all the Neural DSP archetype plug ins, BIAS FX 2, and even stuff straight from my DAWS

[@losizend7620]

I am an electronic drum user, can I use this sound card? (Volt1)

[@teashea1]

good review - well organized

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you liked it, Thomas! Thanks for watching.

[@gsanchez922]

I just want a interface to plug audio monitors just because I like how audio monitors looks 😅

[@victoriatrestrail]

I’ve been having unacceptable low gain with my Rode NT2A mic. Will the volt help with that?

[@miscmisc1023]

cloudlifter

[@Aditya_Paliwal_9]

Hey Are you plugging directly into the Interface or miking up your speaker cabinet?

[@ProdbyCeeSick]

Im buying 1 this weekend for my phone was going for the old trusty scarlet but now i dunno 🤔

[@AudioUniversity]

You’ll love it!

[@alexign]

great video. thanks a lot!

[@RunawayNA]

What budget audio interface would you recommend for music producers?

[@michaelcoutts9470]

Does this unit have preamps without using the vintage mode?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes.

[@helmanfrow]

You could have matched the volumes of the recordings made with and without the compressor engaged.

[@gyanulama8061]

this is amazing but how about the live stream for TikTok?

[@campar1043]

My new volt1 makes a static sound when turning up and down the volume knob, but only when audio is playing. Is it a defect?

[@philipmorgan7802]

Is a hiss (after setting the interface up with proper Gain settings, etc...) emitted normal with the top compressor button set to 'on'?

[@toebibae4370]

Awesome.

[@guitarfumar]

I got the 276 and LOVED IT. So I went ahead and got the 476P and have to return the 276 by early March. The 476P has a MEAN hiss when using a microphone. Even when plugged into just power, nothing else. Any ideas?? Their phone support line just hangs up.

[@AudioUniversity]

I haven’t had that experience. Have you checked that you’re not just hearing room noise? Compression tends to bring up the level of room noise.

[@noisehead]

Do they have an equalizer? Or a software that comes with it?

[@psyclomes89]

given that it takes external power supply, can it be used on pc to prevent cpu power usage crash?

[@c6ldass781]

Just to ask, what does "Line only" mean?

[@stk7778]

the keyboard pictured suggests midi, right?

[@AudioUniversity]

All of these interfaces have MIDI IO.

[@sergioandresvahos281]

Does Vintage and 76 compressor buttons mere 'accessories'? They doesn't cause distortion in the signal?

[@mark-ze4en]

Curious, can you do a video on what gear you are using(PC,MAC,USB 3 , usb 3.2, Thunderbolt connection. ) for midi and are there any limiting latency issues using usb2 -> usb 3.2?

[@AudioUniversity]

This video might help, Mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpDLfJeLa7Jkmdk This particular video is more about audio latency, but the same principles apply!

[@jasperruddock5155]

can you use all uad plugins on the volt serious? and does the midi and audio sound diffident in a daw???

[@AudioUniversity]

No, you cannot use UAD plugins on the Volt interfaces. You can use UAD Spark plugins, but the Volt interfaces do not have internal DSP.

[@Gandolis]

Hi ! Do you know if it is possible to connect a dynamic mic to the line in with external amp?

[@user-mmm4893]

Hello )) Please tell me if this device has a loopback function?

[@AudioUniversity]

Unfortunately it does not.

[@user-mmm4893]

@@AudioUniversity Thanks for the info bro )

[@evieruth01]

176 is the one I want , but heard it has low monitor volume 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@davidkristyhaan3178]

@Audio University would you still recommend a 4 series if the only outboard stuff you foresee using is for re amping? scenario involves one of the radial re amp boxes that can use the right channel of the headphone out, negating the need for the extra I/O of the 4 series. Or would you still say a 4 would be better over a 2?

[@AudioUniversity]

It would be best to use a line out to feed the reamp box.

[@carpediemearth]

Can a guitar amplifier be connected to either of the outputs on the Volt 1 and Volt 2?

[@baszero]

Which VOLT would you recommend to connect a MOOG Subsequent 37 to a Mac?

[@mylifeisbroken34]

I want to record podcasts with universal audio sd1 model microphone. Should I choose Volt 1 or Volt 176?

[@AudioUniversity]

The 176 would allow you to get a sound with controlled dynamics right away. This would be especially helpful if you’re planning to live stream your podcast.

[@sportsman2103]

Think i’m going with Volt 276

[@christophercrimmins6143]

If a midi keyboard or other device has both 5pin and usb midi out is there any advantage to sending the midi throught the audio interface via the 5pin connectors vs just straight to the computer via usb?

[@justinmerchan7335]

Not really, signal or functionality wise. A lot of synthesizers or midi enable instruments do not directly have an USB midi connection though, so in that case a 5 pin midi input, output, or THRU ensure maximum compatibility with all kind of instruments. But also keep in mind that a MIDI keyboard is just that, a midi device, while 5 pin MIDI connectors usually are used from instruments as a way to communicate between or control other instruments or tools (i.e some guitar pedals or clocks between drum machines)

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for this answer, Justin! Much appreciated!

[@ET2carbon]

Yes soon, MIDI 2.0 vs 1.0 and MPE. THOSE 5 PIN DIN connectors would likely have usb MIDI 2.0 MPE before the 5pin DIN. I think......

[@h0ng0r63]

Are they compatible with the newest OS mac Ventura?

[@jonasweiss5817]

I use mine to go from instrument to line output via Direct Monitoring, and don't even have it activated as an audio device. Its outputs feed my PCIe audio interface. This then avoids a direct box into mixer mic preamp and the need to then route that to my main audio interface somehow.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for sharing! Interesting setup!

[@BrettEllisMusic]

How did you release your XLR Jack? did you notice after you plug your XLR in it is impossible to pull it out? You will never have access to use that channel with TRS Quarter inch input. I have 2 Volts a 4/76 and a 2/76 my XLR cables a permanently locked in. They have no release tab.

[@calebweintraub1]

Thanks for the comparisons.Did you say that you would need a power adapter of some kind to plug it into a ipad? Are these not usbc ?

[@Pushing_Pixels]

I know this is an old comment, but since nobody answered you I'm going to. The interface will run off the USB when connected to a computer just fine without needing to use the power port, however if connected to an unplugged laptop or iPad it will drain the battery. The unit comes with a USB to power cable that just needs to be plugged into any 5v phone charger with a USB port (such as the one for your iPad/phone). That way it won't draw power from your iPad or laptop, which saves the battery.

[@vigil_.]

do you think Volt 1 has enough power for 250ohm headphones?

[@robertfontaine3650]

I you connect power will the volts support high impedance headphones or is this yet another audio that doesn't care about the output voltage?

[@AudioUniversity]

I'm able to power my 250-ohm headphones without a problem, Robert.

[@robertfontaine3650]

@@AudioUniversity Able to power and sounding good are bit different. In many of the USB powered audio interfaces there is an audible difference in the headphone output. I broke down and bought a dedicated headphone amp rather than paying nosebleed prices for a properly designed audiointerface.

[@mattwilliams3104]

Looking to purchase my first interface (so excited to be able to record!!!) and it’s so overwhelming 😅 I want to be able to record at least three things at once (guitar, bass, vocals) so looking to get something with 4 inputs. Settling on the 476 I think. Anyone have any other recs or input?

[@fr2738]

Alright I am kinda new to this. I want to buy the Volt 2 for recording on my Mac, one input being connected to my mic, the second one connected to my guitar. Is that kind of setup possible with the Volt 2?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes it is! The Volt 2 is perfect for that.

[@fr2738]

@@AudioUniversity Alright thank you! I would just connect my headphones, and the only thing I have to connect to my Mac is the USB cable right?

[@AudioUniversity]

@fr2738 yes - that’s right!

[@fruityloopsquan]

So would it be worth getting a 176 or a volt if I currently have a Scarlett solo 2nd gen?

[@Andy-kn8gs]

176

[@rustymcaron5379]

Hi, I would like to know if it is true that you have a quite latency on Mac book pro m1 with this interface... any comments about it? thanks guys

[@payman_azari]

Hi Kyle, thanks for your amazingly educational videos, I have a problem and you may have some tips for me, I am going to measure my amplifier (Crown CT 8150) noise floor; I am confused, at the amplifier output, I measure 1.5 mV RMS using true RMS multimeter but in the same time, nearly across all frequencies, I measure ~27 mV RMS using Audio Precision device (which may cause ~40 dB SPL at the loudspeaker on paper), do you know what is the range of noise floor for a decent audio amplifier?

[@somnusnemoris2903]

I love your videos but the idea that you can get Volt 1 or Volt 2 with Shure's low sensitivity microphones does not seem accurate. I have the SM57 which is more sensitive than the higher end of Shure's microphones (especially Shure SM7B that you are mentioning) and I barely peak to -18db with maxed gain on the volt 2 interface. To give an idea: SM57 sensitivity is specified as -56 dB whereas the volt 2 interface max gain is 55 dB.

[@KBKX1]

will volt 1 work with a dt770 pro 250 ohm ?

[@AnthonyBencomo]

You don’t need an adapter to power the device on a iPad. It powers it fine.

[@crancarenotafish]

I have the Volt 4 and I need to use the line inputs 3 & 4 to bypass builtin preamps (cause I want to use a dedicated one) . I think it should be possible but it doesn't seem to work for me. The signal wont even show up on any DAW I've tried so far.( I can ear them in my headphones) Is that normal or my unit is defective? Thanks

[@kanedmx]

It's run with windows 7

[@envisiotube]

It's a well nown fact in psychoacoustics that, roughly speaking, "louder sounds better" in comparision tests and for a serious test, you have to level out the volume exactly, otherwise such a test is rubbish. You should now this and also do comparisions only with a loudness matching as precise as possible.

[@AudioUniversity]

You’ve got a valid point here. However, I wanted to give viewers the experience of using the interface in person, so I left it as is.

[@АлександрЛапченко-н4е]

Hi, some of the specific personal experience I've had with this VOLT 276 and my new WORK STATION PC3K8: 1) I can't load SOFT BONDEL, the system won't recognize my PIN and IUSER ID. I just get empty and stupid E-Mails from UA that urge me to be patient... This is exactly why I had to turn to CAKEWALK. And then surprises awaited me! I connected my Work Station via AUX to both universal inputs and via USB to the PC. Result: You can even record MIDI, but you can listen to AUDIO, but you can’t record: only noises and a stupid metronome (with distortion) go. MIDI quality is also low. I'm not getting high yet, but just wasting time looking for problems and waiting for a response from UA.

[@RussUmp24]

Analog @5:53.... Have I been saying it wrong this whole time?????

[@helmanfrow]

I saw it stated in the description but you could mention at the top of the video that it's sponsored or put a caption on the screen that says as much.

[@calebweintraub1]

Power adapter

[@stevehmar3558]

Good

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Steve!

[@twistah]

Someone get me job so I can buy this

[@Rahul_Tyagi]

Hi, respected Americans and I m Rahul from India and I had bought volt 2 for vocal and my KZbin channel , pls anybody guide how to use for better vocal recordings.

[@tuckertucker1]

I bought a Volt 2. Horrible. Would not connect to my MBP M2. They even have software called "UA connect", which A) Why do I need software to connect? B) The software doesn't work anyway. I tried all the things on the UA site for troubleshooting. Finally solved my problem... returned the Volt and purchased an interface from a different brand (hint, the case is red). The little red box connected instantly when I plugged it in, and I was happy.

[@manok1156]

skill issue

[@tuckertucker1]

@@manok1156 @manok Go back to Troll school, you failed the test.

[@slothboyomg]

No ADAT; boo.

[@davshan8482]

Volt 2 sounds better than Volt 276, the less components the better ZOOM UAC is even better than these

[@RemmyMusic1]

guys, just because this youtube video says its a great option, doesnt mean it is for you. This is premium priced, and from UAD they don't do a good job telling you that these interfaces don't allow you to use their plugins. their walled garden of software requires a DSP inside the interface. this is literally no special than a tascam 2x2 and at half the price with a cleaner sound. avoid.

[@tiglymigly2846]

Can Audio university comment about this, au states their re throwing a 400 bucks worth of plugins with this interface - so is it another marketing trick? From the price point of view, you are wrong, Volt 2 is at the same price range as a tascam hr 2x2, and tascam doesn't have nice on/off button, also budget tascams sort of suck

[@AudioUniversity]

The plugins that are promised with the Volt interfaces are not a marketing trick. I think RemmyMusic expected to get access to UAD DSP plugins. UAD DSP plugins require the DSP chip that is inside the Apollo interfaces. There are also some UAD plugins that are available without the Apollo interface, through UAD Spark. To summarize, Universal Audio gives you the plugins they promise to provide with the Volt interfaces. However, you won’t get access to ALL UAD plugins.

[@sneifert1968]

Too many accounts to handle, anti piracy bs. I need three freaking accounts to connect, and use free ,or any other for that matter, plugins.

[@deolludhianvi]

Hello Sir, My name is Deol and I'm from India. I'm full beginner. I want to do poetry recording. The lines of my poetry are in high tone as well as in low tone. Please suggest me a microphone and audio interface After buying which I do not have any regrets. But My room is not sound proof. I want to record in my house. My total budget is $350

[@Bradleybrookwood]

Hopefully there's no noise floor with these universal audio interfaces? The Apollo is way too expensive for me.