Volt 2 Audio Interface USB

The Universal Audio Volt 2 is a popular and well-regarded USB audio interface from Universal Audio (UA), a company known for its high-end, professional audio gear. The Volt series was created to bring UA's signature sound quality and vintage aesthetic to a more affordable and accessible price point.

Here is a detailed breakdown of its key features:

Core Concept & Design

• 2-in/2-out Interface: The "2" in the name stands for two inputs and two outputs. This is a simple and effective configuration for a home studio, allowing you to record a microphone and an instrument at the same time and listen back on a pair of studio monitors.

• Class-Leading Conversion: The Volt 2 features 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion, which is the professional standard. This ensures that your recordings are captured with high fidelity and detail.

• Rugged, Vintage-Inspired Build: The interface has a stylish and durable all-metal chassis with a vintage-inspired design. Its solid construction makes it suitable for both desktop use and mobile recording.

• USB-C Connectivity: The interface uses a USB-C connection for both data and power (it is USB bus-powered), making it compatible with modern computers, iPhones, and iPads.

Key Features

• Vintage Mic Preamp Mode: This is a major selling point and a unique feature in this price range. With the press of a button, you can engage a built-in analog circuit that emulates the sound of Universal Audio's classic 610 tube preamp. This adds a subtle warmth, saturation, and a bit of a high-frequency boost to your vocals and instruments, providing a professional, "pre-mixed" tone right at the source.

• Direct Monitoring: The Volt 2 has a direct monitoring feature that allows you to hear your audio signal straight from the inputs with zero latency. This is crucial for recording, as it eliminates any distracting delay between your performance and what you hear in your headphones.

• Independent Volume Controls: The interface features separate volume knobs for the main monitor outputs and the headphone output, which is a convenient feature for balancing your levels during a recording session.

• MIDI I/O: The Volt 2 includes MIDI In and Out ports, allowing you to connect and control MIDI keyboards, synthesizers, and other controllers.

Included Software

The Volt 2 comes with a comprehensive software bundle to get you started, including:

• Ableton Live Lite (a popular DAW for recording and production)

• Melodyne Essential (a powerful pitch correction tool)

• UJAM Virtual Drummer and Virtual Bassist

• Softube and Plugin Alliance guitar and bass amp simulations

• A selection of Universal Audio plugins.

Overall Impression

The Universal Audio Volt 2 is a fantastic choice for:

• Beginners: Its simple 2-in/2-out design and included software bundle make it easy to get started with recording.

• Singer-Songwriters: The combination of two high-quality preamps and the unique Vintage mode makes it perfect for recording vocals and an acoustic or electric instrument at the same time.

• Podcasters and Streamers: The direct monitoring and high-quality sound make it an ideal tool for producing professional-sounding content.

• Anyone who values great sound: The standout feature of this interface is its sound quality and the added character from the Vintage preamp mode, which sets it apart from many of its competitors.