Gear & SoftwareThe New Volt Series: Tone Shaping Preamps and Smart Displays
Do your home-recorded vocals or guitars sound a little thin and underwhelming?
Universal Audio's new Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max audio interfaces address that problem right at the recording input.
Developed by the team behind the Apollo series, the new Volt models all offer sound character at the press of a button through their Tone Shaping preamps.
The six-model lineup ranges from a simple two-input interface to a flagship with four preamps.
Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max have three key strengths:
- Tone Shaping preamps add tube, solid-state, or British Class A character.
- A full-color Smart Display, plus Auto Gain to set recording levels automatically (except on Volt 1 Gen 2).
- Volt Max includes built-in Max Processing with compressor models based on classics such as the 1176 and LA-2A.
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Key Features of Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max
Both Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max are USB audio interfaces supporting 32-bit/192 kHz operation.
Every model shares preamps that can color the sound as you record, along with a compact, bus-powered design.
Let's look at the features of the series as a whole.
Tone Shaping Preamps: Add Character with One Button
Simply press the TONE button to give your recording the character of analog equipment.
Three modes are available: tube-style Warmth, solid-state Focus, and British Class A Shine.
The preamps provide 60 dB of gain.
On Volt Max, these three modes also add harmonic saturation for a stronger sonic character.
Smart Display and Auto Gain
Every model except Volt 1 Gen 2 has a full-color Smart Display.
Input selection, levels, and settings are visible at a glance, helping reduce setup time.
They also provide automatic recording-level adjustment in seconds with Auto Gain, along with Clip Protection to prevent distortion from unexpected peaks.
You can concentrate on your performance instead of watching the meters.
Max Processing, Exclusive to Volt Max
The three Volt Max models include Max Processing, which lets you record through compression.
Models of classic compressors such as the 1176 and LA-2A form the basis of six presets for vocals, guitar, and bass.
- Vocals: Great Vocal, Rap Vocal, Album Vocal
- Guitar: Electric Guitar, Jangly Acoustic
- Bass: Tight Bass
Combine them with the three Tone Shaping modes to create a wide range of sonic characters.
A key attraction is getting a powerful, polished sound at the recording stage.
Other Features
All models run on USB bus power and support Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone.
As USB class-compliant devices, they let you connect and start recording on Mac, iPad, or iPhone without installing a driver. Windows uses an ASIO driver available through UA Connect.
Every model also includes loopback, allowing you to combine computer audio and microphone input for transmission.
This is useful for podcasts, live streams, and video calls.
Product Lineup
The lineup consists of six models: three Volt Gen 2 interfaces and three Volt Max interfaces.
The table below summarizes the main differences.
| Feature | Volt 1 Gen 2 | Volt 2 Gen 2 | Volt 4 Gen 2 | Volt 2 Max | Volt 4 Max | Volt 4P Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous Inputs / Outputs | 2 in / 2 out | 2 in / 4 out | 12 in / 6 out | 10 in / 4 out | 12 in / 6 out | 12 in / 6 out |
| Mic Preamps | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Tone Shaping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (adds harmonics) | Yes (adds harmonics) | Yes (adds harmonics) |
| Max Processing | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Display / Auto Gain | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| ADAT / S/PDIF Optical Input | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI In / Out | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Hub | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Talkback Mic | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Switching | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Volt 1 Gen 2
The simplest model in the series provides two inputs and two outputs.
It has one mic/line input and one Hi-Z instrument input for direct connection of instruments such as guitars, allowing you to record vocals and guitar simultaneously.
Its straightforward design uses physical knobs to adjust gain, and it includes a Tone Shaping preamp as well.
Volt 2 Gen 2
This two-input, four-output model has two preamps and two Hi-Z inputs.
It supports stereo recording as well as recording vocals and guitar simultaneously.
It adds the Smart Display and Auto Gain, with settings recall available from UAD Console and LUNA.
Volt 4 Gen 2
This 12-input, six-output model retains the features of Volt 2 Gen 2 while expanding the input and output options.
Along with additional line inputs and outputs, it includes MIDI in/out for connecting keyboards and synthesizers directly.
The ADAT or S/PDIF optical input lets you add up to eight input channels.
It also includes a USB hub that can supply power to devices such as MIDI controllers.
Volt 2 Max
This desktop Volt Max model provides 10 inputs and four outputs.
It combines two preamps with Max Processing so you can record a compressed sound directly.
Alongside MIDI in/out, ADAT/S/PDIF optical input, and two headphone outputs, it has a built-in talkback mic for communication in the studio.
Volt 4 Max
This 12-input, six-output model adds extra line inputs and outputs and speaker switching to the features of Volt 2 Max.
You can switch between two pairs of monitor speakers, using main and alternate sets.
Volt 4P Max
The flagship of the series provides 12 inputs and six outputs.
Four Tone Shaping preamps let you record four sources simultaneously.
It is suited to larger sessions, such as recording drums or bands, or podcasts with multiple guests.
Dimensions and Weight
Each model's dimensions and weight are shown below.
| Model | Dimensions (Width × Depth × Height) | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Volt 1 Gen 2 | 170×140×52mm | 526g |
| Volt 2 Gen 2 | 195×140×52mm | 592g |
| Volt 4 Gen 2 | 195×140×52mm | 638g |
| Volt 2 Max | 208×130×56mm | 590g |
| Volt 4 Max | 208×130×56mm | 612g |
| Volt 4P Max | 236×130×56mm | 688g |
Included Software
Every model includes the UAD Volt Studio Bundle, a collection of more than 15 UAD plug-ins and instruments, along with UA's LUNA DAW.
Third-party software is included as well, providing tools for recording through mixing.
UAD Volt Studio Bundle Included
- Vocals: Topline Vocal Tune, UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, Century Tube Channel Strip
- Compressors: Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor, UA 1176 Classic FET Compressor
- Reverb and delay: Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo
- Tape and special processing: Oxide Tape Recorder, Vibe Analog Machines
- Synths: PolyMAX Synth, Anthem Analog Synth
- Guitar amps: UAD Lion '68 Super Lead Amp, UAD Showtime '64 Tube Amp
Third-Party Software Also Included
- Melodyne Essential (Celemony)
- Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Bundle (Plugin Alliance): includes Ampeg SVT-VR Classic, bx_Tuner, and bx_Masterdesk_Classic
- Virtual Drummer DEEP / Virtual Bassist DANDY (UJAM)
- Splice INSTRUMENT
- Prisma – Producer Lab (UVI)
- FL Studio Producer Edition (three months free)
The included UAD Volt Studio and third-party software bundles may change without notice.
Integration with UAD Console and LUNA
All models support the dedicated UAD Console app and LUNA.
Volt 2 Gen 2 and higher models offer full integration, including session recall.
Which Model Is Right for You?
Volt 1 Gen 2
- You want an affordable way to start recording and making music.
- You want to use UAD plug-ins.
- Connecting just one microphone is enough for you.
Volt 2 Gen 2
- You want to record singing and acoustic guitar together using two microphones.
- You want Volt's additional features, including Auto Gain.
- You want to record stereo-output equipment such as keyboards.
- You place a high priority on output sound quality.
Volt 4 Gen 2
- You want to connect more microphones or instruments at the same time.
- You want to connect a second pair of speakers through the line outputs while keeping costs down.
- You want to choose equipment with future expansion in mind.
Volt 2 Max
- You prioritize features and performance over the number of instruments or microphones you can connect.
- You want to record with collaborators.
- You want to shape instrument and vocal sounds as you record.
Volt 4 Max
- You want both a rich feature set and connections for more equipment.
- Two microphones are enough, but you want to connect plenty of line-level gear such as synthesizers and outboard equipment.
- You want to work while switching between two sets of speakers.
Volt 4P Max
- You want to use up to four microphones to record multiple instruments or singers at once.
- You prefer the reassurance of choosing the flagship model.
System Requirements
Windows
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
Driver: use the ASIO driver available through UA Connect
Mac
OS: macOS 12 Monterey or later
iPad / iPhone
OS: iPadOS / iOS 16 or later
Models with a Lightning connector require an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. Models with USB-C do not.
All Platforms
CPU: Intel, AMD, or Apple Silicon
An available USB 2.0 or later port
An internet connection is required to download the software
Supported DAWs include major applications such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools
Pricing
The suggested retail prices in Japan are listed below.
| Model | Suggested Retail Price in Japan (Tax Included) |
|---|---|
| Volt 1 Gen 2 | JPY 27,500 |
| Volt 2 Gen 2 | JPY 39,600 |
| Volt 4 Gen 2 | JPY 55,000 |
| Volt 2 Max | JPY 55,000 |
| Volt 4 Max | JPY 71,500 |
| Volt 4P Max | JPY 89,100 |
Prices are those listed in the original Japanese article as of October 2026.
Check the seller's website for current pricing.
Every model includes Tone Shaping preamps to add depth at the recording stage, more than 15 UAD plug-ins, the LUNA DAW, and third-party software such as Melodyne and UJAM products.
Choose based on the number of inputs and outputs and whether you need Max Processing, and find the model that suits your production style.