Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2

The Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2 is a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with 32-bit/192 kHz conversion, a Tone Shaping Preamp, separate mic/line and Hi-Z instrument inputs, USB bus power, built-in loopback and a comprehensive recording software bundle for Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone.

Classic Volt Simplicity with Next-Generation Recording

Volt 1 Gen 2 combines the compact format, hands-on controls and straightforward recording workflow of the Volt range with updated conversion, three preamp character modes and loopback functionality. Universal Audio, the team behind Apollo interfaces, brings its recording expertise to a portable interface for singer-songwriters, producers, podcasters and content creators.

Tone Shaping Preamp with Three Analogue Characters

The microphone preamp provides up to 60 dB of gain and three selectable character modes: Warmth, Focus and Shine. These modes introduce tube, solid-state and British Class-A tonal characteristics, adding weight, definition or presence at the recording stage. Onboard tone shaping helps vocals and instruments develop a finished character before mixing begins.

Simultaneous Microphone and Instrument Recording

A dedicated front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and a separate mic/line combo input allow simultaneous recording of a guitar and vocal, or other compatible sources. The 1 MΩ instrument input accommodates electric guitars and basses, while the combo socket accepts XLR microphones, balanced TRS line signals and unbalanced TS connections. Switchable 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones.

Both input channels offer up to 60 dB of gain. Maximum input levels reach 12.5 dBu for instruments, 14.5 dBu for microphones and 22 dBu for line sources, supporting a range of recording equipment.

32-Bit Conversion and Detailed Monitoring

Volt 1 Gen 2 supports 32-bit audio at sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. Its microphone and line inputs deliver 119 dB A-weighted dynamic range, while the instrument input delivers 116 dB, helping preserve detail across vocal and instrumental performances.

The balanced stereo monitor outputs provide 122 dB A-weighted dynamic range and a maximum output level of 20.2 dBu. The stereo headphone output delivers 121 dB A-weighted dynamic range, with maximum power of 52 mW into 32 Ω or 27 mW into 300 Ω. Headphones share the monitor mix, maintaining a consistent monitoring source through recording and playback.

USB Connectivity for Desktop and Mobile Sessions

USB bus power supports portable recording without an external power supply when the connected device provides sufficient power. Two USB-C connectors handle the USB 2.0 host connection and a separate external power input. The external power connection requires a minimum 5V DC supply at 1A; typical power consumption reaches 2.4W, with a maximum of 3.6W.

Volt 1 Gen 2 supports Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone. Windows recording uses the ASIO driver available through UA Connect. Lightning-equipped Apple devices require an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, while USB-C models avoid that adapter requirement. Bus-power requirements vary with the connected device.

Loopback for Podcasts, Livestreams and Calls

Built-in loopback combines live input sources with computer audio for podcasting, livestreaming and content creation. This feature allows software playback and microphone or instrument signals to feed the same broadcast or recording workflow. It also supports video-call setups that require a combination of live and computer audio.

UAD Plug-Ins, Instruments and LUNA

The included UAD Volt Studio Bundle provides tools for vocal production, dynamics, equalisation, ambience, tape character, synthesis and guitar recording. LUNA Digital Audio Workstation supplies a recording and mixing environment with an emphasis on analogue studio sound, while UAD Console app compatibility extends the interface’s software integration.

The bundle includes Topline Vocal Tune, UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, Century Tube Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor and UA 1176 Classic FET Compressor. Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo and Oxide Tape Recorder add space, delay and tape colour. Vibe Analog Machines, PolyMAX Synth and Anthem Analog Synth expand instrument production, while UAD Lion ’68 Super Lead Amp and UAD Showtime ’64 Tube Amp provide guitar amp tones.

Additional software includes Melodyne Essential, the Plugin Alliance Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Bundle with bx_Tuner and bx_Masterdesk_Classic, UJAM Virtual Drummer DEEP and Virtual Bassist DANDY, Splice INSTRUMENT and UVI Prisma – Producer Lab. A three-month FL Studio Producer Edition offer and access to exclusive Puremix education content complete the package. Software bundles may change without notice.

Compatibility and Practical Construction

Volt 1 Gen 2 works with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Computer requirements include an Intel, AMD or Apple silicon processor, an available USB 2.0 or higher port, and Windows 10 64-bit or newer, or macOS 12 Monterey or newer. Mobile operation requires iOS or iPadOS 16 or newer. Software downloads require an internet connection, and the package includes a USB cable.

The rugged enclosure supports regular desktop and mobile use. The interface concentrates on analogue recording and monitoring, with no MIDI or digital/optical connections.

Why Choose Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2?

• Capture vocals and guitar together, preserving the timing and feel of a complete performance.

• Add warmth, definition or presence during recording with three accessible preamp character modes.

• Hear recording and mixing decisions clearly through detailed conversion and capable monitor and headphone outputs.

• Move between desktop and mobile sessions with a compact USB-powered recording setup.

• Combine live sources and computer playback for streamlined podcasts and livestreams.

• Start recording, editing and mixing with a broad collection of included creative software.

• 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface with USB-C connectivity.
• 32-bit audio conversion with 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz sample rates.
• Tone Shaping Preamp with up to 60 dB of gain and Warmth, Focus and Shine character modes.
• Tube, solid-state and British Class-A tonal options for recording.
• Separate front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and mic/line combo input for simultaneous instrument and microphone recording.
• 1 MΩ instrument input with a maximum input level of 12.5 dBu and 116 dB A-weighted dynamic range.
• XLR microphone input with 2 kΩ impedance, a maximum input level of 14.5 dBu and 119 dB A-weighted dynamic range.
• Balanced TRS or unbalanced TS line input with 10 kΩ impedance, a maximum input level of 22 dBu and 119 dB A-weighted dynamic range.
• Up to 60 dB of gain on both input channels.
• Switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
• Balanced stereo TRS monitor outputs with 122 dB A-weighted dynamic range and a maximum output level of 20.2 dBu.
• Stereo ¼-inch headphone output with 121 dB A-weighted dynamic range, sharing the monitor mix.
• Headphone output power of up to 52 mW into 32 Ω or 27 mW into 300 Ω.
• DC-coupled monitor and headphone outputs.
• Built-in loopback for combining live sources with computer audio during podcasts, livestreams and content creation.
• USB bus power, subject to the connected device’s power capability.
• Separate USB-C external power input requiring at least 5V DC at 1A.
• Typical power consumption of 2.4W and maximum consumption of 3.6W.
• Compatibility with Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone.
• USB class-compliant operation, with a Windows ASIO driver available through UA Connect.
• Support for UAD Console and LUNA Digital Audio Workstation.
• Compatibility with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools.
• Included LUNA DAW and UAD Volt Studio Bundle covering vocal tuning, preamp and channel-strip processing, compression, reverb, delay, tape effects, synthesis and guitar amplification.
• Included Topline Vocal Tune, UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, Century Tube Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor and UA 1176 Classic FET Compressor.
• Included Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo, Oxide Tape Recorder, Vibe Analog Machines, PolyMAX Synth and Anthem Analog Synth.
• Included UAD Lion ’68 Super Lead Amp and UAD Showtime ’64 Tube Amp.
• Additional Melodyne Essential, Plugin Alliance Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Bundle, UJAM Virtual Drummer DEEP and Virtual Bassist DANDY software.
• Additional Splice INSTRUMENT, UVI Prisma – Producer Lab, three months of FL Studio Producer Edition and exclusive Puremix education content.
• Support for Windows 10 64-bit or newer, macOS 12 Monterey or newer, and iOS/iPadOS 16 or newer.
• Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter requirement for Lightning-equipped iPhones and iPads.
• Included USB cable and rugged enclosure.
• No MIDI or digital/optical connections.
• Included software bundles subject to change without notice.

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.