Universal Audio Volt 2 MAX

The Universal Audio Volt 2 Max is a 10-in / 4-out desktop USB audio interface with 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion, two Tone Shaping Preamps, onboard Max compression, ADAT expansion, a full-colour Smart Display and USB bus power for recording on Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone.

Classic Studio Character with Modern Recording Control

The Volt 2 Max combines classic analogue preamp character and compression with automatic level control, digital expansion and integrated software monitoring. Its two microphone preamps provide up to 60 dB of digitally controlled gain, while independent 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones on either channel. Microphone and line connections accommodate studio sources, and two front-panel Hi-Z inputs accept guitars and basses directly.

Three Tone Shaping modes introduce distinct harmonic characteristics at the recording stage. Warmth adds tube character, Focus introduces solid-state character, and Shine supplies British Class-A character. These options help shape vocals, instruments and other sources before they reach the recording software.

Max Compression for Vocals, Guitar and Bass

Onboard Max Processing applies real-time compression through six presets tailored to vocals, guitars and bass. Presets range from Rap Vocals to Jangly Acoustic and draw on the characteristics of Universal Audio’s LA-2A and 1176 compressors.

The three preamp modes and six compression presets provide 18 Tone and Max combinations. This approach offers a practical way to control dynamics and establish a recording sound without building a software processing chain first.

32-Bit Conversion and Detailed Monitoring

The Volt 2 Max supports 32-bit audio conversion at sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz. Its microphone and line inputs deliver 119 dB A-weighted dynamic range, while the instrument inputs offer 116 dB.

Balanced, DC-coupled monitor outputs provide 126 dB A-weighted dynamic range and a maximum output level of 20.2 dBu. Two stereo headphone outputs, with ¼-inch and ⅛-inch connections, support monitoring and collaboration through one shared cue mix. The headphone outputs offer 116 dB A-weighted dynamic range and supply up to 45 mW into 32-ohm headphones or 24 mW into 300-ohm headphones.

Expandable Audio and MIDI Connectivity

The optical input accepts ADAT or S/PDIF, allowing the interface to accommodate additional digital sources. ADAT adds eight inputs at 44.1 or 48 kHz, four at 96 kHz through S/MUX, or two at 192 kHz through S/MUX. S/PDIF provides two digital inputs at all supported sample rates.

MIDI In and Out use ⅛-inch TRS Type A connections for compatible controllers, synthesisers and other MIDI equipment. An onboard USB hub connects peripherals and powers suitable external MIDI controllers, supplying up to 5V DC at 0.5A.

Smart Display, Auto-Gain and Clip Protection

The full-colour Smart Display presents input channels, levels and settings, including compression gain-reduction metering. Clear visual feedback simplifies channel selection and level adjustment during recording.

Auto-Gain sets recording levels in seconds, while Clip Protection responds to unexpected signal peaks. Together, these functions help reduce the risk of distorted takes and allow performers to concentrate on delivery.

Talkback, Loopback and Software Integration

A built-in talkback microphone supports communication between the operator and performers. Loopback combines live inputs with computer audio for podcasts, livestreams, content creation and video calls.

Integration with the UAD Console app and LUNA provides session recall and low-latency cue mixes. These functions help streamline repeat sessions and monitoring setup.

USB Power and Platform Compatibility

USB bus power supports portable recording without a separate power supply when the connected device meets the interface’s power requirements. The Volt 2 Max uses USB Type-C connectors and includes separate ports for the USB 2.0 host connection, peripheral hub and external power input. The external power input requires at least 5V DC at 1A. Typical power consumption reaches 4.1W, with a maximum of 5.7W.

The interface supports Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone. Windows operation uses the ASIO driver available through UA Connect. Lightning-equipped Apple devices require an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, while USB-C models connect without that adapter. Bus-power requirements vary with the connected device.

System requirements include Windows 10 64-bit or later, macOS 12 Monterey or later, or iPadOS/iOS 16 or later. Computer operation requires an available USB 2.0 or higher port and an Intel, AMD or Apple silicon processor. An internet connection supports software downloads, and the supplied USB cable handles connection to compatible equipment.

The Volt 2 Max works with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Rugged desktop construction and a rear-panel power switch complete the hardware.

Included UAD Plug-ins, Instruments and LUNA

The supplied UAD Volt Studio Bundle combines LUNA with tools for vocal processing, equalisation, compression, ambience, tape character and instrument production.

The collection includes Topline Vocal Tune, the UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, Century Tube Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor, UA 1176 Classic FET Compressor, Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo, Oxide Tape Recorder and Vibe Analog Machines. PolyMAX Synth and Anthem Analog Synth cover synthesis, while UAD Lion ’68 Super Lead Amp and UAD Showtime ’64 Tube Amp provide guitar amplification options.

Additional software includes Celemony Melodyne Essential, the Plugin Alliance Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Bundle with bx_Tuner and bx_Masterdesk_Classic, UJAM Virtual Drummer DEEP, UJAM Virtual Bassist DANDY, Splice INSTRUMENT and UVI Prisma Producer Lab. The package also offers three months of FL Studio Producer Edition and access to exclusive Puremix audio education content. Universal Audio may change the included software bundles and specifications without notice.

Why Choose the Universal Audio Volt 2 Max?

• Establish a polished recording sound quickly with selectable preamp character and compression presets.

• Keep sessions moving with automatic gain adjustment, peak protection and clear visual metering.

• Expand a recording setup through optical inputs as projects require more sources.

• Support performer collaboration with two headphone connections and built-in talkback.

• Combine live performance and computer audio for podcasts, streams and content production.

• Record across desktop and mobile devices with flexible USB power options.

• Start recording and mixing with a comprehensive collection of music software.

• 10-in / 4-out desktop USB audio interface with 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion.
• Two Tone Shaping Preamps with up to 60 dB of digitally controlled gain.
• Warmth, Focus and Shine modes for tube, solid-state and British Class-A preamp character.
• Onboard Max compression with six presets for vocals, guitars and bass, drawing on LA-2A and 1176 characteristics.
• 18 combinations of preamp character and compression presets.
• Two microphone/line inputs and two front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs.
• Independent 48V phantom power for each microphone channel.
• Optical ADAT or S/PDIF input for digital expansion.
• Eight additional ADAT inputs at 44.1/48 kHz, four at 96 kHz and two at 192 kHz.
• Two S/PDIF inputs at all supported sample rates.
• MIDI In and Out through ⅛-inch TRS Type A connections.
• Built-in USB hub with up to 5V DC at 0.5A for compatible peripherals.
• Full-colour Smart Display with channel, level, settings and gain-reduction feedback.
• Auto-Gain for recording-level setup and Clip Protection for unexpected peaks.
• Balanced, DC-coupled stereo monitor outputs with 126 dB A-weighted dynamic range.
• Two stereo headphone outputs with ¼-inch and ⅛-inch connections and one shared cue mix.
• Built-in talkback microphone for performer communication.
• Loopback for podcasts, livestreams, video calls and content creation.
• UAD Console and LUNA integration with session recall and low-latency cue mixes.
• USB bus power, USB Type-C connections and a dedicated external power input.
• Compatibility with Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone, subject to device power and connection requirements.
• Windows ASIO driver available through UA Connect.
• Support for Windows 10 64-bit or later, macOS 12 or later and iPadOS/iOS 16 or later.
• Compatibility with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools.
• Included USB cable, rugged desktop construction and rear-panel power switch.
• UAD Volt Studio Bundle with LUNA, Topline Vocal Tune, UA 610, Century Tube Channel Strip, LA-2A, 1176, Pure Plate, Galaxy Tape Echo, Oxide Tape Recorder and Vibe Analog Machines.
• Included PolyMAX and Anthem synthesisers, plus UAD Lion ’68 and Showtime ’64 guitar amp plug-ins.
• Additional software from Celemony, Plugin Alliance, UJAM, Splice and UVI, plus three months of FL Studio Producer Edition and exclusive Puremix education content.
• Software bundles and specifications subject to change.

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.