Universal Audio Volt 4 MAX

The Universal Audio Volt 4 Max is a 12-in/6-out USB audio interface with 32-bit/192 kHz conversion, two Tone Shaping Preamps, onboard Max compression, ADAT expansion, a full-colour Smart Display and integrated studio monitoring controls.

Designed by the Universal Audio team behind Apollo, Volt 4 Max combines classic analogue preamp character and compressor-inspired processing with modern recording tools. Auto-Gain, Clip Protection, speaker switching and UAD Console integration support efficient recording, while the included UAD software and LUNA DAW extend its capabilities into production and mixing.

Classic Preamp Character with Tone Shaping

Two digitally controlled microphone preamps provide up to 60 dB of gain and three harmonic character modes. Warmth introduces tube-style colour, Focus adds solid-state character and Shine brings British Class-A tone to vocals and instruments.

Independent 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones on either channel. The mic/line inputs accommodate microphones and line-level equipment, while two front-panel Hi-Z inputs accept guitars and basses directly.

Onboard Compression with Max Processing 

Max Processing applies real-time compression during recording, with six presets for vocals, guitars, bass and other sources. Drawing on the character of Universal Audio’s LA-2A and 1176 compressors, presets such as Rap Vocals and Jangly Acoustic provide quick access to musical dynamics control.

Combining six Max presets with three Tone Shaping modes creates 18 tonal combinations, allowing recordings to capture both harmonic character and controlled dynamics at the source.

32-Bit Conversion and Expandable Connectivity

Volt 4 Max supports sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz with 32-bit A/D and D/A conversion. Its microphone and line inputs offer an A-weighted dynamic range of 119 dB, while the monitor and line outputs reach 126 dB.

Four analogue input channels support simultaneous vocal, instrument and line-level recording. The optical input accepts ADAT or S/PDIF for digital expansion. ADAT adds eight channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz, four at 88.2 or 96 kHz and two at 176.4 or 192 kHz through S/MUX. S/PDIF provides two digital input channels across supported sample rates.

MIDI In and Out use ⅛-inch TRS Type A connections for compatible controllers, synthesisers and external instruments. The onboard USB hub connects peripherals and supplies up to 5V/0.5A for compatible devices, including MIDI controllers.

Smart Display, Auto-Gain and Clip Protection

The full-colour Smart Display shows channel selection, input levels, settings and gain reduction, giving clear feedback during setup and recording.

Auto-Gain establishes recording levels quickly, while Clip Protection helps manage unexpected peaks. Together, these tools reduce manual level adjustments and help preserve performances when source levels change.

Flexible Monitoring and Studio Communication

Main and Alt speaker switching supports comparisons between two monitor pairs. Additional line outputs connect external equipment, and the DC-coupled monitor and line outputs support compatible control-voltage applications.

Two headphone outputs provide monitoring for performers and engineers through one shared cue mix. A built-in talkback microphone allows communication with talent during recording.

Integration with UAD Console and LUNA adds session recall and low-latency cue mixes, helping maintain consistent settings between sessions.

Loopback for Podcasts and Livestreams

Built-in loopback combines computer audio with live inputs for podcasts, livestreams, video calls and content production. Tone Shaping and Max Processing add vocal character and dynamics control, while the talkback microphone supports communication during collaborative sessions.

USB Power and Platform Compatibility

USB-C connectivity carries USB 2.0 audio, and compatible host devices can power Volt 4 Max through the USB bus. A separate USB-C power input supports external power when the setup requires it. The interface also includes a rear-panel power switch and rugged desktop construction.

Volt 4 Max supports Windows 10 64-bit or later, macOS 12 Monterey or later, and iOS/iPadOS 16 or later. It works with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Windows recording uses the ASIO driver available through UA Connect; Lightning-equipped Apple devices require an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. Bus-power requirements vary by device and configuration.

Included UAD Plug-ins, Instruments and LUNA

The UAD Volt Studio Bundle includes LUNA, Topline Vocal Tune, 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 and Oxide Tape Recorder.

Vibe Analog Machines, PolyMAX Synth and Anthem Analog Synth expand the instrument selection, 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, UVI Prisma Producer Lab, three months of FL Studio Producer Edition and access to exclusive Puremix educational content. Software bundles may change.

Why Choose Universal Audio Volt 4 Max?

• Capture vocals and instruments with classic studio character from the start.

• Keep recording sessions moving with quick level setup and clear visual feedback.

• Expand recording capacity through ADAT as sessions grow.

• Compare mixes across two monitor pairs and communicate easily with performers.

• Bring live sources and computer audio together for streaming and podcast production.

• Develop recordings into finished tracks with included production software and instruments.

• 12-in / 6-out 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.
• Two mic / line inputs with independent 48V phantom power.
• Two front-panel Hi-Z inputs for electric guitar and bass.
• Additional line inputs 3 and 4 for synthesisers and outboard equipment.
• Stereo monitor outputs, line outputs 3 and 4, and one stereo headphone output with one cue mix.
• Balanced, DC-coupled monitor and line outputs with 126 dB A-weighted dynamic range.
• ADAT optical expansion with eight channels at 44.1/48 kHz, four at 88.2/96 kHz and two at 176.4/192 kHz.
• Optical S/PDIF input with two channels at all supported sample rates.
• MIDI In and Out through ⅛-inch TRS Type A connections.
• USB hub for peripherals, supplying up to 5V DC at 0.5A.
• Full-colour Smart Display for channel selection, metering and settings.
• Auto-Gain for fast recording-level setup.
• Clip Protection to help manage unexpected signal peaks.
• UAD Console and LUNA integration with session recall and low-latency cue mixes.
• Built-in loopback for podcasting, livestreaming and content creation.
• USB bus power with compatible computers and mobile devices.
• USB Type-C host, hub and external power connections.
• Dedicated external power input requiring at least 5V DC at 1A.
• Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone compatibility, with a Windows ASIO driver through UA Connect.
• Support for major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools.
• Included LUNA DAW and UAD tools for vocal tuning, mixing, synthesis and guitar amplification.
• Additional software from Celemony, Plugin Alliance, UJAM, Splice and UVI, plus three months of FL Studio Producer Edition and exclusive Puremix education content.
• Rugged construction and rear-panel power switch.
• Included USB cable.

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.