Universal Audio Volt 4P MAX

The Universal Audio Volt 4P Max is a 12-in/6-out desktop USB audio interface with four Tone Shaping Preamps, onboard Max compression, 32-bit/192 kHz conversion, ADAT expansion, MIDI connectivity and a full-colour Smart Display for multitrack recording, production and streaming.

Classic Universal Audio Tone with Expanded Recording Control

The Volt 4P Max combines classic Universal Audio preamp character and compressor-inspired processing with Auto-Gain, Clip Protection, speaker switching and integrated studio communication. Four mic/line inputs support simultaneous recording of vocals, instruments and small ensembles, while optical expansion accommodates larger sessions.

Each preamp provides up to 60 dB of digitally controlled gain and independent 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. Two front-panel Hi-Z inputs accommodate electric guitars and basses directly.

Four Tone Shaping Preamps 

Three harmonic character modes introduce distinct analogue flavours at the recording stage. Warmth adds tube-style character, Focus introduces solid-state tone, and Shine delivers British Class-A character. These modes help shape vocals, guitars, bass, drums and other sources before they reach the recording software.

The microphone and line inputs offer 119 dB A-weighted dynamic range, while the instrument inputs deliver 116 dB. Maximum input levels reach 14 dBu for microphones, 22 dBu for line sources and 13 dBu for instruments.

Max Compression for Recording

Onboard Max processing provides real-time compression through six presets for sources such as vocals, guitar and bass. Presets including Rap Vocals and Jangly Acoustic draw on the response of Universal Audio’s classic 1176 and LA-2A compressors.

Combining the six compression presets with the three preamp character modes creates 18 tone and dynamics combinations. The Smart Display includes gain-reduction metering, allowing clear assessment of compression during tracking.

32-Bit Conversion and Automatic Level Control

The Volt 4P Max supports 32-bit audio conversion at sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. Its monitor and line outputs deliver 126 dB A-weighted dynamic range and a maximum output level of 20.2 dBu, supporting detailed playback and ample monitoring level.

Auto-Gain sets recording levels quickly, while Clip Protection manages unexpected signal peaks. Together, these functions simplify setup and help reduce the risk of overload during changing performances.

ADAT Expansion, MIDI and USB Connectivity

The optical input accepts ADAT or S/PDIF. ADAT adds eight digital inputs at 44.1 or 48 kHz, four at 96 kHz through S/MUX, or two at 192 kHz. S/PDIF supports two input channels at all supported sample rates.

MIDI In and Out use ⅛-inch TRS Type A connections for compatible controllers, synthesisers and external hardware. An onboard USB hub connects peripherals and supplies up to 5V at 0.5A, including power for compatible MIDI controllers.

USB-C connectors handle the USB 2.0 host connection, peripheral hub and external power input. The interface supports USB bus power, although power requirements vary with the connected device. The external power input requires at least 5V at 2A, and the supplied power source provides 3A.

Speaker Switching, Headphone Monitoring and Talkback

Main and Alt speaker switching supports comparison between two monitor pairs. Additional line outputs accommodate external routing, while balanced TRS or unbalanced TS connections provide flexibility across studio equipment.

Two headphone outputs share one cue mix, allowing two performers to monitor the same recording balance. The headphone connections include ¼-inch and ⅛-inch stereo formats.

A built-in talkback microphone supports communication between the recording position and performers. Integration with UAD Console and LUNA adds session recall and low-latency cue mixes, helping streamline repeat sessions and monitoring setup.

Smart Display and Loopback

The full-colour Smart Display presents channel selection, input levels, settings and gain reduction in one place. Clear visual feedback supports quick adjustments during recording and monitoring.

Built-in loopback combines live inputs with computer audio for podcasts, livestreams and video calls. Four analogue input channels also accommodate multiple microphones for panel discussions and collaborative content production.

UAD Plug-Ins, Instruments and LUNA

The included UAD Volt Studio Bundle combines LUNA with processing tools and virtual instruments for recording, editing and mixing. Topline Vocal Tune handles vocal tuning, while the UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection and Century Tube Channel Strip provide additional tone shaping.

Teletronix LA-2A and UA 1176 compression complement Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo and Oxide Tape Recorder. Vibe Analog Machines, PolyMAX Synth and Anthem Analog Synth expand the creative options, while UAD Lion ’68 Super Lead Amp and UAD Showtime ’64 Tube Amp provide guitar amplification 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 education content. Software bundles may change without notice.

Computer and Mobile Compatibility

The Volt 4P Max supports Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone, alongside major DAWs including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. System requirements include macOS 12 Monterey or later, Windows 10 64-bit or later, or iOS/iPadOS 16 or later.

Computer operation requires an available USB 2.0 or faster port, and the package includes a USB cable. Windows systems use the ASIO driver available through UA Connect. Lightning-equipped iPhones and iPads require an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. An internet connection enables software downloads.

A rugged desktop enclosure and rear-panel power switch complete the interface’s studio-focused design.

Why Choose Universal Audio Volt 4P Max?

• Capture several musicians at once, with optical expansion available as recording sessions grow.

• Establish a distinctive sound during tracking through selectable preamp character and musical compression.

• Set levels quickly and handle unexpected peaks with less interruption to performances.

• Compare mixes across two monitor pairs and keep performers connected through shared headphone monitoring and talkback.

• Combine microphones, instruments and computer audio for recording, podcasts and livestreams.

• Develop complete productions with the included DAW, effects, instruments and educational resources.

• 12-in/6-out desktop USB audio interface with 32-bit conversion and sample rates up to 192 kHz.
• Four mic/line inputs with Tone Shaping Preamps and up to 60 dB of digitally controlled gain.
• Warmth, Focus and Shine modes for tube, solid-state and British Class-A preamp character.
• Independent 48V phantom power on each microphone channel.
• Two front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs for guitar and bass.
• Onboard real-time Max compression with six musical presets inspired by the LA-2A and 1176.
• 18 combinations of preamp character and compression presets.
• Auto-Gain for quick recording-level setup and Clip Protection for unexpected peaks.
• Full-colour Smart Display with channel settings, level feedback and gain-reduction metering.
• ADAT optical expansion with eight inputs at 44.1/48 kHz, four at 96 kHz and two at 192 kHz.
• Two-channel S/PDIF optical input at all supported sample rates.
• MIDI In and Out through ⅛-inch TRS Type A connections.
• Main and Alt speaker switching for two monitor pairs.
• Additional line outputs with balanced TRS or unbalanced TS connectivity.
• Two headphone outputs with one shared cue mix and ¼-inch and ⅛-inch stereo connections.
• Built-in talkback microphone for studio communication.
• Built-in loopback for podcasts, livestreams and computer-audio capture.
• UAD Console and LUNA integration with session recall and low-latency cue mixes.
• 119 dB A-weighted dynamic range on microphone and line inputs, 116 dB on instrument inputs and 126 dB on monitor and line outputs.
• Maximum input levels of 14 dBu for microphones, 22 dBu for line sources and 13 dBu for instruments.
• Monitor and line output level up to 20.2 dBu.
• Headphone output power of 45 mW into 32 ohms and 24 mW into 300 ohms.
• USB-C host, peripheral hub and external power connections.
• Onboard USB hub supplying up to 5V at 0.5A for compatible peripherals.
• USB bus-power support, subject to model and connected-device requirements.
• External power input requiring at least 5V at 2A, with a 3A power source supplied.
• Rugged desktop construction and rear-panel on/off switch.
• Compatibility with macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 64-bit or later and iOS/iPadOS 16 or later.
• Support for major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro and Pro Tools.
• Windows ASIO driver available through UA Connect.
• Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter requirement for Lightning-equipped iPhones and iPads.
• Included USB cable.
• UAD Volt Studio Bundle with LUNA, Topline Vocal Tune, UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection and Century Tube Channel Strip.
• Included Teletronix LA-2A, UA 1176, Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo and Oxide Tape Recorder.
• Included Vibe Analog Machines, PolyMAX Synth, Anthem Analog Synth, UAD Lion ’68 Super Lead Amp and UAD Showtime ’64 Tube Amp.
• Additional software from Celemony, Plugin Alliance, UJAM, Splice and UVI, plus three months of FL Studio Producer Edition and exclusive Puremix education content.
• 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.