Universal Audio Volt 1 G2 – 2-in/2-out USB Audio Interface

Universal Audio Volt 1 G2 is a compact USB audio interface designed for musicians, producers, vocalists, guitarists, and content creators who want high-quality recordings without a complicated studio setup. The second generation of the popular Volt series offers professional 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion, a microphone preamp with three tone-shaping modes, and the ability to record a microphone and instrument simultaneously. Thanks to USB bus power, you can create a mobile recording setup with a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Key Features of the USB Audio Interface

• 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface.
• A/D and D/A conversion up to 32-bit / 192 kHz.
• Microphone preamp with 60 dB of available gain.
• Three Tone Shaping modes: Warmth, Focus, and Shine.
• Mic/line input plus a separate Hi-Z instrument input.
• Simultaneous recording of vocals and an instrument.
• +48 V phantom power for condenser microphones.
• Built-in loopback for streaming and podcasting.
• Studio-quality headphone output.
• Balanced TRS monitor outputs.
• USB bus power for convenient mobile operation.
• Compatible with Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone.
• Software bundle with UAD tools, instruments, and music production software.

Analog Character and Detailed Recording for Your Studio

At the heart of the interface is a microphone preamp offering 60 dB of available gain and three Tone Shaping modes. Warmth delivers a character inspired by the UA 610 tube preamp, adding depth and fullness to recordings. Focus draws inspiration from classic American solid-state designs for a more defined and controlled sound. Shine provides an open high-frequency character inspired by British Class-A circuits. These options let you shape the character of your signal at the recording stage.

Professional 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion enables detailed audio capture suitable for modern music production. The microphone input provides a 119 dB dynamic range, while the monitor outputs offer up to 122 dB. This makes the interface suitable for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, guitars, and basses, as well as for production and mixing.

Another major advantage is the ability to use the mic/line input and front-panel Hi-Z instrument input simultaneously. A singer playing guitar can record their voice and instrument at the same time on separate channels. The instrument input has a 1 MΩ impedance, making it suitable for directly connecting an electric guitar or bass.

Applications for Recording, Streaming, and Music Production

The interface is well suited to both home and mobile studios. You can use it to record vocals, guitar, bass, acoustic instruments, podcasts, voiceovers, and live streams. Built-in loopback makes it possible to combine signals from the hardware inputs with audio played by your computer, making it especially useful for podcasting, livestreaming, video content, and online communication.

USB bus power reduces the number of cables and accessories required for a mobile setup. The interface works with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. Compatible iPads and iPhones can also be used for mobile recording and production.

Detailed Technical Specifications

• Simultaneous I/O: 2-in / 2-out.
• Bit depth: 32-bit.
• Supported sample rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz.
• Microphone preamps: 1.
• Available gain: 60 dB.
• Tone Shaping modes: Warmth, Focus, Shine.
• Phantom power: +48 V, switchable.
• Instrument input: 1/4" TS, Hi-Z, 1 MΩ.
• Microphone input: XLR combo.
• Line input: 1/4" balanced TRS or unbalanced TS via combo jack.
• Microphone input dynamic range: 119 dB A-weighted.
• Instrument input dynamic range: 116 dB A-weighted.
• Monitor outputs: stereo, balanced 1/4" TRS.
• Monitor output dynamic range: 122 dB A-weighted.
• Headphone output: 1/4" TRS stereo.
• Headphone output dynamic range: 121 dB A-weighted.
• Maximum headphone power: 52 mW into 32 Ω, 27 mW into 300 Ω.
• Loopback: yes.
• MIDI: no.
• Digital/optical I/O: no.
• USB: USB 2.0 with USB-C connectors.
• USB bus powered: yes.
• Typical power consumption: 2.4 W; maximum: 3.6 W.
• Compatibility: Windows 10 64-bit or later, macOS 12 Monterey or later, iPadOS/iOS 16 or later.

Materials and Construction

The construction is designed for long-term use both in the studio and on the road. Its compact form makes the interface easy to place on a desktop or transport alongside a laptop and headphones. Clearly arranged controls provide quick access to essential recording functions. USB bus power further simplifies a mobile setup because a separate power supply is not required during typical operation with a computer.

Included in the Package

• Universal Audio Volt 1 G2 USB audio interface.
• USB cable.
• LUNA Free.
• UAD Volt Studio Bundle, with contents subject to change.
• Partner software and tools, including Melodyne Essential and selected software from Plugin Alliance, UJAM, UVI, and other applications included in the manufacturer's current software bundle.

A Compact Studio with Professional Capabilities

Universal Audio Volt 1 G2 combines straightforward operation with features useful for serious audio production. Its 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion, three preamp tone options, independent instrument input, +48 V phantom power, and loopback function create a versatile centerpiece for a compact studio. It is particularly useful for musicians recording vocals and instruments themselves, producers working on the move, and content creators who need one device for music, podcasts, and streaming. The extensive software bundle also provides tools for moving quickly from recording to editing, mixing, and final production.