Universal audio Volt 1 G2

The Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2 is a 2-input/2-output USB audio interface designed for home studio musicians who primarily record vocals and a guitar or bass. It combines a mic/line input with a separate Hi-Z instrument input, allowing for the simultaneous recording of both sources. However, its single microphone preamp makes it less suitable for setups requiring two microphones at the same time.

Key Features

• A mic/line input and a Hi-Z instrument input can simultaneously record vocals and guitar on two separate tracks.
• The mic preamp offers 60 dB of gain and three Tone Shaping modes to adjust the character of the signal before recording.
• The audio conversion supports a resolution of up to 32-bit / 192 kHz.
• The Loopback combines physical inputs and computer audio for podcasting, streaming, or content creation.
• USB power simplifies a mobile setup with a compatible computer, iPad, or iPhone.
• A selection of UAD plug-ins, virtual instruments, and the LUNA DAW comes with the interface to get you started with recording and mixing.

Can you record vocals and guitar at the same time?

The Volt 1 Gen 2 features a mic/line input and a separate Hi-Z instrument input. This allows a singer-guitarist to record their microphone and electric or electro-acoustic guitar simultaneously, then process both signals separately in their DAW.

The microphone input provides +48 V phantom power for condenser microphones that require it. However, the interface has only one microphone preamp: to record two microphones simultaneously—for example, a duet, a two-mic interview, or a stereo take—you’ll need an interface with at least two microphone inputs.

What are the three Tone Shaping modes used for?

The 60 dB mic preamp offers three processing options that can be enabled directly on the interface. “Warmth” is inspired by the character of the UA 610 tube preamp, “Focus” by an American transistor console circuit, and “Shine” by a British Class A preamp.

These modes alter the signal’s character right at the input. They’re therefore useful when you want to record directly with a specific tonal color rather than always keeping a neutral signal to apply that processing later in software.

What do you need to work with headphones or speakers?

A headphone output lets you monitor the recording through headphones, while the main stereo output is used to connect a pair of active monitor speakers. The headphones and speakers share the same monitoring mix.

The Volt 1 Gen 2 provides two main audio outputs but no second independent headphone output. It is therefore better suited for a solo recording setup than for a session requiring multiple separate headphone mixes.

Is it suitable for podcasting and streaming?

The Loopback feature captures audio from the computer and combines it with the sources connected to the interface. This makes it easy to record a voiceover with music, sound from an app, or other computer content for a podcast, livestream, or video.

The limitation of having only one microphone preamp still applies in this scenario. A broadcast with two participants, each equipped with an XLR microphone, will require an interface with more microphone inputs.

Can it be used with a computer, iPad, or iPhone?

The Volt 1 Gen 2 is compatible with Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone and can be powered directly via USB when the host device provides sufficient power. This makes it a compact solution for recording outside the studio without a dedicated power supply.

On Windows, the ASIO driver is available via UA Connect. Apple devices with a Lightning port require an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. Depending on the phone or tablet used, the power supplied by the port may be insufficient; in that case, the interface has a dedicated USB input for a 5 V external power supply.

What software is included?

The Volt Studio bundle includes LUNA, Topline Vocal Tune, the UA 610, Teletronix LA-2A, and UA 1176 processing plugins, Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo, and Oxide Tape Recorder, as well as several UAD instruments and amps. Third-party software rounds out the package, including Melodyne Essential, Plugin Alliance tools, UJAM, Splice INSTRUMENT, and UVI Prisma Producer Lab.

FL Studio Producer Edition is offered as a three-month subscription. The contents of the UAD bundles and third-party offerings are subject to change, so this list should not be considered a definitive selection.

In what situations does the Volt 1 Gen 2 reach its limits?

This interface is best suited for a single-user setup with a microphone and, optionally, an instrument connected directly. It has neither a second microphone preamp nor hardware MIDI input/output, and is therefore not intended for drum recordings, ensembles with multiple musicians, or setups requiring multiple microphones simultaneously.