Universal audio VOLT 2 MAX

The Universal Audio Volt 2 Max is a 10-input/4-output USB audio interface designed for musicians, producers, and creators who typically record one or two sources at a time but want on-the-fly processing and a scalable setup. Its two preamps combine three Tone Shaping modes with a built-in Max compressor, while the ADAT input allows you to add digital channels using external equipment. The two headphone outputs and the built-in talkback also work better for two-person sessions than an interface designed solely for a single user.

Key Features

• Two 60 dB preamps can record two microphones, two instruments, or a combination of both simultaneously.
• The Max compressor offers six presets accessible directly during recording, without relying on a plug-in in the DAW.
• Three Tone Shaping modes can be combined with the six Max presets to quickly select tone shaping and dynamic processing.
• The ADAT input adds up to 8 digital channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz with a compatible preamp or external converter.
• Two headphone outputs make it easy to record with two people, while the talkback microphone allows you to communicate with the performer without tying up an input.
• Auto-Gain, overdrive protection, and Smart Display simplify level adjustment and monitoring.

What can you record with the two preamps?

The two mic/line inputs can accommodate two microphones or two line sources. The Hi-Z instrument inputs are used to directly connect a guitar or bass. This allows a vocal and a guitar to be recorded simultaneously on two separate tracks, as well as two microphones or a stereo source.

The Hi-Z inputs use the same channels as the mic/line inputs and therefore do not increase the number of simultaneous analog inputs to four. The +48 V phantom power can be switched on or off independently for each mic input.

What exactly does the Max compressor do?

The Max processor applies real-time compression during recording. Six presets tailored to different types of sources are available, including settings for vocals, guitars, and basses, as well as processing styles inspired by studio compressors such as the 1176 and LA-2A.

The Smart Display shows the amount of gain reduction applied, which helps you control the intensity of the processing during the take. Since this compression occurs during recording, the choice of a preset becomes part of the captured sound and should be selected based on the source.

What are Warmth, Focus, and Shine used for?

Both preamps offer three Tone Shaping modes to adjust their character before recording. Warmth is inspired by a tube circuit, Focus by an American transistor design, and Shine by a British Class A preamp.

These modes can be combined with the six presets of the Max compressor, resulting in 18 possible combinations of tone shaping and compression. However, these are not 18 new, distinct preamps or effects, but rather combinations of the two available processing options.

Do Auto-Gain and clipping protection replace manual level adjustment?

Auto-Gain automatically sets the input level based on the source being played or sung. It speeds up session setup when you need to adjust a microphone or instrument without having to make multiple manual adjustments.

Clip protection kicks in during unexpected peaks to reduce the risk of digital clipping. It provides an extra layer of safety, but it’s still helpful to monitor levels and gain reduction on the Smart Display during recording.

What are the two headphone outputs and the talkback for?

Two people can each connect their headphones directly to the Volt 2 Max without immediately needing an external headphone amplifier. However, both outputs share the same monitor mix: they do not allow you to create two different headphone mixes for the sound engineer and the performer.

The built-in talkback microphone is used to speak to musicians during a session without setting up an additional microphone dedicated to communication. It’s especially useful when the performer is located away from the control room or in a separate recording space.

How do you expand from 2 to 10 inputs?

The interface has two analog inputs and one ADAT/S/PDIF optical input. With an external ADAT preamp or converter (sold separately), it can accept up to 8 additional digital channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz, for a total of 10 inputs.

ADAT capacity decreases with sampling rate: 4 channels in S/MUX mode at 96 kHz and 2 channels at 192 kHz. In S/PDIF mode, the optical link accepts two digital channels at supported sampling rates.

The expansion is available only as an input. The Volt 2 Max does not offer an ADAT output to send multiple digital channels to other equipment.

Can it be integrated into a studio with synthesizers and controllers?

The MIDI input and output, via 3.5 mm Type A TRS mini-jacks, are used to exchange MIDI data with synthesizers, drum machines, and other compatible devices. MIDI does not carry audio signals: to record sound from a synthesizer, its audio outputs must also be connected to the interface’s inputs.

The built-in USB hub can accommodate a compatible USB device and provide up to 5 V / 0.5 A. This connection can simplify the setup of a low-power USB controller, but the device’s power consumption must remain within the available power limits.

Is it suitable for podcasting and streaming?

The Loopback combines the input signals with audio from the computer. This allows you to incorporate sound from an application into a podcast, livestream, or video in addition to the connected microphones or instruments.

The two preamps are suitable for a two-microphone podcast. However, a production requiring more than two microphones will need an external expansion, such as a preamp equipped with an ADAT output.

What software comes with the Volt 2 Max?

The Volt Studio bundle includes LUNA and a selection of UAD effects and instruments, including the UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, Century Tube Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A, UA 1176, Pure Plate Reverb, Galaxy Tape Echo, Oxide Tape Recorder, PolyMAX Synth, and Anthem Analog Synth.

Third-party software rounds out the package, including Melodyne Essential, Plugin Alliance tools, UJAM Virtual Drummer DEEP, UJAM Virtual Bassist DANDY, Splice INSTRUMENT, and UVI Prisma Producer Lab. FL Studio Producer Edition is included for three months. The contents of the bundles are subject to change without notice.

In what situations does the Volt 2 Max reach its limits?

The Volt 2 Max prioritizes two fully featured analog inputs over a large number of directly available analog connections. To record three or more microphones, multiple synthesizers simultaneously, or a multitrack acoustic drum kit, you’ll need to add ADAT-compatible equipment.

It is therefore best suited for a producer or musician who currently works with one or two sources, wants compression and tone shaping right at the input, and wants to retain the option to expand the number of inputs later on.