Universal audio Volt 4 G2

The Universal Audio Volt 4 Gen 2 is a 12-input/6-output USB audio interface designed for musicians or producers who want to move beyond a two-input home studio setup without immediately upgrading to an interface equipped with numerous preamps. It combines two microphone preamps, two additional line inputs, a digital ADAT or S/PDIF expansion, and MIDI connections. It’s particularly well-suited for setups that will include synthesizers, line-level equipment, or an external ADAT preamp.

Key Features

• Two microphone preamps and two additional line inputs allow for up to four simultaneous analog sources, even if only two of them require a microphone preamp.
• The ADAT input adds up to 8 channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz with a compatible external preamp or converter.
• Auto-Gain adjusts the levels of inputs equipped with a preamp, while clipping protection helps manage unexpected peaks during a recording.
• The MIDI In and Out connections integrate a synthesizer, drum machine, or other MIDI device into the setup.
• The Smart Display centralizes the display of levels and key settings without relying solely on the computer screen.
• The USB hub can accommodate a compatible USB device and provide up to 5 V / 0.5 A.

How many sources can you actually record in analog?

The Volt 4 Gen 2 has two mic/line inputs with 60 dB preamps and two additional line inputs. It can therefore record four analog sources simultaneously if channels 3 and 4 are connected to devices that already output a line-level signal, such as a synthesizer or the output of an external preamp.

The two Hi-Z instrument inputs on the front panel are associated with the first two channels and are used to directly connect a guitar or bass. They do not constitute two additional channels beyond the four analog inputs.

Can you record more than four sources with ADAT?

The optical input allows you to expand the interface with an external ADAT preamp or converter (sold separately). It supports up to 8 additional channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz, bringing the total to 12 simultaneous inputs.

The number of digital channels decreases as the sample rate increases: 4 ADAT channels in S/MUX mode at 96 kHz and 2 at 192 kHz. The same connector can function as an optical S/PDIF to receive two digital channels at the supported sample rates.

This is a digital input only. Therefore, the Volt 4 Gen 2 does not provide an ADAT output to send its own channels to another digital device.

What are Auto-Gain and clipping protection used for?

Auto-Gain automatically sets an initial level for channels equipped with digitally controlled preamps. This is useful for quickly setting up a vocal or instrument take without having to adjust the gain solely by ear.

Clip protection monitors level fluctuations and intervenes when a peak threatens to saturate the input. It provides additional safety during performances with wide dynamic range, though you should still check levels before recording.

What do the Warmth, Focus, and Shine modes do?

Both preamps feature three Tone Shaping modes. Warmth is inspired by a tube preamp, Focus by an American transistor-based design, and Shine by a British Class A circuit.

These modes alter the character of the signal at the time of recording. They apply to the two channels equipped with preamps and not to the additional line inputs 3 and 4.

Is it suitable for a studio with multiple synthesizers?

Line inputs 3 and 4 can accommodate two mono signals or a stereo source without using the two microphone preamps. This allows you to reserve channels 1 and 2 for microphones or instruments while recording a stereo synthesizer on the other two inputs.

The MIDI In and Out ports, which use 3.5 mm TRS Type A mini-jack connectors, enable MIDI communication with compatible equipment. MIDI transmits notes, commands, and other MIDI data, but not the synthesizer’s audio signal: the synthesizer must be connected separately to the audio inputs if you want to record its sound.

What are the six outputs used for?

The Volt 4 Gen 2 features a pair of main outputs for speakers and additional line outputs. These can be routed separately from the STAN, particularly to send a signal to external equipment or another audio destination.

However, the interface has only one headphone output with a single headphone mix. The additional line outputs therefore do not replace multiple independent headphone outputs for musicians recording together.

Does the USB hub replace a standard computer hub?

The built-in USB hub port is used to connect a compatible device directly to the interface and can provide up to 5 V / 0.5 A. In particular, it can simplify the connection of a USB MIDI controller whose power consumption stays within this limit.

The available power must be verified for devices with higher power requirements. The presence of this port does not mean that any USB device can be powered by the Volt.

Can it be used without an AC power adapter?

The Volt 4 Gen 2 can operate on power from the USB bus when the host device provides the necessary power. It can thus be used in a mobile setup with a compatible computer, iPad, or iPhone.

A 5 V USB power input is also provided for situations where the power supplied by the host device is insufficient. This option is particularly important to consider with certain mobile setups or when a device is connected to a USB hub.

Is it suitable for podcasting and streaming?

The Loopback combines physical sources with audio from the computer. It is used to integrate the sound from an app, a video, or another software source into a recording or live broadcast without creating an external wiring loop.

For a podcast using XLR microphones, the main limitation is the number of preamps: two microphones can be connected directly. Adding additional microphones requires external preamps, particularly via ADAT.

What software comes with the Volt 4 Gen 2?

The Volt Studio bundle includes LUNA as well as 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 these software bundles are subject to change.

When should you consider a more feature-rich interface?

The Volt 4 Gen 2 is particularly useful when two mic preamps are sufficient for your current needs but you plan to add more line-level sources or an ADAT expansion. It can be expanded to support up to 12 simultaneous inputs, but the additional preamps required for microphones are not built into the interface.

If you regularly record three or four microphones without external equipment, need multiple independent headphone mixes, or want more directly accessible preamps, an interface designed specifically for these needs will be a better fit.