The UA Volt 2 USB Audio Interface from Universal Audio is a versatile 2×4 USB interface designed for home studio musicians, podcasters, and mobile creators. In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at the features, specs, sound quality, and overall usability of the Volt 2 to see if it lives up to its promise as a high-quality portable USB interface.

Overview and Features

The Volt 2 is an ultra-portable bus-powered USB interface that allows you to record vocals, instruments, and more into your computer. Some of the key features include:

• 2 x 4 USB audio interface with 2 combo XLR / TRS inputs and 4 balanced line outputs
• 24-bit/192kHz conversion with 114dB dynamic range
• Dual Crystal Semiconductor preamps based on Apollo interfaces
• +48V phantom power for condenser microphones
• Blend knob for zero-latency monitoring
• Loopback routing for recording computer audio
• Built-in talkback mic for communication
• Robust metal chassis design
• Bus-powered operation, no power supply needed

With these features, the Volt 2 provides a lot of versatility and sound quality in a compact footprint. The Crystal Semiconductor preamps offer wide frequency response and ultra low-noise operation inherited from UA’s acclaimed Apollo studio interfaces. There’s also plenty of gain for sensitive microphones and instruments.

The bundle includes Universal Audio’s UAD-2 Live DSP software with various UAD plugins for realtime monitoring effects like reverb, compression, and more. This allows you to hear your tracks processed with UA’s professional audio plugins as you record.

1,116 Reviews

UA Volt 2 USB Audio Interface for recording, podcasting, and streaming with essential audio software, including $400 in UAD plug-ins

• Easily create music productions, livestreams, and podcasts on Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone
• Record vocals and instruments with rich, full sound using Vintage Mic Preamp mode
• Produce with industry-leading software including Ableton, Melodyne, UJAM's Virtual Drummer, Marshall, Ampeg, and more
• Harness USB bus power for on-the-go recording with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
• Studio-quality headphone amp, MIDI connections, 48V phantom power, and Direct Monitoring for latency-free recording

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Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the Volt 2 is quick and painless. Simply install the UAD software, connect the interface to your computer via the included USB-C cable, and you’re ready to start recording.

The front panel includes two combo XLR/TRS inputs with gain knobs, phantom power buttons, and clip indicators for each channel. There are also volume knobs for the main outputs, headphones out, and talkback mic. Around back, you get four TRS line outputs and additional ports for MIDI I/O.

The Volt 2 is bus-powered, meaning it draws power from the connected USB port and doesn’t require an external power adapter. This makes it easy to take the interface on the go and record anywhere your laptop can go. A mountable aluminum bottom shell is included for adding protection in mobile setups.

For connectivity, the Volt 2 works with both USB-C and USB-A ports. That means you can plug into the latest USB-C laptops or use the included cable to connect to computers with traditional rectangular USB ports. Compatibility is universal across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Sound Quality and Performance

So how does the Volt 2 actually sound? In a word: fantastic. UA has managed to imbue the pristine quality of their Apollo interfaces into the Volt 2’s compact chassis. The Crystal Semiconductor preamps offer crystal clear sound with impressively low noise. There’s plenty of clean gain available to amplify mics and instruments.

The 24-bit/192kHz conversion keeps your recordings at pro-studio quality. The dynamic range is wide enough to capture subtle room tones as well as dramatic transient peaks. The frequency response feels neutral and transparent, adding no unwanted coloration to your tracks.

Having the UAD plugins available for monitoring makes a big difference too. It’s wonderful being able to track with studio-grade reverbs and EQ shaping your sound in realtime. Latency is imperceptible thanks to the DSP handling all monitoring effects. This is a huge workflow boon compared to adding effects after recording.

In all, the Volt 2 achieves professional-level audio performance in a compact, bus-powered form factor. If pristine sound quality is your priority, the Volt 2 will not disappoint. UA certainly did not cut any corners to make this interface ultra-portable.

Usability and Features

Beyond sound quality, the Volt 2 aims to provide a seamless user experience for recording on the go. The interface is designed to work smoothly across many different recording situations.

The front panel controls are logically laid out and simple to operate. Key functions like gain staging, output level control, and +48V phantom power are adjusted manually with dedicated knobs and buttons. Multi-color LED rings around each gain knob help optimize levels at a glance.

Monitoring options are flexible for personal or collaborative sessions. There’s a front-panel 1/4″ headphone jack with level control. Separate rear TRS outputs can feed powered speakers or external mixing boards in a bigger studio setup. The built-in talkback mic allows communication with performers in the live room when required.

The Volt 2’s loopback function lets you record audio from your computer, like YouTube videos or backing tracks. This makes it easy to capture multimedia along with your mic and instrument recordings for podcasts, voiceovers, and music production.

Universal Audio’s UAD console software provides deeper control of interface settings and UAD plugin parameters. You can remotely adjust preamp gain, enable low latency monitoring modes, and manage all your UAD plugins. This software control combined with the hands-on front panel gives you the best of both worlds.

For further convenience, Volt 2 features cloud recall and console recall. This allows you to sync all your interface and UAD plugin settings to Universal Audio’s cloud for universal access. You can pick up a session on any Volt 2 system and have identical device settings and signal chains. This is invaluable when moving between home studio and live recording environments.

Overall, the Volt 2 aims to offer maximum usability and flexible control in a streamlined interface. Recording, monitoring, and session management functions are smartly designed to enhance any mobile recording workflow.

Who Is the Volt 2 For?

With its compact size and bus-powered operation, the Volt 2 makes an ideal portable interface for:

• Musicians and producers wanting to record high-quality tracks anywhere
• Podcasters who value pristine audio when recording on location
• Voiceover artists needing pro-grade sound for remote voice work
• Mobile creators producing videos, streams, or other multimedia content
• Home studio owners wanting a flexible secondary interface for travel
• UA Apollo owners looking to capture Apollo-grade sound in a mobile rig

The Volt 2 has all the I/O connections necessary for professional-level content creation outside of a fixed studio. If you need to record audiophile-quality vocals, acoustic instruments, amp/cabinet combos, or capture audio from video, the Volt 2 has you covered. Serious mobile creators who demand excellent sound should give the Volt 2 a close look.

Alternatives to Consider

The portable USB interface market has grown steadily in recent years, giving buyers several alternatives to consider at this $399 price point. Some other models worth a look include:

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) – The 3rd gen 2i2 has a similar feature set at a lower $159 price tag. You lose the UAD plugins and premium preamps of the Volt 2, but gain an entry-level option.
• PreSonus Studio 24c – For $149, the Studio 24c offers 2 XLR inputs and USB-C connectivity in a compact form. Not as full-featured as the Volt 2 but a solid budget pick.
• Audient EVO 4 – The $199 EVO 4 has high-end convertors and preamps like the Volt 2. Less I/O but superb audio quality in a small enclosure.
• MOTU M2 – MOTU’s $169 M2 provides 2-in/2-out resolution up to 192kHz. Minimalist but hi-fi sound quality.

The Volt 2 compares favorably sonically to all these options and adds extensive UA DSP tools. For those needing pro recording capability wherever they go, the Volt 2 stands out as a top choice despite the higher price.

Verdict

After thoroughly testing and reviewing the UA Volt 2 USB Audio Interface, it’s clear this is an incredibly versatile portable recording tool for mobile creators. The Volt 2 captures UA’s renowned sound quality in a compact, bus-powered form factor.

From the pristine preamps to flexible I/O options to integrated UAD-2 processing, everything about Volt 2 is designed to deliver audiophile results wherever you record. For those who demand Apollo-caliber audio in a grab-and-go interface, the Volt 2 hits the mark.

Some may balk at the $399 asking price, but you get what you pay for. In the Volt 2, UA has distilled the essence of their elite studio interfaces into an ultra-portable solution. For remote recording pros and serious hobbyists alike, the Volt 2 is an outstanding choice. It earns our strong recommendation.

Pros

• Audiophile 24-bit/192kHz audio conversion
• Ultra low-noise Crystal Semiconductor preamps
• Realtime UAD-2 processing for monitoring
• Flexible I/O connections and sturdy build
• Easy compatibility across devices
• Cloud and console recall for session portability

Cons

• Premium price tag
• Not as affordable for hobbyists as other options

FAQs

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the UA Volt 2 USB Audio Interface:

What are the system requirements to use the Volt 2?

The Volt 2 is compatible with Windows 10, Mac OSX 10.11 or higher, iOS 11 or higher, and Android 9 or higher. A computer with a USB-A or USB-C port is required.

What comes included in the box?

The Volt 2 package includes the interface unit, a USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, UAD-2 Live software download card, and mounting kit for surface mounting.

Does the Volt 2 work with iPads or Android tablets?

Yes, the Volt 2 is compatible with iPad Pros and USB-C equipped Android tablets for mobile recording. The UA Console app allows full control.

Can the Volt 2 provide phantom power to condenser mics?

Yes, each of the two combo XLR/TRS inputs has dedicated +48V phantom power capability for powering condenser microphones.

How many UAD plugins can you run at once with UAD-2 Live?

The UAD-2 Live Core that comes with Volt 2 allows for 3 plugins to run simultaneously with reduced UAD DSP performance compared to Apollo interfaces.

Is Thunderbolt connectivity supported?

No, the Volt 2 relies solely on USB connectivity to computers/mobile devices. There is no Thunderbolt port.

Can the Volt 2 function as a standalone DAC or headphone amp?

No. The Volt 2 requires a USB host connection to operate. It cannot function in standalone mode without being connected to a computer or mobile device.

Conclusion

The UA Volt 2 manages to pack Apollo-grade sound into an ultra-portable USB interface. For anyone who needs to record studio-quality results while traveling or in the field, the Volt 2 is a fantastic choice. It provides pristine audio conversion, low-noise preamps, and realtime UAD processing in a rugged and mobile form factor.

Despite its premium pricing, the Volt 2 stands out as a best-in-class portable recording tool for content creators needing flexible pro-audio I/O and superb sonics. If you’re looking to take your studio sound on the go, the Volt 2 should be high on your list. It garners our strong recommendation.

1,116 Reviews

UA Volt 2 USB Audio Interface for recording, podcasting, and streaming with essential audio software, including $400 in UAD plug-ins

• Easily create music productions, livestreams, and podcasts on Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone
• Record vocals and instruments with rich, full sound using Vintage Mic Preamp mode
• Produce with industry-leading software including Ableton, Melodyne, UJAM's Virtual Drummer, Marshall, Ampeg, and more
• Harness USB bus power for on-the-go recording with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
• Studio-quality headphone amp, MIDI connections, 48V phantom power, and Direct Monitoring for latency-free recording

Check Price on Amazon