Universal Audio launches six Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max audio interfaces

Universal Audio has introduced six new bus-powered USB audio interfaces under the Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max names, according to Magnetic Mag. Prices start at $149 for the Volt 1 Gen 2 and reach $499 for the Volt 4P Max. The range targets musicians, producers and podcasters.

Every model has Tone Shaping Preamps with three switchable modes: Warmth, Focus and Shine, which UA describes as Tube, Solid State and British Class-A flavors. The Max models add onboard dynamics processing before the signal reaches the computer: six one-touch presets derived from UA's 1176, LA-2A and VCA compressor emulations, including “Rap Vocal” and “Jangly Acoustic”, according to We Rave You. UA says the processing runs in real time with no added latency and offers more than 18 sonic combinations per channel.

The Volt 1 Gen 2 is a 2-in/2-out unit with one preamp and a Hi-Z input. The Volt 2 Gen 2 ($219) adds a second preamp, a color Smart Display and Auto-Gain. The Volt 4 Gen 2 and Volt 2 Max cost $299 each, with ADAT input, which adds up to eight channels, and MIDI I/O; the Max also has a talkback mic. The Volt 4 Max ($399) adds speaker switching, and the Volt 4P Max carries four preamps.

All units ship with the UAD Volt Studio Bundle, 15 plug-ins including the LA-2A and 1176 compressors, the Showtime '64 and Lion '68 guitar amps, the Anthem and PolyMAX synths and UA's DAW, LUNA. Melodyne Essential and three months of FL Studio Producer Edition are also included. LUNA 3.0 introduces LUNA Play, a streamlined interface for songwriting and recording.