Description
The Universal Audio Volt 176 is a unique and highly attractive USB audio interface, part of Universal Audio’s Volt series, known for bringing a touch of classic analog warmth and processing to accessible price points.
What sets the “76” models apart is the inclusion of a built-in analog compressor, inspired by their legendary 1176 Limiting Amplifier.
Key Features and Highlights:
- 1-in/2-out Configuration:
- Input: It features a single combo XLR-1/4″ jack on the front panel. This versatile input can handle:
- Microphones: With 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Line-level instruments: Such as keyboards or drum machines.
- Hi-Z instruments: Like electric guitars and basses, allowing you to plug directly in without needing a separate DI box.
- Outputs: Two 1/4″ balanced TRS outputs on the rear for connecting to studio monitors, and a dedicated 1/4″ headphone output on the front with its own volume control.
- Input: It features a single combo XLR-1/4″ jack on the front panel. This versatile input can handle:
- “Vintage” Mic Preamp Mode (UA 610 Emulation): This is a core feature of the Volt series. With a push of a button, an all-analog circuit is engaged, emulating the sound of Universal Audio’s iconic 610 tube preamp.
- This adds a desirable warmth, richness, and classic “analog” character to your recordings, especially vocals and guitars, before they even hit your computer.
- Built-in “76 Compressor”: This is the star feature of the “76” models. The Volt 176 includes an innovative, all-analog FET (Field Effect Transistor) compressor circuit, directly inspired by Universal Audio’s legendary 1176 Limiting Amplifier. It offers three easy-to-use presets:
- VOC (Vocals): Tailored compression for vocals, adding clarity and punch.
- GTR (Guitar): Designed to enhance guitar and bass tones.
- FAST: A more aggressive setting for drums or percussive elements, mimicking the fast attack and release of the classic 1176. This allows you to apply real analog compression during tracking, helping to control dynamics and add character before your signal is converted to digital.
- 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA Conversion: The Volt 176 provides professional-grade audio quality with high-resolution conversion, ensuring clear, detailed, and accurate recordings and playback.
- Direct Monitoring: This allows you to hear your input signal directly from the interface with virtually no latency, making recording more comfortable and accurate.
- MIDI I/O: A useful addition, it includes 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out ports on the rear for connecting MIDI keyboards, controllers, or external hardware synthesizers.
- USB-C Connectivity and Bus Power: It connects to your computer (Mac or PC) or iPad/iPhone via USB-C (using the USB 2.0 protocol). It’s primarily bus-powered, drawing power from the USB connection, which is convenient for mobile setups. For iOS devices or if more stable power is needed, it also has a 5V DC input for an optional external power supply.
- Robust Build Quality and Design: The Volt 176 features a sleek, retro-inspired design with sturdy all-metal construction and stylish wood side panels, giving it a premium feel and ensuring durability for both studio use and travel.
- Bundled Software (“Hitmaker Expansion” / “Volt Studio Pack”): Universal Audio includes a valuable software bundle with the Volt 176, which typically features:
- DAWs: Ableton Live Lite, often Universal Audio’s own Luna DAW (for Mac users).
- UA Native Plug-ins: Often includes classic UA plugins like the Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection, Pultec EQ Collection, Century Tube Channel Strip, Oxide Tape Recorder, Galaxy Tape Echo, Pure Plate Reverb, and PolyMAX Synth. These are native plugins that run on your computer’s CPU, bringing the iconic UA sound to your mixes.
- Third-party software: May include other useful tools like Celemony Melodyne Essential (pitch correction), Softube (amp sims, dynamics), Brainworx, and virtual instruments. This provides a comprehensive suite to get you started with recording, mixing, and production.
Who is the Universal Audio Volt 176 for?
- Solo Musicians/Singer-Songwriters: Ideal for recording a single vocal track and/or an instrument at a time, especially if you desire that classic analog warmth and real-time compression during tracking.
- Guitarists/Bassists: The Hi-Z input with “Vintage” preamp mode and the “76 Compressor” can deliver excellent direct tones for your instruments.
- Podcasters/Streamers: The high-quality preamp, “Vintage” mode for vocal warmth, and the compressor for leveling vocals make it a great choice for professional-sounding voiceovers and broadcasts.
- Users Seeking Analog Character: If you want a warmer, more “produced” sound directly from your interface, rather than relying solely on post-processing with plugins.
- Mobile Recordists: Its compact size and bus-powered operation (with computer) make it highly portable.
Considerations:
- Single Input Limitation: The primary limitation is having only one input. You cannot record a vocal microphone and a guitar simultaneously on separate tracks.
- If you need to record two independent sources at once (e.g., two microphones for an acoustic guitar, or a mic and a stereo keyboard), you’d need the Volt 276 or higher.
- No UAD DSP: Like all Volt interfaces, the Volt 176 does not include Universal Audio’s UAD DSP for running UAD Powered Plug-ins in real-time on dedicated hardware. The included UAD plugins are native versions that run on your computer’s CPU.
- Analog Compressor Limitations: While the “76 Compressor” is a fantastic addition, it’s a simplified, fixed-ratio analog circuit with three preset modes. It’s not a fully adjustable 1176 plugin with all parameters controllable.
- External Power for iOS: While compatible with iPad/iPhone, it might require an optional external 5V DC power adapter (not included) for stable operation with iOS devices, especially those that don’t have USB-C directly (like older iPhones with Lightning ports, where a camera adapter is also needed)
