Description
The Universal Audio Volt 4 is a compelling 4×4 USB audio interface designed for musicians, producers, and content creators who prioritize high-quality audio and a touch of classic analog warmth. It’s part of Universal Audio’s “Volt” series, which aims to bring the brand’s renowned audio expertise to a more accessible price point than their flagship Apollo interfaces.
Key Features and Highlights:
- 4-in/4-out Configuration: The Volt 4 offers ample connectivity with two front-panel combo XLR-1/4″ inputs (for microphones, line-level instruments, or Hi-Z guitars/basses) and two additional 1/4″ line inputs on the rear. For outputs, it provides two balanced 1/4″ monitor outputs and four additional 1/4″ line outputs, allowing for flexible routing to multiple sets of speakers, outboard gear, or for live performance setups.
- “Vintage” Mic Preamp Mode (UA 610 Emulation): This is a standout feature. The two microphone preamps on the front panel include a “Vintage” mode, which emulates the rich, warm, and classic sound of Universal Audio’s legendary 610 tube preamp. This adds a desirable analog character to vocals, guitars, and other instruments without needing external plugins.
- 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA Conversion: The Volt 4 boasts high-quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, ensuring pristine audio capture and playback with excellent clarity and detail.
- Direct Monitoring: Essential for latency-free recording, the Volt 4 offers direct monitoring, allowing you to hear your input signals directly through the interface without any noticeable delay from your computer’s software. It also has separate volume controls for the main monitor outputs and the headphone output.
- MIDI I/O: Unlike some simpler interfaces, the Volt 4 includes traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out ports. This is great for connecting MIDI keyboards, controllers, or external hardware synthesizers directly to your setup.
- Studio-Quality Headphone Amplifier: It features a robust headphone output with its own dedicated volume control, capable of driving a wide range of studio headphones for accurate monitoring.
- USB-C Connectivity and Power: The Volt 4 connects via USB-C (USB 2.0 protocol) to your Mac, PC, iPad, or iPhone. For computer use, it can be bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from the USB connection. For iOS devices or if you prefer a more stable power source, it includes an external 5V DC power adapter.
- Robust Build Quality: The interface features a sleek, vintage-inspired design with a rugged all-metal construction, giving it a premium feel and ensuring durability for both studio and on-the-go use.
- Bundled Software (“Hitmaker Expansion” or “Volt Studio Pack”): Universal Audio interfaces come with a substantial software bundle, often referred to as the “Hitmaker Expansion” or “Volt Studio Pack,” which can vary slightly but typically includes:
- DAWs: Ableton Live Lite, potentially Luna (UA’s own DAW for Mac).
- UAD 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 (not requiring UAD DSP hardware) that bring the iconic UA sound to your mixes.
- Third-party software: May include popular tools like Celemony Melodyne Essential (pitch correction), Softube (Marshall Plexi Classic Amp, Time & Tone Bundle, Saturation Knob), Brainworx (bx_tuner, bx_masterdesk Classic), UJAM (Virtual Drummer DEEP, Virtual Bassist DANDY), and Spitfire LABS (virtual instruments). This comprehensive bundle provides a powerful starting point for recording, mixing, and production.
Who is it for?
- Musicians and Producers: The 4-in/4-out configuration is excellent for recording multiple instruments simultaneously, such as a vocalist and a guitarist, or a keyboardist with stereo outputs. The Vintage preamp mode adds character to recordings.
- Content Creators: Podcasters and streamers will appreciate the clean preamps and direct monitoring for clear vocal capture.
- Collaborative Workflows: With its multiple inputs and outputs, it’s suitable for small collaborative recording sessions.
- Users seeking analog warmth: If you love the sound of classic tube preamps and want that character injected into your recordings without needing expensive hardware, the Volt 4’s Vintage mode is a major draw.
- iPad/iPhone Users: Its iOS compatibility (with external power) makes it a versatile option for mobile recording setups.
Considerations:
- No Built-in DSP: Unlike Universal Audio’s higher-end Apollo interfaces, the Volt series does not have onboard DSP (Digital Signal Processing) for running UAD Powered Plug-ins in real-time with near-zero latency. The included UAD plugins with the Volt 4 are native versions that run on your computer’s CPU.
- Fewer Advanced Features: While excellent for its price point, it doesn’t have some of the more advanced routing, DSP mixing, or extensive I/O options found on more expensive professional interfaces.
- Driver Stability (Historical context): While generally good, some users have reported occasional driver issues with certain DAWs or operating systems, though this is often addressed with updates. Always check the latest user reviews and support forums if you’re concerned about specific system compatibility.
