This would have been a major announcement at any trade-show, giving everyone the chance to immediately try the products hands-on and have a sense of the sound and the value of the features. But since there are no trade-shows at the moment for health safety reasons, manufacturers can make this type of announcements at any moment when you least expect it, just because they are ready to ship… or even not. In this case, the company says that Volt audio interfaces are available for pre-order, with general availability projected for late November 2021.
And this is from Universal Audio, a company with great traditions in audio hardware and more specifically in studio audio interfaces that always have combined the most advanced choices of physical data interfaces (Firewire, Thunderbolt, etc.) with built-in DSP horsepower to create fully integrated solutions that offer the best of both worlds, including unique software emulations of analog circuits that become accessible in real time and without latency.
Now, thanks to the latest updates to the USB specifications and the introduction of USB Type C connectors, the choice at the most affordable level is clear, with USB audio offering the perfect combination for project and home studios. And all the new Universal Audio Volt interfaces feature a Vintage Mic Preamp mode inspired by the mic/line preamp in the famous 610 tube console. A UA exclusive, Volt’s tube emulation circuitry is said to allow users “to dial in rich, full sound on vocals and instruments.”
All three Volt 76 models also feature a built-in 76 Compressor — an innovative analog circuit based on UA's iconic 1176 outboard dynamics processor — with easy-to-use presets for modern home studio music production practices. Opening up the software value on these units, after registering their Volt interfaces via the companion app - UA Connect - users can download a powerful collection of audio production software, instruments, and plug-in bundles from industry-leading brands (that is, for those who still need more…).
Otherwise, all USB-C audio interfaces in the the Volt range offer a unique design with large dials and potentiometers, simple audio connections, Direct Monitoring for latency-free recording, iPad/iPhone connectivity, all in rugged metal chassis, with the 76 models also adding wood side panels. Otherwise, these are just standard USB 2.0 audio interfaces (until the USB-IF eventually releases the USB audio 3.0 specification, these will be perfectly fine) that support studio-standard 24-bit up to 192 kHz audio conversion and feature 1-in/1-out MIDI connections. The smaller models can be USB bus powered for portable use - a great combination with the latest iPad Pro models.
Universal Audio will also offer what they call “Volt Studio Packs,” including a Volt 2 or Volt 276 interface with a cheap condenser mic and XLR cable, and closed-back headphones of unnamed brand, or provenance - as other manufacturers also do. An USB-C to USB-A cable is included in case there is still the need to connect an old Windows PC.
www.uaudio.com
