Universal Audio Volt 1 vs Universal Audio Volt 2
A side-by-side look at Universal Audio Volt 1 and Universal Audio Volt 2 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Universal Audio Volt 1
One channel of UA preamp character for solo creators
See site
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Universal Audio Volt 2
Two inputs of UA preamp DNA with a vintage character switch
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Universal Audio Volt 1 | Universal Audio Volt 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Solo podcasters or vocalists who want UA preamp coloring and iOS compatibility in the smallest possible form factor | Podcasters who want genuine analog character in their preamp path without entering the plugin subscription world |
Key features
Universal Audio Volt 1
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters
- Vintage mic preamp mode (610 tube circuit-inspired)
- USB 2.0 class-compliant, iOS compatible
- 1 XLR/TRS/Hi-Z combo input with 48V phantom power
- 1-in / 2-out signal path
- Bus powered, compact desktop form factor
Universal Audio Volt 2
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters
- 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power
- Vintage mic preamp mode (610 tube circuit-inspired)
- USB 2.0 class-compliant, iOS compatible
- Front-panel instrument input (Hi-Z)
- Stereo line outputs and headphone output
Pros and cons
Universal Audio Volt 1
Pros
- Vintage mode analog character in a single-input box
- Class-compliant iOS and Mac/Windows support
- Extremely compact and bus-powered
- Good headphone output for monitoring
Cons
- Single input only - no co-host capability
- USB 2.0, not USB-C
- No MIDI I/O
Universal Audio Volt 2
Pros
- Vintage mode adds real analog character - not a plugin
- Class-compliant on Mac, Windows, and iOS
- Two XLR inputs for dual-mic setups
- Clean, solid build with metal chassis
Cons
- Vintage mode is on or off - no blend control
- USB 2.0 (not USB-C) - may need an adapter on newer laptops
- No MIDI I/O
The verdict
Choose Universal Audio Volt 1 if
Solo podcasters or vocalists who want UA preamp coloring and iOS compatibility in the smallest possible form factor.
If you're recording alone - one voice, one microphone - the Volt 1 covers the job with a preamp pedigree that most interfaces at this size can't match. The Vintage mode is the same 610-inspired circuit as the Volt 2.…
Choose Universal Audio Volt 2 if
Podcasters who want genuine analog character in their preamp path without entering the plugin subscription world.
Universal Audio built the Volt line for people who want UA heritage without UA prices. The Vintage mic preamp mode is the standout feature - flip it on and you get a subtle compression and harmonic coloring that flatters spoken…