Universal Audio Volt Series Compared: Volt 1, Volt 2, Volt 176, Volt 276 by Official Specs

Universal Audio’s “Volt” series is a set of USB audio interfaces with the same design. It splits into four models by the number of microphone inputs (one or two) and by whether a vintage-style compressor is included (176 and 276). In this article we compare the 4 models using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and rank them on the same criteria as the other 18 audio interfaces on this site.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

In short: which one to choose

• Volt 1 (rank C): a USB audio interface with 1 input and 2 outputs.
• Volt 2 (rank B): a USB audio interface with 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Strong on ease of recording guitar and other instruments.
• Volt 176 (rank C): a USB audio interface with 1 input and 2 outputs.
• Volt 276 (rank B): a USB audio interface with 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Strong on ease of recording guitar and other instruments.

The highest score among the 4 models is Volt 2 (rank B, average 2.6). But the model you need depends on how many things you record at once and which features you use. You do not need to choose a higher model for inputs, outputs or features you will not use.

Main features of the Universal Audio Volt series

The Vintage mode adds the feel of the UA 610 with one button

Every model has a “Vintage” button, which is said to record with a warm, thick sound like UA’s tube preamp, the UA 610. You can use it per input, for singing, guitar and so on.

The 176 and 276 have a compressor inherited from the 1176

The Volt 176 and 276 include the analog “76 Compressor”, based on UA’s classic 1176 compressor. You just choose from three presets, VOC (voice), GTR (guitar) and FAST (fast response), and can even out the peaks in level at the recording stage. The Volt 1 and 2 do not have it.

MIDI ports and iPad and iPhone support

Every model has MIDI in and out (5-pin) for connecting MIDI keyboards, synths and drum machines. They run on USB power, need no driver (class compliant), and work with macOS and Windows as well as iPad and iPhone (iOS 14 or later).

LUNA and UAD plug-ins are included

UA’s recording software LUNA, UAD plug-ins such as the 1176, LA-2A and UA 610, Ableton Live Lite, Melodyne Essential and more are included (the contents may change, according to UA).

Where it is useful

• Recording singing or voice-and-guitar with a warm sound (Vintage mode)
• Evening out the variations in the level of a voice or guitar at the recording stage (176 and 276)
• Making songs with a MIDI keyboard connected too

Differences in specifications (comparison table)

Model	Rank	Microphone input quality	Ease of streaming	Ease of recording guitar and other instruments	Number of inputs and outputs	Features for production
Volt 1	C (2.2)	EIN -127dBu / Gain 55dB / DR 112dB (2 points)	loopback: no (1 point)	1 Hi-Z input (3 points)	3 analog inputs and outputs (2 points)	1 of 3 (3 points)
Volt 2	B (2.6)	EIN -127dBu / Gain 55dB / DR 112dB (2 points)	loopback: no (1 point)	2 Hi-Z inputs (4 points)	4 analog inputs and outputs (3 points)	1 of 3 (3 points)
Volt 176	C (2.2)	EIN -127dBu / Gain 55dB / DR 112dB (2 points)	loopback: no (1 point)	1 Hi-Z input (3 points)	3 analog inputs and outputs (2 points)	1 of 3 (3 points)
Volt 276	B (2.6)	EIN -127dBu / Gain 55dB / DR 112dB (2 points)	loopback: no (1 point)	2 Hi-Z inputs (4 points)	4 analog inputs and outputs (3 points)	1 of 3 (3 points)

How we score (Audio interfaces)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Microphone input quality	Quietness (EIN), gain range and dynamic range	Average 4.5 or more	3.5 or more	2.5 or more	1.5 or more	Under 1.5
Ease of streaming	Loopback (send the computer's sound together with the microphone for streaming or recording)	Yes	—	—	—	No
Ease of recording guitar and other instruments	Number of inputs that take a guitar or bass directly (Hi-Z)	3 or more	2	1	—	None
Number of inputs and outputs	Analog inputs plus outputs (headphones excluded)	≥8	≥6	≥4	≥3	<3
Features for production	Built-in DSP, MIDI ports and digital I/O	All 3	2	1	—	None

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer and the functions listed on the product page. Price and bundled software are not part of the score. "Microphone input quality" is the average of three scores: quietness (EIN: 5 points at -130 dBu or lower, 4 at -129, 3 at -128, 2 at -127), gain range (5 at 72 dB or more, 4 at 65, 3 at 57, 2 at 54) and dynamic range (5 at 118 dB or more, 4 at 116, 3 at 112, 2 at 108). It is scored when two or more numbers are published. "Ease of streaming" depends on whether the interface has loopback, which sends the BGM or game sound playing on the computer to the streaming software together with your voice.

Rating of each model

Volt 1

• It has no loopback. To combine the computer’s sound and your voice for streaming, you need to set it up in the streaming software.
• It has 1 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 1 Hi-Z input that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.
• It has MIDI ports. You can connect keyboards and gear that have MIDI jacks directly.

Volt 2

• It has no loopback. To combine the computer’s sound and your voice for streaming, you need to set it up in the streaming software.
• It has 2 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 2 Hi-Z inputs that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.
• It has MIDI ports. You can connect keyboards and gear that have MIDI jacks directly.

Volt 176

• It has no loopback. To combine the computer’s sound and your voice for streaming, you need to set it up in the streaming software.
• It has 1 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 1 Hi-Z input that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.
• It has MIDI ports. You can connect keyboards and gear that have MIDI jacks directly.

Volt 276

• It has no loopback. To combine the computer’s sound and your voice for streaming, you need to set it up in the streaming software.
• It has 2 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 2 Hi-Z inputs that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.
• It has MIDI ports. You can connect keyboards and gear that have MIDI jacks directly.

Compared with other audio interfaces

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Universal Audio Volt series: connection and getting started

Connection	USB-C (USB 2.0) to a computer, iPad or iPhone
Power	Runs on USB power (there is also a jack for external power)
In the box	USB cable (Type-A to Type-C), USB to DC power cable
Other	Supported: macOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone (iOS 14 or later). Included software: LUNA, UAD plug-ins, Ableton Live Lite and more

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Related reading

• Audio interfaces compared
• USB microphone or XLR with an audio interface: which should you choose?
• How to choose an audio interface
• How we rate specifications