When using an iPhone or iPad, simply plug the 5.5mm DC Barrel to USB Type-A cable (included) into the wall plug part of your phone/tablet charger (Volt 1/2/176/276 can use any 5V 1amp external USB PSU*). Then you can use full Volt features and run 2 channels of 48V phantom with iOS Garageband and similar iOS audio recording apps. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is into its third generation and, until now, has remained virtually unchallenged. The Universal Audio Volt 2has come in and changed the game, however. The differences aren’t so vast that 2i2 owners will abandon their gear and make the switch, but when it comes time to replace or upgrade, they’ll have some serious decisions to make. When direct monitoring is on, disable the software monitoring feature in your audio software to prevent signal doubling, which can make your input sound thin or “phasey.” When enabled, direct monitoring slightly reduces the volume from your audio software so you can clearly hear your input signals.

I took the UA Volt 2 to the test and recorded some vocals and voice-overs, and I was quite pleased with the results. Even with Vintage Mode turned off, the preamps sound great and are without a doubt among the best in this class. With Vintage Mode activated, the sound becomes a bit fuller and rounder – some would probably call it “warmer”. But the difference isn’t huge – don’t expect everything to suddenly sound impressively fat and analog when you press the Vintage button. It’s more like another sonic option that pairs well with certain microphones and voices. Vintage Mode is also excellent for guitar, bass, and synthesizers. You'll also get a broadband speed boost to the next available level (up to a max of 1Gbps) in your household and supercharged connectivity at home and on the move. That's just for being with us both. Both the 2i2 and the Volt 2 feature 48v phantom power, allowing users to run almost any condenser mic without batteries or additional external power supplies. Use TRS (balanced) audio cables for the best results with balanced audio sources. Balanced equipment uses three conductor wiring (via TRS or XLR connectors) to reduce interference and electrical noise, and to provide better audio quality over longer cable runs. Use TS (unbalanced) cables for instruments that are not balanced, such as an electric guitar or bass, or an unbalanced synth or sound module. TS connections may also be suitable for shorter input cables, where electrical interference noise may not be an issue.

To begin with setup, follow the steps below. The UA Connect software guides you through the process step-by-step. That said, this is an entry-level device. At this price point, you won’t find the top-of-the-world preamps that are built into some of Universal Audio’s higher-end products, and you won’t get a ton of extra bells and whistles. But you will get a solid audio interface that, for many people, will more than get the job done. I tested the Volt 2 with a condenser and dynamicmic, the Skylight and Limelight from 512 Audio. No extra gear is required to get healthy recording levels for a dynamic mic! The preamps need to be pushed fairly high – however, they were still clean! No hiss from the preamps was introduced to the recording from using a higher gain setting. But whatever audio interface you go with, the most important thing is that you get out there and start creating.

Desktop 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion for Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone.You have virtual instruments for those who perhaps don’t play guitar, bass, keys, or any other essentials, while anyone who is a bassist or guitarist still has access to classic tones in the form of amp emulation. Universal Audio has been one of the biggest and most impressive contributors to music technology in recent years, thanks to its quality hardware and impressive list of UAD plugins. Rotate this knob to adjust the volume of speakers connected to the Monitor outputs. The output signal level meters indicate the output levels. (8) Headphone Output