This article answers the most frequently asked questions about Volt Desktop audio interfaces. For questions about Volt 876, see this article.
If your question is not answered here, be sure to check out the Volt Hardware Manual for your specific model for more information.
If you still have questions, please contact our Customer Care team.
Operation Questions
Can Volt Desktop models be bus-powered?
Yes, all Volt desktop models can be powered via the USB bus, except for Volt 476 & 476P, which require the included power adapter.
What type of I/O do Volt Desktop Models have?
All Volt interfaces feature:
- A USB-C host connector
- TRS or TS stereo monitor outputs
- At least one TRS stereo headphone output
- A 5-pin DIN MIDI input and output
The input and output options on Volt Desktop interfaces range from 1-in / 2-out to 4-in / 4-out. You can check out the Volt Hardware Manual for a specific model to get exact details.
Do Volt interfaces require a driver for Windows?
Yes, all Volt interfaces require a driver on Windows to enhance functionality. The driver is available in UA Connect. A driver is not needed with macOS or iOS/iPad.
For information on setting up your Volt, see this article.
What does the INST button do?
INST is short for instrument. The instrument button toggles the impedance and gain of the preamp to accommodate passive high impedance instrument outputs, such as those from an electric guitar or bass. The INST button is lit green when the instrument input is enabled.
Tip: Generally speaking, the INST button should be off when connecting a line-level source such as a keyboard or sound module, unless you need more gain.
What does the MONO button on Volt 476 & 476P do?
The mono button sets direct monitoring of all hardware inputs to mono, so the inputs are heard centered in your headphones or speakers. The mono button does not affect DAW or system playback.
What is the latency performance of Volt Desktop models like?
Volt features zero-latency direct monitoring, allowing you to hear input sources in your headphones and monitors in real-time.
To enable direct monitoring on all desktop models except Volt 476 & 476P, press the DIRECT button. On Volt 2 & 276, pressing the button once (orange LED) enables stereo mode, where inputs are panned left and right for monitoring stereo sources. Pressing the button again (blue LED) enables mono mode, where inputs are centered. DAW and computer system playback will always be heard in stereo.
On Volt 476 & 476P, use the MONITOR SOURCE buttons to select hardware input pairs for direct monitoring. Input pairs are heard in stereo by default, and can be heard in mono by pressing the MONO button. DAW and system playback are unaffected by the MONO button.
Volt’s low-latency USB drivers also allow for playing virtual instruments or monitoring inputs through your DAW with minimal delay by adjusting your DAW's I/O buffer size accordingly.
Will Volt run UAD DSP plug-ins?
No, Volt interfaces do not have any onboard DSP for processing UAD DSP plug-ins.
Can I use Volt alongside UAD-2 DSP Accelerator products?
Yes, Volt pairs great with compatible PCIe, Thunderbolt, USB (PC only), and FireWire versions of UAD-2 DSP Accelerators.
Do Volt Desktop models show up in UAD Console or UAD Meter & Control Panel?
No, UAD Console is only used with Apollo or Volt 876 interfaces. UAD Meter & Control Panel is only used with Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 Accelerators.
What is the difference between Volt Desktop models & Apollo Solo?
| Feature | Volt Desktop | Apollo Solo |
|---|---|---|
| Preamps | Analog preamp w/ Vintage mode | Unison™ technology |
| Onboard DSP | No | Yes |
| Compressor | Analog 76 compressor circuit* | Real-time UAD processing including 1176LN and LA-2A plug-ins |
| Headphone output | Shared with monitor mix | Independent headphone mix |
| Bus power | Yes** |
Apollo Solo Thunderbolt: Yes Apollo Solo USB: No, required power supply included |
* On Volt Desktop models, the 76 Compressor is only available on Volt 176, 276, 476, & 476P
** Volt 476 & 476P must use the included power supply and cannot be bus-powered
Do Volt Desktop models need the UAD-2 software like Apollo interfaces?
No, Volt interfaces do not use UAD-2 software. The UAD Software installer is only for Apollo interfaces, Apollo E Series devices, and UAD-2 Accelerators like Satellites or UAD-2 PCIe cards.
Can I use a Volt interface in a macOS aggregate device configuration with other Volt interfaces or third-party interfaces?
No, aggregate device configurations are not tested or supported with Volt interfaces.
Can I use Volt with an Android device?
Volt interfaces are not tested or supported with Android devices.
Do Volt Desktop models have DC-coupled outputs?
All Volt Desktop models feature DC-coupled Monitor, Headphone, and Line outputs (where applicable), and all inputs are AC-coupled.
Note: The only Volt Desktop models that have additional line outputs are Volt 4, 476, & 476p.
Can I use Volt Desktop models with my gaming console?
Generally speaking, no. Volt interfaces are UAC2 class-compliant USB devices with high sample rate options. Most gaming consoles require a UAC1 USB device, and UAC1 devices only support 16-bit 44.1 kHz or 24-bit 48 kHz. UA does not test or support gaming consoles with Volt products.
Account Questions
What software is bundled with a new Volt?
Volt interfaces come with a premium collection of software titles from both Universal Audio and third-party partners, including the UAD Producer Suite and LUNA Digital Audio Workstation. For a complete list of software that comes bundled with Volt audio interfaces, see this article.
Can I transfer my Volt to another owner?
A transfer is not necessary; your Volt interface will move out of your account automatically when it is registered by a new owner.
Can I transfer my Volt software bundle to another user?
No, the UAD Producer Suite, third-party software, and 30-day UAD Spark trial included with Volt interfaces is not transferable.