This article contains complete operating instructions for Universal Audio Volt 1 Gen 2 hardware controls and connections.

• Introduction
• Volt Quick Start
• Using Your Volt
• Volt 1 Gen 2 Hardware Descriptions
• Reset Volt to Factory Default
• Volt 1 Gen 2 Specifications
• Notices

Introduction

Volt 1 is a next-generation mobile USB audio interface with onboard Tone Shaping Preamp, giving singer-songwriters and content creators the sound of a pro studio from the moment they hit "record."

Built by the same team behind legendary Apollo interfaces, Volt 1 makes recording effortless. Get up and running on Mac, Windows, iPad, or iPhone in minutes. Set guitar and vocal levels quickly with hands-on controls. And when it’s time to mix, you get an award-winning suite of UAD plug-ins and the LUNA Digital Audio Workstation.

Key Benefits

• Tone Shaping Preamp. Get the rich character of a record, not a demo.
• Full 32-Bit Audio. Hear your performance in incredible detail with legendary UA quality.
• Mic & Instrument Inputs. Capture your vocals and instruments at the same time.
• Mobile Ready. Record anywhere with USB bus power — no external power supply required.*
• Easy to Use. Quickly connect and record using your favorite music apps.
• Premium UAD Software. Get the same EQs, compressors, synths, and guitar amps used by the pros, plus the award-winning LUNA DAW.

Features

• 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with professional 32-bit / 192 kHz audio conversion
• Tone Shaping Preamp with 60 dB gain and three character modes — Warmth, Focus, and Shine — for the sound of classic analog mic preamps
• Mic / line input and front-panel Hi-Z instrument input for recording your voice and guitar at the same time
• Studio-quality headphone output for clear, confident monitoring
• Works with the UAD Console app and LUNA Digital Audio Workstation
• Built-in loopback for podcasting, streaming, and content creation
• 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
• USB bus-powered and class-compliant for easy setup with Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone*
• Stylish, rugged construction built to withstand years of use

* Windows systems use the ASIO driver, available in the UA Connect app. Requirements for bus power vary by model and device. Lightning devices require the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.

Volt Quick Start

To get started, install UA Connect, Universal Audio's app for managing Volt registration, updates, bundled software, and plug-in installation. When you connect Volt for the first time, UA Connect features an onboarding tutorial to help you set up your new hardware.

To get started manually, use the instructions and references in this section.

About Volt Documentation

• For hardware setup and operating instructions, use this manual.
• For software configuration and operating instructions, see the UAD Console for Volt Manual.
• To register your Volt in UA Connect and redeem included software, see How to set up your Volt Interface.

System Requirements

For Volt system requirements, go here.

Getting Started

To begin your setup, follow the steps below.

Hardware Installation

1. Place your Volt on a flat surface.
2. Connect your Volt's HOST port to a USB 2.0 or higher port on your computer. Your Volt includes a USB-C to USB-C cable.

Software Installation

1. Download and install the UA Connect app from uaudio.com/volt/start.
2. Launch UA Connect and follow the instructions within the app to register and set up your Volt hardware.
3. If a firmware update is available, install it.
4. Download and install the UAD Console app from UA Connect.

Note: For optimum performance on Windows systems, install the Volt driver via UA Connect. Mac and iOS/iPad do not require a driver.

Using Your Volt

Follow the overviews in this section to learn how to use your Volt's features. Additional details are provided in the hardware description sections.

Connect your Volt

Connect your monitor speakers, headphones, and inputs to your Volt. See About Volt Connections for details.

Setting levels

• Adjust output volumes: Play audio from your system. While playing back audio, adjust the monitor level for your speakers with the monitor volume knob. Adjust the level for your headphones with the headphone volume knob.
• Adjust input gain: Adjust the levels for inputs 1 and 2 with their gain knobs. The LEDs above the gain knobs indicate levels; adjust the gains so the signal level LEDs are lit green and not red.

Selecting Tones

The Volt rear panel analog input features Tone Shaping with three character modes — Warmth, Focus, and Shine — for the sound of classic analog mic preamps. Each mode includes an EQ curve derived from analog hardware.

To cycle through available Tones, press the TONE button repeatedly.

Tip: You can also select Tones in UAD Console.

Three Tones are available:

• OFF (white): No tone shaping.
• Warmth (amber): Vintage tube glow with soft transients and smoothness, reminiscent of the UA 610.
• Focus (green): Punchy transients with focus and clarity, well-liked on drums, guitars, and bass, reminiscent of classic solid-state American consoles.
• Shine (blue): Musical and full, with a silky top end, reminiscent of venerable British Class-A consoles.

Using Direct Monitoring

Direct monitoring passes input signals directly to the monitor and headphone outputs, instead of being monitored through the audio software (DAW). Direct monitoring lets you hear your live inputs in real time, without audible latency. Without direct monitoring, inputs are subject to DAW buffering latency.

Enable direct monitoring

Press the DIRECT button to cycle through enabling of the available direct monitoring modes.

• First press (blue label) for channel 1 only (front panel instrument input).
• Second press (teal label) for channel 2 only (rear panel combo input).
• Third press (green label) for both channels 1 and 2.
• Fourth press (white label) disables direct monitoring.

Why use direct monitoring?

With direct monitoring (also known as hardware monitoring), you hear the input signals with Tone Shaping directly from the Volt hardware with no latency, bypassing your audio software altogether.

When you monitor input signals through your audio software (software monitoring) with Direct off, those signals pass through the software before you hear them from the Volt monitor and headphone outputs. These signals use the software's I/O buffer, which causes latency, an amount of delay that increases as the buffer size is increased.

Use direct monitoring when you are recording sources that you don’t want to monitor through your software, for example, when recording vocals or instruments without plug-in processing from your DAW, but including Volt Tone Shaping.

Direct monitoring notes

• Direct includes the input's Tone Shaping (if enabled on the rear panel input).
• When Direct 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 Direct is off, you may notice your inputs have latency (a slight delay) before they are heard, as a result of buffering and signal processing in your DAW.
• If you want to hear your input signals processed through plug-ins loaded in your DAW, keep Direct off.
• The input signal is always sent to the DAW for recording, regardless of Direct on/off state.

Direct with UAD Console

• In UAD Console, the input is unmuted when Direct is on, and muted when Direct is off.
• When one or more channels are soloed in UAD Console, direct monitored signals on other channels are not heard.
• When Direct is on, input levels, panning, and Cue sends can be controlled in UAD Console. See the UAD Console for Volt Manual for more information.

About Volt connections

Use the following cables for best results:

• 1/4" (6.35 mm) TS (tip-sleeve) cable to connect a guitar or bass to a front panel instrument input
• XLR cable to connect a microphone to the rear panel combo jack input
• 1/4" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) cable to connect a keyboard or other line-level audio source to the rear panel combo jack input
• 1/4" TRS cables to connect your stereo monitor speakers to the rear panel monitor outputs
• 1/4" TRS headphone plug to connect your stereo headphones to the front panel headphone jack. If your headphones have a 1/8" (3.5 mm) plug, use a 1/8" TRS female to 1/4" TRS male adapter

About balanced connections

Volt monitor outputs and the rear 1/4" combo input jack are balanced when connected to balanced equipment. Use TRS (balanced) audio cables for the best results. Balanced equipment uses three-conductor wiring to reduce interference and electrical noise, and to provide better audio quality over longer cable runs. TS (unbalanced) connections are suitable for shorter output cables, where electrical interference noise may not be an issue.

Volt 1 Gen 2 Hardware Descriptions

All hardware controls, connections, and indicators are explained in this section.

Volt 1 Gen 2 Front Panel

(1) Instrument input 1

Connect your guitar, bass, or other high-impedance instrument here.

Tip: Use a standard 1/4” TS (tip-sleeve) instrument cable to connect your instrument.

(2) Input gain

These two knobs adjust the signal gain for each channel. Channel 1 Gain controls the front panel instrument input. Channel 2 Gain controls the rear panel Mic/Line input.

Tip: Adjust gain while monitoring the input meter. Set a signal level that is steadily lit green, without lighting the red clip indicator.

(3) Clip indicators

LEDs above each gain knob display input signal status. Green indicates signal presence; red indicates clipping. If the clip indicator lights red, reduce the input gain.

(4) TONE button

Applies analog-style Tone Shaping to the rear panel combo jack input.

• To cycle through available Tones, press the TONE button repeatedly.
• The color of the TONE button label changes to reflect the current setting. When the button label color is white, Tone Shaping is off.
• Tones can also be selected in UAD Console.

See Selecting Tones for more information.

(5) 48V button

Enables +48V phantom power for a condenser microphone connected to the rear panel XLR input. The label flashes red when phantom power is being applied, and is lit red when active and white when inactive.

Phantom power is disengaged (the label is unlit) when a 1/4" plug is connected.

Note: Disable phantom power before connecting or disconnecting a microphone. Phantom power can damage some ribbon microphones.

(6) DIRECT button

Press the DIRECT button to enable direct monitoring. Direct monitoring passes the audio from monitored inputs, including Tone processing on the rear panel input, directly to the outputs. Direct monitoring also unmutes input channels in UAD Console.

See Using Direct Monitoring for more information.

(7) MUTE button

Press to silence the headphones and main monitor outputs. The label is red when muted, and white when inactive.

(8) Monitor output control

Adjusts the output volume of the main monitor outputs.

(9) Headphone level control

Adjusts the headphone output volume independently from the monitor output.

(10) Headphone output jack

Connect your stereo headphones to this output with a 1/4" (6.35 mm) TRS plug. If your headphones have a 1/8" (3.5 mm) plug, use a 1/8" TRS female to 1/4" TRS male adapter.

Volt 1 Gen 2 Rear Panel

(11) XLR/TRS combo input 2

This combo jack accepts either an XLR or a 1/4" TS/TRS plugs. The XLR and 1/4" combo jack inputs can use the Volt preamp and Tone Shaping. 48V phantom power is applied only to the XLR jack.

• Connect a microphone with an XLR cable
• Connect a keyboard or other audio gear with a 1/4” TRS or TS cable

Note: Phantom power is disabled on a channel when a cable is plugged into the front instrument jack for that channel.

(12) Monitor outputs

Connect your stereo speaker system to these monitor jacks. Connect the left speaker to MON 1/L and the right speaker to MON 2/R. You can use TS (tip-sleeve) or TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) 1/4" (6.35mm) cables.

Note: Monitor outputs are not powered. You need active (powered) monitors or a separate amplifier and passive speakers.

(13) HOST port

Connect the HOST port to a USB 2.0 (or higher) port on your computer with the included USB-C cable, or another data cable. The computer port can be USB-C or USB-A, and any USB 2.0 or higher data cable can be used.

For iOS and iPad devices, connect Volt with a USB-C cable (devices with USB-C ports) or with the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (for devices with Lightning ports).

Power from the computer connected to this port supplies bus power to Volt.

(14) 5VDC port

If Volt does not receive enough bus power to operate from the USB HOST port, connect this port to a suitable 5VDC USB power supply.

Note: Volt must be connected to the computer with the Volt HOST port to be recognized.

(15) Kensington Security port

Use with Kensington-compatible security devices to secure Volt hardware.

Reset Volt to Factory Default

Use the following procedure to reset your Volt to default values.

1. Power off the Volt unit by unplugging the USB port(s).
2. Press and hold both TONE and 48V buttons and plug in the USB port(s) to power the unit.
3. Wait for the backlit text above all buttons to flash four times, then release the buttons.

Volt 1 Gen 2 Specifications

Note: All specifications are subject to change without notice.

SYSTEM

I/O Complement

• Microphone/Line Preamp Input: One combo XLR/TRS
• Instrument Input: One TS
• Monitor Outputs: Two
• Headphone Outputs: One stereo
• USB (Type-C connectors):
  • One USB 2.0 host port (bus-power capable)
  • One USB 5VDC power port

A/D – D/A Conversion

• Supported Sample Rates (kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
• Bit Depth Per Sample: 32
• Simultaneous A/D Conversion: Two channels
• Simultaneous D/A Conversion: Two channels (shared main & stereo headphone)

ANALOG I/O

Mic, Line, Instrument Inputs (AC Coupled)

• Available Gain: 60 dB
• Tone Shaping (selectable on channel two): Warmth, Focus, Shine

Microphone Inputs

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB
• Dynamic Range (A–weighted): 119 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS): -108 dB (0.0004 %)
• Maximum Input Level: 14.5 dBu
• Input Impedance: 2 Kilohms
• Phantom Power: +48V (XLR only)
• Connector Type: XLR Female, pin 2 positive

Instrument Inputs

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.03 dB
• Dynamic Range (A–weighted): 116 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS): -101 dB (0.0009 %)
• Maximum Input Level: 12.5 dBu
• Input Impedance: 1 Megohms
• Connector Type: ¼" TS unbalanced

Line Inputs

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.05 dB
• Dynamic Range (A–weighted): 119 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS): -108 dB (0.0004 %)
• Maximum Input Level: 22 dBu
• Input Impedance: 10 Kilohms
• Connector Type: ¼" TRS balanced or TS unbalanced

Monitor Outputs (DC Coupled)

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.04 dB
• Dynamic Range (A–weighted): 122 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS): -111 dB (0.0003 %)
• Maximum Output Level: 20.2 dBu
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Connector Type: ¼" TRS balanced

Stereo Headphone Outputs (DC Coupled)

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB
• Dynamic Range (300 Ohms, A–weighted): 121 dB
• THD + Noise (1 kHz @ -1 dBFS, 300 Ohms): -108 dB (0.0004 %)
• Maximum Output Power into 32 Ohms: 45 mW per channel
• Maximum Output Power into 300 Ohms: 24 mW per channel
• Connector Type: ¼" TRS Stereo

ELECTRICAL

• DC Input Connector Type: USB-C
• DC Requirements: 5VDC (bus-power capable via Host port)
• Power Consumption (@5VDC): 2.4 W typical, 3.6 W maximum

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Ambient Temperature Range: 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)

MECHANICAL

Dimensions

• Chassis (including knobs): Width x Depth x Height 6.1 x 4.9 x 2 in (15,5 x 12,5 x 5,1 cm)
• Shipping Box: Width x Depth x Height 7.9 x 7.3 x 3.1 in (20 x 18,5 x 8 cm)

Weight

• Shipping Weight (with box & accessories): 1.8 lbs (0.8 kg)
• Weight (bare unit): 1.2 lbs (0.5 kg)

Package Contents

• Volt 1 Gen 2 USB audio interface
• One-meter USB cable (Type-C to Type-C)
• Important safety instructions
• End-user license agreement

Notices

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these safety instructions and the instruction manual of the product.
2. Keep these safety instructions and the instruction manual of the product. Always include all instructions when providing the product to other parties.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Only clean the product when it is not connected to the power supply system. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Only operate the product from the type of power source indicated on the power supply unit.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where it enters into and/or exits from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled into or objects have fallen into the apparatus, or when the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14. Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
15. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.
16. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible.
17. Do not attempt to open the product housing. The warranty is voided for products opened by the customer.
18. Let the product reach ambient temperature before switching it on.
19. Caution: High signal levels can damage your hearing and your loudspeakers. Reduce the volume on the connected audio devices before switching on the product; this will also help prevent acoustic feedback.
20. Intended use. The product is designed for indoor use. The product can be used for commercial purposes. It is considered improper use when the product is used for any application not named in the corresponding instruction manual. Universal Audio does not accept liability for damage arising from improper use or misuse of this product and its attachments/accessories. Before putting the product into operation, please observe the respective country-specific regulations.

Manufacturer’s Declarations

Warranty

The product is covered by a limited warranty. For the current terms of such warranty, please visit uaudio.com/eula.

Maintenance

• CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the unit.
• This product does not contain a fuse or any other user-replaceable parts. The unit is internally calibrated at the factory. No internal user adjustments are available.

Repair Service

If you are having trouble with your hardware, first check all system setups, connections, and operating instructions. If that doesn’t help, contact our technical support team.

To learn about repair service, or to contact UA Customer Care, visit help.uaudio.com.

Notes on Disposal

In compliance with the following requirements:

WEE-DIRECTIVE (2012/19/EU)

The symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin on the product, the battery/rechargeable battery (if applicable), and/or the packaging indicates that these products must not be disposed of with normal household waste, but must be disposed of separately at the end of their operational lifetime. For packaging disposal, please observe the legal regulations on waste segregation applicable in your country.

Further information on the recycling of these products can be obtained from your municipal administration or from the municipal collection points. The separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment, batteries/rechargeable batteries (if applicable) and packaging, is used to promote the reuse and recycling and to prevent negative effects caused by e.g., potentially hazardous substances contained in these products. Herewith, you can make an important contribution to the protection of the environment and public health.

Declaration Of Conformity

FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CANADA: Complies with Canadian ICES-003 Class B/ Conforme au reglement Canadien NMB-003 Classe B.

CE: This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU.

End User License Agreement

Your rights to the Software are governed by the accompanying End User License Agreement, a copy of which can be found at www.uaudio.com/eula.

Copyrights & Trademarks

© 2026 Universal Audio, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. The "Universal Audio" name, UA "diamond" logo, and "UA Volt" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Universal Audio, Inc. All other products and trademarks pictured herein are the property of their respective owners.

ASIO is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Universal Audio, Inc. makes no warranties of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Universal Audio, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

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