This article applies to the following Volt models:
Volt 1 Gen 2, Volt 2 Gen 2, Volt 4 Gen 2, Volt 2 Max, Volt 4 Max, Volt 4P Max
This article answers the most frequently asked questions about Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max interfaces. For questions about first generation Volt models, read this article.
If your question is not answered here, be sure to check out the UAD Console for Volt Manual or the Volt Hardware Manuals for more information.
If you still have questions, please contact our Customer Care team.
Specification questions
Can I use Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max with a phone or tablet?
Yes! All onboard processing including Tone Shaping, Max processing & Auto-Gain will work.
The included software bundle is incompatible with iOS or Android.
Can I use Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max with a Windows computer with an ARM processor?
Yes, all onboard processing including Tone Shaping, Max processing & Auto-Gain will work.
The included software bundle is incompatible with Windows ARM computers.
Can Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max be bus-powered?
All models can be bus-powered, but the available power from the computer's USB port may vary.
All Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max interfaces feature an additional USB-C input for 5VDC power.
A PSU is supplied with Volt 4 Max and Volt 4P Max, but you can also use a standard USB charger.
15W would be sufficient for all Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max models.
Are Volt Gen 2 & Max preamps the same as in the first generation of Volt interfaces?
No, these are newly designed preamps that have better specifications; they are the same as the Volt 876 preamps.
With the exception of Volt 1 Gen 2, all Volt Gen 2 and Max models now use a digital encoder to control the preamp.
Do Volt Gen 2 & Max use the same A/D or D/A converters as the original Volt interfaces or Apollo interfaces?
No, the A/D and D/A conversion design for Volt Gen 2 & Max is brand new and boasts excellent specifications.
For complete specifications for your particular model, see the Volt hardware manuals.
Which type of USB do Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max require?
Volt Gen1, Volt Gen 2, Volt Max, and Volt 876 are all USB 2.0 interfaces.
What can I connect to Volt's HUB port?
Any device that you would normally connect to a USB hub such as a MIDI controller, USB dongle, or external hard drive. It’s also a great option to connect a Volt 876.
The HUB port is USB 2.0 and provides 5VDC (500 mA) bus power. It’s important to consider that data throughput will be limited. USB 2.0 has a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 480 Megabits per second (Mbps)
Can I use TS unbalanced cables for my monitors?
TRS balanced cables should be used for the best audio performance, but unbalanced TS cables may be safely used.
Do Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max interfaces have DC-coupled outputs?
Yes, these Volt models feature DC-coupled Monitor, Headphone, and Line outputs, which are suitable for sending control voltages to external analog synthesizers. The output level is higher than that of original first generation Volt models — 20.2 dBu for Gen 2, compared to 15 dBu for original Volts, meaning it is easier to trigger analog synths.
Can I use Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max with my gaming console?
Generally speaking, no. Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max 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.
Operation questions
What is Tone Shaping on Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max?
Offering three choices, Tone Shaping is an easy way to give your recordings life and character at the push of a button. These mic preamp modes — Warmth, Focus, and Shine — you can quickly add Tube, Solid State, and British Class-A tone to everything you record.
Can I use Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max as a standalone mixer?
Volt requires a USB host connection, and cannot pass audio without one.
Do line inputs or digital inputs on Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max have Tone Shaping or Max Processing?
Line inputs have all available processing, but digital inputs do not offer processing options.
Max Processing is only available on Max models.
Does Volt Gen 2 run UAD DSP plug-ins?
No, there are no insert slots in UAD Console for Volt. However, Tone Shaping and Max Processing are available and can be selected from UAD Console or the hardware itself. All Volt models are compatible with UAD Native plug-ins that run in your recording software.
How do I use speaker switching with the ALT button on Volt 4 Max and Volt 4P Max?
To enable ALT mode from the hardware, press and hold the ALT button for 2 seconds. The button label will blink twice, indicating ALT mode is enabled and analog outputs 3-4 are reserved for monitor outputs. You can also enable Alt mode in UAD Console. After enabling, you can press the ALT button to switch between two sets of stereo speakers.
Can I connect line-level inputs to Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max? How do I do this?
Yes, Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max accept line-level input sources at the ¼” (6.35 mm) inputs of the combo jacks.
TRS cables must be used for balanced connections, and TS cables can be used for unbalanced connections.
Can I stereo link the instrument inputs on the front of my interface?
Yes! You can link adjacent input channels of the same type including mic, line, and instrument.
What is Assistive Auto-Gain and how do I use it?
See this guide in the UAD Console for Volt manual. Auto-Gain can also be initiated from the Volt hardware without using UAD Console.
Are Tone Shaping and Max Processing analog or digital?
Tone Shaping and Max Processing are digital, utilizing Universal Audio’s legendary digital signal processing algorithms.
Can I create a headphone mix that’s different from the main mix?
Yes, you can create two independent cue mixes using UAD Console.
What is Clip Protection and how does it work?
Volt Gen 2: Clip Protection on your Volt applies input gain staging and software limiting to prevent clipping.
Volt Max: Clip Protection on your Volt Max applies a hardware limiter before the signal reaches the analog-to-digital converters to prevent signals from clipping the preamp inputs.
Can I disable Clip Protection?
Yes. Press and hold the knob until the menu is displayed, select Clip Protection, then press the knob again to toggle the feature.
Can I adjust the display brightness?
Yes, in UAD Console's Settings window. Note that Volt 1 Gen 2 does not have a display.
How do I set up system playback as Loopback in UAD Console?
Please see this section of the UAD Console for Volt manual.
Can you entirely bypass the preamps on Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max?
No, the exceptionally clean preamps are always in the circuit. The line inputs are correctly gain staged for +4 dBu signals. On Volt Gen 2, the line input gain is fixed. On Volt Max, the line inputs have preamps and are adjustable for up to 60 dB of gain, so you can drive Tone Shaping and Max compression harder for more character.
Which Volt interfaces can be used with UAD Console?
All Volt Gen 2, Volt Max, and Volt 876 models except Volt 1 Gen 2 can be controlled with UAD Console. Original first generation Volt models are not recognized.
Do Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max use UAD-2 software like Apollo interfaces?
No, Volt Gen 2 and Max cannot use UAD-2 software or DSP plug-ins. The UAD DSP Plug-Ins & Drivers Installer is only for Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 Accelerators like Satellites or UAD-2 PCIe cards.
What type of MIDI ports are used by Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max?
Type A mini TRS is used for MIDI I/O. This uses a small 3.5mm (1/8-inch) headphone-style jack instead of a bulky 5-pin DIN connector to send MIDI messages. In 2018, the MIDI Association adopted Type A as the official industry standard.
Do I need a driver to use my Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max?
Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max 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, read this article.
When selecting my audio driver in Cubase, I see options for "Volt" and "Volt High Precision." Which should I use?
In Steinberg applications, a "Volt High Precision" driver option is available, but should not be used.
We recommend using the "Volt" driver, which is tested and qualified by Universal Audio.
How should I clock Volt interfaces?
Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max with digital I/O options can be clocked with its own internal clock, or externally using ADAT or optical S/PDIF. The correct external clocking option depends on your own preference or requirements.
Multi-unit configuration questions
Can I connect more than one Volt to expand my system?
Volt 876 can be combined with Volt 4 Gen 2, Volt 2 Max, Volt 4 Max, or Volt 4P Max using the ADAT I/O.
Up to three Volt 876 units can also be combined — see this section in the Volt 876 Manual.
Notes on other Volt configurations:
- Combining more than one Volt Gen 2 or Max interface is not supported.
- Other Volt models such as first generation Volt interfaces are not supported in multi-unit configurations.
- Combining Volts as an aggregate device is not supported.
- Volt interfaces with ADAT can function with other ADAT devices, but third party devices will not display controls in UAD Console.
- Volt 876 can be combined with Apollo interfaces with ADAT inputs.
- Volt Gen 2 and Volt Max interfaces cannot be combined with an Apollo.
- First generation Volt hardware does not use UAD Console, and will not be displayed.
Can I use Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max with an Apollo?
No, these interfaces are not designed to be used together.
Can I expand Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max with a third-party ADAT device?
Yes, Volt's ADAT digital inputs will function with any other ADAT device that can send ADAT optical audio.
Dedicated preamps with ADAT outputs will typically route to those ports automatically, but they will not be recognized in UAD Console. Refer to the manual of the third-party device to make sure you can route to the ADAT ports.
Account questions
What software is bundled with a new Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max?
Volt Gen 2 & Volt Max come with a premium collection of software titles from both Universal Audio and third-party partners.
For a complete list of software that comes bundled with Volt audio interfaces, read this article.
Can I transfer my Volt Gen 2 or Volt Max to another owner?
A transfer is not necessary; your Volt will move out of your account automatically when it is registered by a new owner. A used device registration will receive Explore Free - see this article for details.
Can I transfer my Volt software bundle to another user?
No, software included with Volt interfaces is not transferable.