Universal Audio - Volt 2 Max

The Universal Audio Volt 2 Max audio interface combines the essential features of a complete production setup in a desktop format, with 10 inputs, 4 outputs, 2 mic/line inputs and 2 Hi-Z inputs on the front panel. It is therefore ideal for recording vocals, guitars, basses, keyboards and multiple sources simultaneously, whilst offering connectivity that allows for digital expansion, enabling you to gradually upgrade your production setup.

The Tone Shaping preamps offer 60 dB of gain and three harmonic characters – Warmth, Focus and Shine – which deliver tonal characteristics inspired by tube, transistor and British Class-A circuits. Max compression adds six presets dedicated to vocals, guitars and basses, allowing you to shape the dynamics directly during the take. The combination of these processing options creates 18 distinct sonic combinations, accessible without the need for external software.

32-bit/192 kHz conversion preserves a wealth of information in the recordings, whilst the two headphone outputs and monitoring outputs make it easy to listen at different levels. The colour Smart Display brings together information on gain, levels and gain reduction, making it quick to check settings from your desk. This design aims for precise reproduction and clear readout of essential parameters, with a robust build that fits just as well into a fixed creative space as it does in a portable setup.

Auto-Gain quickly adjusts recording levels, whilst Clip Protection minimises the risks associated with unexpected digital peaks. This combination leaves more scope for artistic interpretation and reduces the need to fiddle with the meter displays, with a system designed to maintain a usable recording even when the signal changes rapidly or a source becomes more dynamic. Universal Audio thus combines automation and manual control without complicating day-to-day operation.

The Volt 2 Max interface also features an ADAT or S/PDIF optical input supporting up to 8 channels of digital expansion, as well as MIDI inputs and outputs for connecting synthesisers and controllers. A built-in USB hub can connect peripherals and power certain MIDI controllers, gradually expanding the production environment around the sound card. The Volt 2 Max therefore retains an architecture capable of keeping pace with a setup that grows in terms of sources, instruments and peripherals as projects progress.

For podcasting, streaming and video production, the Loopback function mixes the computer’s audio sources with the captured signals, whilst the built-in talkback microphone facilitates communication with participants. The two headphone outputs feature a shared cue mix, which is also suitable for situations where several people need to monitor the same audio programme. The system thus extends the sound card’s capabilities beyond music recording, with an architecture suited to content broadcast live or produced for video.

Universal Audio has made the Volt 2 Max sound card class-compliant, with UAD Console and LUNA integration that centralises settings, configuration recall and low-latency monitoring. This flexibility gives Universal Audio a truly portable dimension, without reducing the sound card to a mere mobile recording tool.