Universal Audio is known as a high-end recording studio equipment manufacturer. But, the rise of the bedroom studio culture, led them to try and get in on the home studio game.
That’s why they launched different home studio products in recent years. Universal Audio Volt 476 audio interface is one of them.
They finally launched their budget audio interface “Universal Audio Volt 476” for home studio owners.
In this “Universal Audio Volt 476 review” I will give you all the details of this newly launched audio interface as well my own verdict on it.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into the review.
Universal Audio Volt 476 Audio Interface
The Universal Audio Volt series includes five models,
| Model Name | Ins/Outs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Volt 1 | 1-in/2-out | $139 |
| Volt 2 | 2-in/2-out | $189 |
| Volt 176 | 1-in/2-out | $249 |
| Volt 276 | 2-in/2-out | $299 |
| Volt 476 | 4-in/4-out | #369 |
You can check out all the models on Universal Audio’s official website here. These audio interfaces are available from $139 to $369. Volt 476 is the highest model in this series that features 4-in/4-out and costs $369.
As you can see in the above table, Volt 476 has more ins and outs. However, some of the features, inputs and outputs vary from model to model but the audio converters and preamps are the same in all the models.
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All the models feature a 24-bit/192 kHz audio converter and “UA 610 tube preamp” which creates a vintage feel in your audio.
Another big feature you will get in Volt 476 model is the “1176 compressor” which is only available in Volt 176, Volt 276, and Volt 476.
This is a legendary vintage compressor built by Universal audio and provides a vintage analog feel in your audio.
All the Volt series audio interfaces feature USB 2.0 compatible with Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone.
BUT, Volt 276 and Volt 476 are USB-C audio interfaces that deliver faster data transfer speed than USB 2.0 audio interfaces.
Another big advantage of Volt series audio interfaces is they all are USB bus-powered so you can use them with your laptop.
Volt 476 has 4-ins/4-outs along with Midi in/out, monitor, and headphone outs.
The combination of “76 compressor” and vintage “UA 610 tube preamp” differentiates it from other same range audio interfaces.
So, this was some basic information about Universal Audio Volt 476. Now let’s have a look into the features of Volt 476 audio interface.
Universal Audio Volt 476 Feature Highlights
Universal Audio always comes up with something unique. And Volt series audio interfaces are not the exception. You will get features like hardware compressor, tube preamp, and many more in Volt audio interfaces.
In this section, we’ll see the basic as well as the technical features that Universal Audio Volt 476 offers.
First off…the basic features.
Volt 476 Basic Features
- Volt 476 has 4-ins and 4 outs including two preamps, two line-ins and 6 analog line outs.
- High speed USB-C high speed data transfer port compatible to mac, PC and iPhone.
- Volt 476 is equipped with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion chip which delivers highest possible audio conversion quality.
- This audio interface features two UA 610 tube preamp which adds vintage feel in your audio when you record your voice or guitar it gives a rich, full sound of an iconic UA tube preamp.
- Volt 476 has seperate 76 compressor for both the preamps which is the replica of analog circuit based on UA’s 1176 compressor. This compressor adds clarity and punch to your vocals, instruments, and other sources.
- The headphone amplifier provides studio-quality for loud, clear audio monitoring.
- Both the preamps are equipped with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Volt 476 offers direct Monitoring for latency-free recording.
- This audio interface also features 1-in/1-out MIDI connections.
- You will get essential recording suite and music software from Ableton, Melodyne, UJAM’s Virtual Drummer, Marshall, Ampeg, and more.
- USB-C to USB-A cable included
Technical Specifications
- USB-C to USB 2.0 connectivity
- Form factor: Desktop
- 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/instrument), 2 x 1/4″ (line) analog inputs
- 2 x 1/4″ (monitor L/R), 4 x 1/4″ (line) analog outputs
- 1 x 1/4″ headphone port
- OS requirement; Mac –
- USB-C to USB 2.0 connectivity
- Form factor: Desktop
- 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/instrument), 2 x 1/4″ (line) analog inputs
- 2 x 1/4″ (monitor L/R), 4 x 1/4″ (line) analog outputs
- 1 x 1/4″ headphone port
- OS requirement; Mac – macOS 10.14 or later, iPadOS/iOS 14 or later. PC – Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- USB bus powered + 5V DC power supply (included)
Universal Audio Volt 476 Pros and Cons
Universal Audio Volt 476 is really an advanced USB audio interface as compared to other same price range audio interfaces.
This audio interface offers several different benefits of the US’s native platform. such as 76 compressor and the UA 610 tube preamp.
Although this audio interface is a “best pick” for home studio owners, it has some disadvantages that I should mention here so that you could make a better decision.
So, in this section, I will put the pros and cons of Volt 476 audio interface.
Pros
- Vintage and 76 Compressor based on legendary UA 1176 analog compressor
- 24-bit/192 kHz high quality audio conversion chip
- UA 610 tube preamp adds analog feel in the audio
- USB-C connectivity
- Affordable price
- Plug and play design
Cons
- Only 4-ins and 4 outs. No scope for expansion
- Only one UA analog plugin “76 Compressor”. If you want more you have to buy UA effect processor seperately.
Universal Audio Volt 476 Audio Interface: in Detail
Now we know the basic details, features, and pros and cons of Volt 476 audio interface. It’s time to dig deep and get out detailed information about it.
First off,
Build Quality
The cabinet is made of metal but looks like a vintage audio recording wooden finish equipment.
The middle part of Volt 476 is made of metal and the sides are made of a wooden finish. This combination gives it a different look than modern home studio audio interfaces.
The high grip knobs are made of composite material and make them easy to use. There are several light indicators and input and output indicators that allow you to visually monitor what is going on.
The input and output ports are made of high-quality composite material and high conductor metal.
All these arrangements made Volt 476 a durable and easy-to-use audio interface yet gives a vintage look.
Controls
There are 4 knobs for gain 1, gain 2, main monitor, and headphone volume are given. Gain 1 and Gain 2 control the volume of preamps, the main monitor controls the main output volume and the headphone volume is as usual as headphone out.
There is one mono/stereo button given above the audio interface to convert the output into mono audio. And, 3 other switches are given on the front side to enable/disable 48 Volt Phantom Power and instrument inputs.
It also features 4 other switches to enable/disable 76 compressor and vintage feel in preamp inputs. These switches are located above the audio interface.
last but not the least, There are 4 other switches given above the audio interface to control the monitor source inputs and outputs.
You can observe that these controls make it easy to control the audio interface without opening the audio interface driver software.
That’s the beauty of Universal Audio.
However, you will be provided with routing software to control the audio interface right from your computer.
AD/DA converter
Volt 476 audio interface has a world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion chip that converts the analog audio to digital audio without any loss in the dynamics.
This ADA converter is specially built to deliver true-to-life detail and clarity in the sound.
Along with the outstanding clarity, the converter adds an analog touch to the audio which is the signature of Universal Audio.
So, the final record feels much like recorded in a professional studio.
UA 610 tube preamp
Along with the world-class ADA converter circuitry, this audio interface features the replica of UA 610 tube preamp, the legendary tube preamp by Universal Audio.
These tube preamps not only process the clean audio but add a vintage feel to the audio that makes it pleasant and warm.
These are expertly designed to deliver tube-like dynamic saturation and clipping.
But, if you don’t want to use this preamp then there are switches that bypass the Vintage Preamp Mode. Through bypass mode, you can use external preamps without any coloration by the UA tube preamp.
76 Vintage Compressor
As you know Universal Audio is famous for its vintage effect processors. In recent years, UA launched several digital effect processors that provide the facility to use their vintage effects in your DAW.
UA 1176 compressor is the legendary hardware compressor that was very popular in the 70s. In Volt 476 you will get the emulation of this vintage compressor.
You will get the same vintage audio quality when you use this compressor switch given on Volt 476 preamps.
There are three perfectly built presets to tame voice, guitars, synths, and drum machines. You have to just plug in, pick one of the settings, and play.
That’s how easy it is.
Inputs and Outputs
Volt 476 is a 4-ins/4-outs audio interface. However, you will get 2 combo ins on the front side, 2 line-level ins on the backside, 4 line outs, and 2 monitor outs.
On the front side, you also get a headphone out port with an inbuilt headphone amp.
So, it is great for bedroom recording but not ideal for live band recording sessions. Also, there is no option to expand the inputs and outputs.
Sound Quality
Let’s talk about the sound quality.
When the 76 compressor and preamp are used, this audio interface adds a slight analog taste to the audio which adds some vintage color to the audio.
On the other hand, if you want clean and distortion-free sound then you can bypass all the settings and it will give you the sound just like other same range audio interfaces.
I like the vintage feel in the audio so I would add the effects and preamp in routing but you have the choice to add or remove that feel.
Overall the sound is a slight upward shift in the spectrum. That means you will get a bit of a higher mid boost in the audio.
My Verdict About Universal Audio Volt 476
As I said in the beginning, I would add my verdict in the conclusion so that you could take a better decision. But, first, let me tell you that this is not an ordinary audio interface.
If you like vintage audio then you would be pleased with its audio quality and features. This audio interface is the best fit for Rock, Jazz, and Country music genres.
But, if you are a hip-hop or pop artist then maybe it would not satisfy you.
Also, if you are a bedroom producer or a small home studio owner then you can go with Volt 476 audio interface.
If you ask me about my verdict, I would definitely go with this audio interface because I am in the genre which suits its audio quality. Also, I use vintage effects on my projects that’s why they will suit my needs.
FAQ
Is Universal Audio Volt 476 a true USB-C audio interface?
No, it is a USB 2.0 audio interface. Only the hub provided on the audio interface is USB-C which can be connected to the regular USB 2.0 port.
Is Volt 476 vintage mic preamp provides the same quality as classic UA 610 tube preamp?
Volt 476 preamps are the replica of the classic UA 610 tube preamp. So you get almost the same quality.
Is Volt 476 76 Compressor provides the same quality as classic 1176 Vintage Compressor?
Volt 476 76 compressor provides almost the same quality as 176 Vintage Compressor.
Should I buy UA Volt 476 audio interface?
If your genre suits it’s audio quality then you should buy this audio interface.
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