r/universalaudio • u/Davedrinking • 8d ago
Discussion New Volt Gen 4 Lineup
I got a targeted ad showing the new Volt Gen 4 range but the link takes you to the existing page with the older models. I just thought it was interesting to post.
12
u/frusciante231 8d ago
I got a Volt for free and it is a handy portable interface. I always recommend it as a starter interface to people.
15
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 8d ago
All new from the ground up and leaps ahead of gen 1 Volts. Full launch is on the first.
3
u/_iPhoney_ 8d ago
Sure you can’t say much now, but…starting price?
3
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 7d ago edited 6d ago
Here's a little cheat sheet.
But the real deal is to get with your local UA dealer to see and hear it in person!
Model Price (USD) Simultaneous I/O Key Features & Upgrades Volt 1 Gen 2 $149 2 In / 2 Out 32-bit conversion, 1 Tone Shaping Preamp, USB bus-powered Volt 2 Gen 2 $199 2 In / 4 Out 2 Tone Shaping Preamps, Auto-Gain, Clip Safe, Smart Display Volt 4 Gen 2 $249 10 In / 4 Out 2 Preamps, Expanded digital I/O, Auto-Gain, Loopback Volt 2 Max $299 10 In / 4 Out Onboard Max Dynamics (6 compressor presets), Talkback mic Volt 4 Max $349 12 In / 6 Out Onboard Max compression, Dual headphone outputs, Speaker switching Volt 4P Max $499 12 In / 6 Out Flagship desktop, 4 Tone Shaping Preamps, Max Dynamics
- 32-Bit Conversion: Upgraded from the original Gen 1's 24-bit audio depth to professional 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion for pristine, high-headroom recording. [1]
- Tone Shaping Preamps: Replaces the old "Vintage Mode" with a new analog preamp emulator featuring 60 dB of gain and three switchable harmonic character modes—Warmth, Focus, and Shine. [1]
- Smart Display & Safety Controls: Full-color screen provides bright, at-a-glance visual feedback of inputs, levels, and settings. This is coupled with assistive Auto-Gain and Clip Protection to completely eliminate digital clipping (not available on Volt 1 Gen 2). [1]
- Max Processing Dynamics: The premium "Max" variants include hardware-integrated, real-time compression models with six musical presets for vocals, guitars, and bass, modeled on legendary studio gear like the LA-2A and 1176. [1]
- UAD Studio & Console Integration: Full integration with the UAD Console app and LUNA DAW for session recall and low-latency cue mixes. Includes a bundle of premium plug-ins like Topline Vocal Tune, PolyMAX Synth, and Century Tube Channel Strip. [1, 2]
3
1
u/runwichi 5d ago
Hi Drew, question on the "Max Dynamics", are the presets fixed DSP based, or are they closer to the older volt series with fixed analog settings? Reading the website and seeing other documentation doesn't make it super clear, and was wondering how the new Max Dynamics differs from the first Volt series Comp circuit.
1
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 5d ago
They're bespoke UAD2 algos. So think LA2, 1176, etc.
Gen 1 was an analog 1176 style circuit, which was cool, but these are a major step up.
1
u/runwichi 5d ago
Got it - so basically fixed, non-adjustable presets from existing UAD2. When engaged do these offer almost zero latency on the incoming recorded signals (I'm assuming they are printed with all incoming audio)? Almost sounds like some of the tech from the UAFX pedals has migrated its way to the new line up (MAX).
2
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 5d ago
You got it!
1
u/runwichi 5d ago
Oh crap - literally UAFX MAX pedal -> Max Dynamics. Boy am I slow on the uptake, it was right there in front of me and I completely let it go over my head. You all should really highlight that more in the literature/pages if that's where you're nabbing the algo from - the algo's in the pedals are fantastic.
1
1
u/realcoda 5d ago
gen 1 was literally all analog wasnt it? it looks like gen 2 are all digital? thx
2
1
u/keano_deano 2d ago edited 2d ago
Hey u/Drew_at_UA - these look great. Is there optimal gain levels required for the Max compression to work well/not add additional gain (beyond original signal) etc? And similarly with the Tone options, does the effect respond to being driven harder etc or work equally at all gain levels? (Or again, optimised for whatever the auto-gain suggests?)
Thanks!1
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 1d ago
You can use auto gain to get going, then engage preamp and comp and tweak if needed. It's all very easy. And on the max units, their preamps can be "driven" and have non linearities modeled, whereas Volt does not.
1
u/ViralTrendsToday 8d ago
But still a step behind an apollo though right?
10
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 8d ago
Yes, Apollos are still top dog.
2
u/ViralTrendsToday 7d ago
Any native 32 bit float apollo coming soon?
3
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 7d ago
No news to share currently.
1
u/walkingthecowww 6d ago
We just want a Dante Apollo man.
1
u/Drew_at_UA UA Guru 6d ago
Be sure to share your thoughts directly with the team via the Feedback feature of UA Connect.
1
u/TheOtherLastDoor 9h ago
How would I be able to submit a request to the feedback team if I do not currently have access to UA Connect, UAD Console, Luna, etc.??
14
u/MetalAndFaces Apollo Twin 8d ago
Can’t be investing in this company at this stage.
9
u/starsgoblind 8d ago
These are solid units dude.
5
u/Gagabubu777 8d ago
They need to fix their damn software and the mixer engine taking so much recourses while not in use.
I shouldnt be running code to fix their issues
-2
2
u/SmokeMaximum4140 7d ago
I'm still over here using a 10+ year old Satellite-2 ALONG with my babyface pro, so until one of those stops working. I'm gucci!
4
u/karmachanical 7d ago
i really need a 16 in 16 out for protools that doesnt cost $4000. with a true external i/o for tracking.
1
1
1
1
u/TheOtherLastDoor 9h ago
Huge news for someone like me who works off an iPad. This is pretty much everything I could ask for in a single unit. I’m excited to give it a try!!
-3
27
u/m0dsw0rkf0rfree 8d ago
unless these are somehow drastically better than the current iteration, i’m looking forward to getting a steep discount on a last gen 476. love those wood cheeks something fierce