ReviewFinder Audio Recording Interfaces

Universal Audio Volt 276

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Input/output options
Latency
Preamp quality
DSP processing
Compatibility
Brand reputation
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6 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [6]

86
Total expert reviews: 6
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 2
Highest score by PremierGuitar
92
Average score based on 6 reviews
86
Lowest score by higherhz.com
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
92
Universal Audio Volt 276 Review
The Universal Audio Volt 276 is an entry-level audio interface that includes a UA 1176-inspired compressor emulation and vintage preamp setting. It is a beautiful and intuitive unit that can elevate the quality of raw tracks without burdening the host computer processor or involving extra effects.
+ pros
  • Beautiful design that stands out from other entry-level interfaces.
  • The 76 compressor is a true tone sweetener that elevates the quality of raw tracks without burdening the host computer processor or involving extra effects.
  • The vintage preamp and 76 compressor together can make DAW-native models much more convincing in a mix, adding body and softening harsh elements.
- cons
  • More expensive than roughly equivalent competition.
  • The compressor on the Volt is not one of the superb 1176 emulations available as UAD plugins, lacking controls for altering attack, release, or gain.
  • The vintage pre and 76 together can add a strong coloration to the sound, which may not be desirable for every track.
70
Universal Audio Volt 276 review
The Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C audio interface is a good entry-level option for beginners and novices. While it has some interesting features, such as the vintage mode and 76 compressor, the compressor could be better and may not meet the expectations of more seasoned audio engineers.
+ pros
  • Good recording quality.
  • Affordable.
  • Interesting features.
- cons
  • Noisy compressor.
  • Lack of adjustments for compressor presets.
  • Vintage mode should be used sparingly.
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Expert consensus

The Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality option for recording and playback needs, offering a range of input and output options, vintage and 76 compressor buttons, and a class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality option for recording and playback needs. It offers a range of input and output options, including two combo XLR/TRS inputs with phantom power and Instrument switches, vintage and 76 compressor buttons, and two TRS/XLR outputs.

The interface has a class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion, which ensures high-quality audio recording. It also features Direct Monitoring, which eliminates any potential latency issues during recording and provides a smoother recording experience.

The Volt 276 is an appealing entry-level interface option for users who want to sweeten their tone and alter their input signal in interesting ways. It is compatible with Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone operating systems and a wide range of DAWs and third-party plugins. The interface is part of a range of audio interfaces that aims to disrupt the more affordable end of the audio interfacing world.

Overall, the Universal Audio Volt 276 is a powerful and versatile audio interface that provides users with the tools they need to create professional-quality recordings and productions. It is suitable for musicians, podcasters, content creators, and home recording enthusiasts.

Input/output options

The Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface offers a range of input and output options, vintage preamp and compressor emulation, and high-quality recording and playback capabilities.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface offers a range of input and output options for recording and playback. It features two combo XLR/TRS inputs on the front panel with phantom power and Instrument switches, as well as gain controls for each input and vintage and 76 compressor buttons.

The inputs and outputs are designed to emulate vintage preamps and compressors that are famous in the industry. The interface also includes two TRS/XLR outputs on the back panel, monitor- and headphone-level knobs, and MIDI-in and out jacks. It has a 2-in/2-out interface with 24-bit/192 kHz A/D resolution, making it suitable for recording and playback simultaneously.

The headphone port has generous gain, and the headphone volume dial can control the output level while recording and playback. Overall, the Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality option for recording and playback needs.

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Latency

The Universal Audio Volt 276 offers Direct Monitoring and class-leading audio conversion, making it an ideal choice for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who require seamless recording and monitoring.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 offers Direct Monitoring, which eliminates any potential latency issues during recording and provides a smoother recording experience. This is particularly important for musicians and performers who need to hear themselves or their instruments in real-time without any delay in the headphones or speakers.

The Volt 276 has a class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion when using USB bus power, which ensures high-quality audio recording. Overall, the low latency levels of the Volt 276 make it an ideal choice for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who require seamless recording and monitoring.

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Preamp quality

The Universal Audio Volt 276 is an entry-level interface with two preamps, low noise, Vintage Preamp Mode, and an onboard analog compressor, but lacks onboard DSP for UAD plugins.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 has two preamps with independent 76 circuits that have plenty of power for most home recording needs. The preamps have extremely low noise on both the mic and line/instrument inputs, and provide 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. The Vintage Preamp Mode employs solid-state electronics for tube-like dynamic saturation and clipping, while the onboard 1176-derived analog compressor with three expert presets adds clarity and can significantly alter the sound of the input signal.

The Volt 276 is an appealing entry-level interface option for users who want to sweeten their tone and alter their input signal in interesting ways. However, it does not include onboard DSP for UAD DSP-powered plugins.

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DSP processing

The Universal Audio Volt 276 is a plug-and-play USB-C interface with excellent preamps and onboard analog processing, but lacks onboard DSP processing for UAD DSP-powered plugins and has limitations and restrictions on DSP processing.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 does not have onboard DSP processing for UAD DSP-powered plugins, and the effects are hardwired to the inputs. This means that users must apply effects at record time, which can be a time saver for those comfortable with this process. However, there are limitations and restrictions on DSP processing, and the interface does not have customizable or adjustable DSP processing.

The Volt 276 is a plug-and-play USB-C interface that offers UA's excellent preamps and some onboard analog processing. Overall, the product is suitable for users who prioritize ease of use and convenience over advanced DSP processing capabilities.

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Compatibility

The Universal Audio Volt 276 Audio Interface is a versatile and reliable product that offers class-leading audio conversion, compatibility with various operating systems and DAWs, and a software bundle that includes industry-leading solutions.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 Audio Interface is a versatile product that is compatible with Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone operating systems. It is also compatible with a wide range of DAWs and third-party plugins, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Studio One. The interface comes with a software bundle that includes industry-leading software solutions such as Ableton, Melodyne, UJAM's Virtual Drummer, Marshall, Ampeg, and more.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 offers class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion, a studio-quality headphone amp, MIDI connections, 48V phantom power, and Direct Monitoring for latency-free recording. Overall, the Universal Audio Volt 276 is a reliable and easy-to-use audio interface that is suitable for a wide range of recording and production needs.

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Brand reputation

The Universal Audio Volt 276 is a highly-regarded audio interface with top-notch analog circuitry, vintage preamp and compressor emulations, and user-friendly features, making it a great choice for musicians and producers at an affordable price point.

Universal Audio Volt 276 has a strong brand reputation in the audio recording industry, with positive feedback from both experts and consumers. The interface is part of a range of audio interfaces that aims to disrupt the more affordable end of the audio interfacing world. It features top-flight analog circuitry and class-leading 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion, as well as vintage preamp and compressor emulations.

This makes it a great choice for musicians and producers who want high-quality sound and vintage-style effects. The interface is also user-friendly and easy to set up, making it a good option for beginners. Overall, Universal Audio Volt 276 is a well-regarded product that offers excellent value for money.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all audio recording interfaces.

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1
- $200
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is a versatile and reliable device with low latency levels, upgraded preamp design, and a new Air mode that enhances high-end detail, making it a great choice for solo artists and mobile recording.
1
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1
2
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1
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2
- $180
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
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1
1
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3
- Check price
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is a versatile and reliable audio interface with low latency, high-quality mic preamps, and compatibility with almost all recording software, making it an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and other audio professionals.
3
3
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1
15
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4
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4
- $179
UA Volt 2
The UA Volt 2 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality device with low latency, two preamps based on the classic Universal Audio 610 tube preamp, and essential audio software, making it a reliable option for recording musicians, podcasters, and streamers.
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2
3
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Universal Audio Volt 276 ranks #6 out of 15 in this month's ranking:
A step-up model for pro-quality music production
5 Feb 2024 (10 months ago)
Read article
A quality interface for shaping your unique sound
1 Jan 2024 (11 months ago)
Read article

Highest recommended audio recording interfaces this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. audio recording interfaces below are at the top of our ranking this December.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the audio interface for more details.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 UA Volt 2
Reviews
In comparison:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 rank #1 out of 129. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
Reviews
In comparison:
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 rank #3 out of 129. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
UA Volt 2 rank #4 out of 129. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Price
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is a versatile and reliable device with low latency levels, upgraded preamp design, and a new Air mode that enhances high-end detail, making it a great choice for solo artists and mobile recording.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is a versatile and reliable audio interface with low latency, high-quality mic preamps, and compatibility with almost all recording software, making it an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and other audio professionals. The UA Volt 2 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality device with low latency, two preamps based on the classic Universal Audio 610 tube preamp, and essential audio software, making it a reliable option for recording musicians, podcasters, and streamers.
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