UNIVERSAL AUDIO Volt 4 Max

12-in/6-out USB-C ADAT Audio Interface with 2 Max Processing Volt 4 Preamps - DAW and Plug-ins Included

• Desktop USB-C audio interface with two Tone Shaping preamps and Max dynamic processing
• 12-in/6-out configuration: 2 Mic/Line inputs, 2 front-panel Hi-Z inputs, 2 line inputs, and 8 optical ADAT channels
• Six Max compression presets inspired by the 1176 and LA-2A compressors
• Three preamp modes—Warmth, Focus, and Shine—for 18 sound combinations with Max presets
• Monitor outputs 1-2, line outputs 3-4, and headphone output with 6.3 mm jack and 3.5 mm mini-jack
• Monitor control with Direct Monitoring, Dim/Talk, and switching to alternate speakers
• MIDI IN and OUT for controllers and synths, USB-C hub port
• Color Smart Display, Auto-Gain, Clip Protection, and 32-bit/192 kHz converters
• Over 15 UAD plug-ins and virtual instruments, plus the LUNA DAW, included

The Universal Audio Volt 4 Max is the most feature-rich desktop USB audio interface in the Volt series: two Tone Shaping preamps, Max dynamic processing, and a color Smart Display, with a 12-input, 6-output configuration thanks to front-panel instrument inputs, additional line inputs, and optical ADAT. Designed by the same team behind the Apollo interfaces, it lets you record vocals, guitars, bass, and other sources with a distinct character right from the start, thanks to compression presets inspired by the 1176 and LA-2A compressors. With its built-in monitor controls, it also serves as your studio’s monitoring hub, and comes with a suite of UAD plug-ins and the LUNA DAW so you can start mixing right away.

Max Processing with 1176- and LA-2A-Inspired Compression

Max dynamic processing lets you compress sources as you record, with six presets calibrated for vocals, guitar, bass, and other instruments—ranging from “Rap Vocals” to “Jangly Acoustic.” The presets are inspired by two legendary studio compressors—the 1176 and the LA-2A—and give you takes that are already dynamically controlled and ready for mixing.

Tone-Shaping Preamps: Warmth, Focus, and Shine

Each preamp offers three tone-shaping modes: Warmth adds the roundness of a tube preamp, Focus the definition of a solid-state preamp, and Shine the openness of a British-style Class-A preamp. Combined with the six Max presets, the three modes provide 18 different sound combinations, which can be recalled directly using the TONE and MAX buttons.

12 Inputs and 6 Outputs with Hi-Z, ADAT, and MIDI

On the back, you’ll find two professional-grade XLR/jack combo Mic/Line inputs with clean 48 V phantom power for your studio condenser microphones. On the front panel, two high-impedance instrument inputs accommodate guitars and basses, always within easy reach. Line inputs 3 and 4 are ready for synths, drum machines, or stereo keyboards, while the ADAT optical input adds up to eight channels by connecting an external multichannel preamp: as your setup grows—for example, to mic a full drum kit—you won’t need to switch interfaces.

Monitor Outputs, Line Outputs, and Headphone Output

Monitor outputs 1–2 drive your studio speakers, while line outputs 3–4 let you connect a second set of monitors, send signals to external processors, or create a separate mix. The powerful and clean front headphone output offers both a 6.3 mm jack and a 3.5 mm mini-jack, so you can connect any headphones without adapters.

Monitor Control with Direct, Dim/Talk, and ALT

The built-in monitor controls turn the Volt 4 Max into a compact desktop monitor controller. The DIRECT button activates zero-latency direct monitoring, DIM/TALK instantly lowers the monitoring level and manages talkback, ALT switches to alternate speakers, and a dedicated button toggles between monitors and headphones. The large central knob adjusts levels and parameters.

MIDI, USB-C Hub, and Power

MIDI IN and MIDI OUT mini-jacks connect controllers and synths directly, without the need for a separate MIDI interface. On the back, you’ll find a USB-C Host port for connecting to a computer, a USB-C Hub port for other devices, a 5 V DC power input via USB-C, and the power switch.

Smart Display, Auto-Gain, and Clip Protection

The color Smart Display shows detailed information about inputs, levels, and settings, so you spend less time setting things up and more time performing. Auto-Gain sets the ideal recording level in seconds, while Clip Protection handles unexpected peaks—so you can focus on your playing instead of the meters. Use the LINK button to operate two channels as a stereo pair.

32-bit Conversion and Loopback

The 32-bit/192 kHz converters preserve every detail of your takes. The Loopback feature lets you mix live sources with computer audio for podcasts, livestreams, and video calls.

Class-compliant on Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone

Volt 4 Max is class-compliant on Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone and works with any DAW without installing drivers; on Windows, the ASIO driver is available via the UA Connect app. On iPhone and iPad devices without a USB-C port, the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter is required.

UAD Plug-ins and LUNA DAW Included

Every Volt includes over 15 UAD plug-ins and virtual instruments, including EQs, compressors, synths, and guitar amp simulations—the same software used for decades in professional production—along with LUNA, Universal Audio’s DAW designed to make recording quick and easy.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Universal Audio
• Model: Volt 4 Max
• Type: Desktop USB-C audio interface
• Configuration: 12 inputs / 6 outputs
• Mic/Line Inputs: 2 XLR/jack combo jacks with 48 V phantom power (rear)
• Instrument Inputs: 2 Hi-Z, jack (front)
• Line Inputs: 2 (3 and 4), jack (rear)
• Digital input: Optical ADAT, up to 8 channels
• Preamps: 2 Tone Shaping preamps with Warmth, Focus, and Shine modes
• Dynamic Processing: Max, 6 presets inspired by the 1176 and LA-2A
• Sound combinations: 18 (3 preamp modes x 6 Max presets)
• Monitor outputs: 1/L and 2/R, jack
• Line outputs: 3 and 4, jacks
• Headphone output: 6.3 mm jack and 3.5 mm mini-jack (front)
• Controls: TONE, MAX, 48V, LINK, INPUT, AUTO, DIRECT, DIM/TALK, ALT, monitor/headphone switch, master knob
• MIDI: IN and OUT on mini-jacks
• USB: USB-C Host, USB-C Hub
• Power: 5 V DC input via USB-C, power switch
• Level Control: Auto-Gain, Clip Protection
• Display: Color Smart Display
• Conversion: 32-bit / 192 kHz
• Loopback: Yes, for mixing live sources and computer audio
• Compatibility: Class-compliant on macOS, Windows, iPadOS, and iOS; ASIO driver for Windows via UA Connect
• Included Software: Over 15 UAD plug-ins and virtual instruments, LUNA DAW
• Notes: On iPhones and iPads without USB-C, the Apple Lightning to USB for Cameras adapter is required