Studio Sound Without the Studio Price Tag
Universal Audio built the Volt 176 for singers, songwriters, musicians, podcasters, and livestreamers who want professional results without professional-level complexity. This compact 1-in/2-out USB-C interface packs genuine UA analog DNA into a bus-powered design that connects to your Mac, PC, iPad, or iPhone and starts working the moment you plug it in. Several members of our staff use Universal Audio interfaces personally, and the consistent feedback is the same: once you hear the difference, it's hard to go back.
The Sound of a Legendary Tube Preamp, Built Right In
Press the Vintage button and you're tapping into the same preamp lineage that shaped records from Ray Charles to Van Halen. The Volt 176's Vintage Mic Preamp Mode is an all-analog circuit, exclusive to Universal Audio, that emulates the legendary UA 610 tube preamp. This isn't a digital simulation — it's real analog circuitry that adds warmth, fullness, and character to your vocals and instruments before the signal ever goes digital. The result is the kind of sound that used to require a rack full of expensive gear.
Onboard Compression Inspired by the Iconic UA 1176
The Volt 176's onboard 76 Compressor is an analog circuit inspired by Universal Audio's legendary 1176 Limiting Amplifier — one of the most sought-after compressors in recording history. Three tailored presets handle the most common recording scenarios right out of the box:
- VOC — Adds presence and polish to vocals
- GTR — Tightens guitars, synths, and bass
- FAST — Punchy attack for drum machines and percussion
Just plug in, pick a preset, and play. Your recordings will have the clarity and punch of a professional mix before you've touched a single fader.
An Incredible Ecosystem of Plug-Ins Awaits
One of the biggest reasons our staff gravitates toward Universal Audio gear is the software ecosystem. When you register the Volt 176, you gain access to a world-class bundle of UAD plug-ins and instruments that top industry professionals rely on every day — including classic Teletronix LA-2A compressors, Pultec EQs, the PolyMAX Synth, Century Tube Channel Strip, Oxide Tape Recorder, and more. You also get UA's award-winning LUNA DAW, built from the ground up to give your recordings the sound and feel of a real analog studio. The depth and quality of what's available in the UA ecosystem is genuinely remarkable — it's a major part of what sets Universal Audio apart from every other interface brand at this price point.
Pro-Grade Specs in a Compact, Go-Anywhere Design
- 24-bit / 192kHz AD/DA conversion for true-to-life clarity and detail
- Combo XLR/TRS input accepts mic, line, and hi-Z instrument signals
- Balanced 1/4" TRS monitor outputs for studio monitors
- MIDI I/O for connecting keyboards and controllers
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- Studio-quality headphone amp with dedicated volume control
- Bus-powered via USB-C — no power adapter required at your desk
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone (iOS 14+)
- Rugged all-metal construction with retro wood side panels
What's Included
- Universal Audio Volt 176 USB-C Audio Interface
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- LUNA DAW (Mac)
- UAD plug-in bundle (LA-2A, Pultec EQ, PolyMAX Synth, Century Tube Channel Strip, Oxide Tape Recorder, and more)
- 3-month PureMix Pro trial
