💽 Track Mixing: edthorne.com/mixing 🎬 Can A DI Box REALLY Make A Difference? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HeE57eYXjF8.html 🎬 Lewitt CONNECT 6 Audio Interface with DSP ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sUULL3I0r5Y.html 🎬 Re-Amping & Analog Mixing with the Volt 476P Audio Interface ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EhecXmcyR1A.html Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/oe5E1e
Hey Ed Hope you're doing good It'll be really helpful if you do a giveaway... For people like me who couldn't afford! It will be very useful for us to make more music Thank you
5-pin MIDI is a must for people who are playing electronic music live with a number of different modules/synths. Having 5-pin MIDI on board is a major selling point for me, (one less box to bring to a gig) and one reason i’ll be picking up this interface.
I’m glad you regularly bring up the functionality of being able to adjust the mix (daw output vs mic levels). For me, this is an absolute requirement in an interface (on the hardware or in the software); my old guy ears need it. It amazes me that most reviewers fail to bring it up. It strikes the Volt off my shopping list along with the Motu M2. The M4’s got it but at another price level.
If you learn how Console works properly you will never regret your decision to buy an Apollo. 👌 This should help: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0DZM9y6tmBQ.html
just got a volt 2 to connect my computer to my mixer for audio tracks, it actually sounds really good. the output meter sucks, not much headroom on the meter, it would be nice if you hit red on the meter it would stay red for a few seconds. its hard to tell if your hitting red or just yellow, but for the money, if you dial it in it sounds really good. connects to ios too. sounds way better than bluetooth, thats why i bother rather than using bluetooth.
I agree with you about LUNA integration -- I only use LUNA now (came from PT), and have multiple Apollo units, but would love to have a Volt in my mix room to use for overdubs as a different flavor.
@@billyhughes9776 keep me posted bro, I had a few Apollo’s in the past I have the volt 276 but thinking bout getting another apollo, which ones you have?
did you notice after you plug your XLR in it is impossible to pull it out? You will never have access to use that channel with TRS Quarter inch input. I have 2 Volts a 4/76 and a 2/76 my XLR cables a permanently locked in. They have no release tab.
I'm currently using mostly a Roland GO:Mixer Pro and sometimes an Alesis Multimix 4 - they work, the Roland has a lap mic input as well as XLR which is handy. I record keyboards (digi pianos) and vocals and I have the same issue with both (and with any keyboard I use) - very low line level signals; I have to crank the line level and overall levels to get a usable level going out to my iPad or pc, so I've been looking at upgrading (with the hope that this won't be an issue for me anymore). Been looking at the Focusrite when someone told me to look at these
Hi Ed. I'm seriously considering an exchange audio interface. I use at Present a Motu 2408 mk3. Which has served me good. It is giving trouble. Sound is dropping in and out so I suspect its the interface. I have had it from new approx 9 years. Thanks for the video. Good as usual.
To me the most important right now is how stable and/or good the drivers are with windows. I am beyond frustrated with my scarlett6i6 because the drivers are bloody awful. Great hardware but without drivers to make it work, you just have a nice doorstopper. Anybody using this on windows (7, especially)
@@sale9667 updated to 11 since the comment, as I thought the same. Drivers still suck. Not as bad but still far from being great. RME drivers have no problem on any OS. A company as hig as focusrite is should not have problems with its drivers.
Thanks, Daniel. Yeh they’re not common, I suspect because of the price. I’ve reviewed them in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UP_lwLUppHw.html
Hello Ed!! Your reviews are top-notch and give me a hard to deciding on which interface to go with since you are so detailed about your reviews. I am currently a bedroom music producer making beats and recording my vocals but im looking to delve deeper into mixing. Which audio interface would suggest I get that is budget-friendly between the Volt 276 and Audient 14?? Thank you for your feedback.
Thanks, Henry. If you mix on headphones check out the Topping E2X2! The DAC/HP amp is far superior to these, however I prefer the preamps on the Audient/Volt. It’s a tough one. Maybe buy all three and see which your prefer and send the others back…
Currently using a FOCUSRITE Scarlet 2i4 (First Gen). I'm looking to dedicate it for my old Kurzweil K2000 into my current projects (It still sounds great). I love the fact that is has two inputs, midi in and out as well as USB C, all in a compact design. I'm anticipating the reviews on its DAC capabilities before I pull the trigger.
I’d say the Clarett+ has better converters and maybe preamps but the Volt probably has a better Headphone amp (plus the compressor and Vintage mode features).
Using a Scarlett 18i6 1st Gen. It might be time to go new. I certainly don't need the inputs I used to . I'm getting a lot of DPC latency, undiagnosed and Focusrite claim it ain't the interface. I wonder, would a new interface just solve my issue? The 276 look great
I may have to buy a Volt! I’m currently using a Presonus 24C but having major problems with it. (Mixer knob doesn’t work right, not getting a clean signal when using either of my mics-distorting without clipping😖) I was looking at getting a Tascam 208i; I wonder which would be better. Anyone have thoughts on that? Def need the 5-pin midi inputs for my man’s electronic drums
Hello Ed - great video. I currently record on a 10year old scarlet 2i2 usb-Interface and want to upgrade my setup to a more professional one - have the chance to buy a used apollo solo for 400€. Would you recommend doing so (I’m a Mac user) or should I rather get a cheaper competitor (e.g. Audient Id14; SSL2+ Or AUD Volt 276) and save some money? Thank you in advance!
I’m using an Audient ID44 on the desk, and two Audient rack pres, and a focus right rack pre vocal chain unit, with comp limit, de esser, EQ and other goodies in the unit. It’s a total vocal chain in one unit. But I use it for more than Vox. I’m happy with it.
@@EdThorne it’s the Focusrite Platinum 9 VoiceMaster Pro, optical class A pre-optical expander-vintage harmonics-optical comp-tube/drive saturation-EQ-de esser, it’s kind of a Swiss Army knife. I still do a lot in the box, but everything gets, a little kiss of it, kind of takes off the digital edge. But I especially use it for vocals. I patch in guitar pedals too. You can monitor without latency when tracking Vox. Very handy all in one unit. A fair price too.
No. I can't decide which I prefer myself between the iD14 and Volt. I'm approx 51/49 in favour of the iD14 though because the monitor routing in the iD app is better than direct monitoring which I hate!
Got an Audient Id14...great DI Guitar and Vocal with the analogue fet. But the Midi has me interested. Then again the monitor option is bad. I have a W30
@@EdThorne I've got my Audient going into my 688 Tascam which splits out to two monitor mixes. I use the aux subs to send out back to the Audient for Guitars and Mics. I can also send tape saturation. But this feature means I can use my old setup straight into a PC and go any combination. 688 mic pres eqs auxes inserts for hardware...tape saturation into PC! and now I can use the W30 with the Midi ins some sounds are classic. Could be a perfect hybrid system with ableton and reaper.
Can you tell me about the type of computer I need to buy that will get the job done. As far as Gigabites and all that. I plan on buy a used Mac book pro on ebay. What should I get? I've see 8 GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. What is good, and what is bad?
I suggest getting an M1/2 max with as much RAM as you can afford! The specs on the new macs are so good, any model is sufficient. As always though, get the best you can afford and future proof yourself so it lasts a long time.
Question. I know the UAD Arrow had issues running on buss power meaning a laptop needed it's power supply connected. Does the volt run well purely on USB?. Thanks
Hi Peter, the Solo needs a USB-C (3.0+) cable to supply 100Watts of power. USB 2.0 cables only supply 60Watts which isn’t enough for these devices. The Volts run on USB 2.0 with enough power 🙂
Depends if you need two or four inputs. Evo has Loopback too if you need that. The Volt build quality is better but the Evos are quality interfaces, especially for the money.
Thanks for the recommendation. What about the recording? Are the compressors on volt significant enough that evo can't compete with through post production?
Great video! I am super confused between SSL 2+ and Volt 276. I like the fact that SSL hosts 2 headphone outputs, monitor mix knob and also the included vocalstrip plugin. Where as the Volt hosts the 76 compressor onboard which is really handy. Which one do you prefer, and why? Thanks!
@@pathikmaniyar Sorry, I thought you were referring to the monitor speaker knob. Yes, you’re correct the SSL does have the USB-Input blend knob. You can achieve the same effect by balancing your DAW output level with your input level (dictated by the gain of course).
I own a Scarlett 2i2 2 gen thinking of upgrading but dont know what i want i mostly record guitar direct looking for something worth the upgrade help plz
If you want to track through amp sims directly with zero latency, check out the Antelope ZenGo and Apollo Solo/Twin. Both are solid upgrades from the Scarlett in. Terms of sound and features.
TBF I’m just picking on the SSL. I just feel they’ve taken advantage of a lot of people who assume the preamps are the same as their flagship E/G/J4000/9000 desks for marketing purposes. It was also relatively expensive for what it is when it came out, again playing on the brand name imo. I prefer the sound of the Volt but the SSL headphone amp has mega volume, so it’s better for high impedance headphones.
Question: I've got the Volt 176 and rotating the monitor knob on top doesn't seem to lower or increase my mic monitoring levels. Isn't it supposed to do just that?
If you have software monitoring on in your DAW and your mic audio is coming out of the speaker it will. Although you probably want to avoid this because it may cause feedback.
The ssl is way better than all uad line products the only contender is the black lion audio revolution 2x2 not gonna lie though I'd buy the 276 just for that heavyduty compressor and the pre but to be honest creating a audio interface without specs on sheet is a big dummy to me so I'll just stick to my ssl2 fir now and just save up for the clarette plus
@@TheOnlineBusker Check out a more technical reveiwer, Julian Krause. Note the critical differences between dynamic range and the manufacturer of the convertors then come at me again. The volt is little better than a Scarlett 2i2.
Hi Ed. By mistake I push 48v button while having my Shure beta 58A dynamic microphone connected, though all gains and volume were at minimum(don’t know if that matters). It was just for 2 second since I realized and turned the device off immediately. Do you think it could have damaged my microphone?
let's get luna for windowa pc users who are 5 to 10 grand deep with their plugins and dsp hardware products. Also address their existing product compatibility issues for those users. I have an amd chip on my laptop, I can confirm with the solo and quad, never had the slightest issue. I got an octo satelite, the octo alone with the solo, causes errors gallore. I spent 2 grand canadian to get an upgrade over my quad and all I have gotten was nightmares with headaches. When I see them developing all sorts of new products and leaving current users with unresolved issues, they are failing to address, it makes it a bit frustrating. Their tecnical support teams are very helpful, this isn't a knock on their service, more the development side of the spectrum. That being said, if I want to use my octo, I need to turn off my solo usb to use my focusrite scarlett, to mix and monitor, lets be honest, by compairison, the sound is not comparable. I can't even switch from one to the other without cringing. The detail, depth and warmth are miles appart on both units, although they are different class products. Do you know of any interfaces that provide uncoloured outputs as clean as the solo? Same price range or lower that is compatible with Windows?
Are you referring to the iD14 or the EVO (which scores surprisingly well!)? The differences in preamp floor noise and converter DR is literally minute though, definitely not audible.
@@EdThorne its crazy the amount of reviews yet there are only pre-order and no release date…? How is everybody getting one of these yet they won’t sell any? Lol
@@EdThorne Yea, I was thinking the USB/Thunderbolt are the bus for the digital information to the PC/DAW from the DAC. But the midi in is to connect your midi controller to communicate with a VST in the DAW... I got confused when you said no one connects interfaces to their PC through the midi... Did you mean they're connecting keyboards via USB? Didn't even know it was possible. But, I love that interfaces have the midi in for my keyboards and electronic drums...
@@rrmin36 most people connect keyboards and synths to their computers via USB, yeh. A lot of people have commented they like MIDI to connect their old devices, who he’s is fair enough 🙂
Still think it’s ridiculous how this product is “released” but it’s not available to buy anywhere in the US. If I can’t go to a store and buy it right now, then (call me crazy) it is NOT RELEASED. Hate it when companies do this.
Ha, I know what you mean but I think all manufacturers are being caught out and screwed by global supply/delivery chains at the moment. It’s the same in Europe. Hopefully it’s available soon for you 🙂
Honestly not a fan of how the pre and converters sound with this unit…. Sounds like a slightly upgraded Scarlett… and those are 2d and somewhat harsh sounding…. Just stick to the best on the market for the cheapest Audient and you’re set. Other guys just get something in the 700 and up price range
Hello ma'am, My name is Deol and I'm from India. I'm full beginner. I want to do poetry recording. The lines of my poetry are in high tone as well as in low tone. Please suggest me a microphone and audio interface After buying which I do not have any regrets. But My room is not sound proof. I want to record in my house. My total budget is $350
I enjoy that UA is giving people tools to MAKE music and not learn mixing too much. Back in the day we used such minimal gear from just Tube amps, slow compressors and Noisy Eqs and with this harmonic content it will change how the musician hears themselves.
Great review Ed, I’m an Apollo owner but the thing you dismissed is probably the biggest selling point for me, midi ports , I’ve got a JV1080 and a Yamaha Disklavier Piano which both use old school midi, I’m looking forward to hooking them up, the piano’s in another room so it’ll be interesting to try the volt pre’s as well👍
If you have use for them then that’s a good result. UAs research suggested more people would use the feature than mine did. Glad you like the review. Thanks for watching.
@@EdThorne whilst technology moves on , “allowing” for old school I think is a good move, I mean so much love for old school analogue and tape atm , how much old gear Is kicking around not being used?
I'll stick with my Motu M2 (which I LOVE), at least until UA adds loopback, and drops the price a bit. The compressor didn't seem like it smoothed out the volume much (waveforms look identical??). Thanks for the review. :)
The waveforms are very similar. Only when you impose the fastest setting can you see a difference. The compression is a little more obvious on guitars and keys but I couldn't demo this at the time of doing this video.
Over the years, i’ve owned alot of the entry-level/budget interfaces to use as my mobile setup when i’m travelling. I’ve owned the scarlet, audient id44, audient evo, ssl2+, and motu m2, and after hearing this demo, I’d 100% recommend the Motu out of all at this price point. Although the analog circuitry of the compressor and vintage function may seem cool, I see it more as a gimmick, similar to the 4k button on the SSL interface. There are free plugins and stock DAW plugins that are far more flexible and sound better at compression and thre “vintage” sound. If you like the sound of the interface, go for it, but dont be suckered into buying it on the vintage mode or compressor. The software bundle it comes with will get you further than those. Aim for an interface that gives you the amount if ins/outs you need, has enough good-clean preamp gain, good latency/direct monitoring, and enough juice for your monitor and headphones. I’ve been buying gear for the better part of 20 years……Dont get reeled in by the ginmicks. Just my $.02
@@DieTabbi If you absolutely want a hardware compressor, there's a ton of options, even inexpensive ones like the FMR RNC go a long way. But honestly, there are a ton of free plugins that get the job done quite nicely, even the stock ones in most DAWs perform pretty well. It's just my opinion that a compressor circuit added to an entry-level interface is not a selling point that would make me pay more over comparable interfaces. I'd rather buy an interface that performs equally as well in the primary duties of an interface, for less money, and use a free software compressor or either buy a dedicated hardware comp. I have a lot of gear in my home studio (not much that's considered budget or entry level), so I'm not trying to bash this interface, just giving my opinion since I've been down the road of getting caught up in gimmicks or hype when I was first getting into pro audio equipment.
@@tonygunz21 thank you for your kind explanation. I am new to all this stuff. I want to replace my GoXLR mini for a descent audio interface. I have a XLR and headphone planar magnetic and 250Ohm which needs more power then the GoXLR has. I don‘t know software compressors, that why I asked for suggestion.
@@DieTabbi Sure thing, no problem. I haven't used this UAD, but I see they offer a cheaper version without the compressor circuit. That may not be a bad option, but I still can recommend the Motu overall. It has all the features I needed, sounds good, and is built very solid. The SSL2+ checked pretty much all of those same boxes, but didn't have enough juice in the headphone amplifier, which was a dealbreaker. The Audient ID14 mkii is also likely one of the best contenders in the sub $300 price point. I've had the ID44 a while back and really liked it, just wanted to try other things out. I liked the Audient Evo as well, but it felt like a toy, and not having separate knobs for different controls wasn't the best for me. For what it is, it was pretty cool though, and very small so easy to take wherever. Try downloading a free LA2A style compressor to learn. That's probably the easiest style of compressor to use, just two knobs.
Haha. I mean, valid question. But having worked with UA for over two years I believe they are highly credible and wouldn’t lie to their customers. Also, a plugin would require DSP which would make the device much more expensive (like the Apollos).
I think it’s a good sounding interface. And Vintage mode feels more real than the SSL Legacy 4k mode or Scarlett’s Air mode. You should do an aliasing comparison and destroy SSL even further 😜🤣🤣
@@EdThorne Ed: I gave them to another youtuber to review hope you don't mind, he said he'll send them back right after he's done UA: emmm OK should be fine. Whats the name of the youtuber? Ed: Paul Third UA: NOOOOOOOO!!!! 🤣🤣
It's obvious how much planning you put into this comparison. I feel like every question I would have asked you already knew ahead of time, lol. Great work!
If you still have the volt, it would be intresting to compare the vintage pre and 76 comp with your hardware gear like neve/warm and warm audio 76 comp to see how different they are.. (or not).
I'm rocking an OG Duet Firewire (with breakout box) by Apogee that I found recently at my local record store for $50. It was a pain to find its ancient software but I finally managed to get it working and connected with Logic. I dig it. It does exactly what I need it to do, which is allow me to plug in and record my guitars/bass/keys.
@@Gigmeister1 Right! I especially dig its metallic utilitarian look and feel. Especially the breakout box (which upon research was for the Duet 2). Its just cool looking. I actually changed to a Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen) because I've upgraded my laptop. I'd like to keep the breakout box but I'm struggling to find a use for it without the main Duet interface...
I was considering on waiting for these to come out however I already purchased a Motu m2 after returning the Scarlett 2i2. Considering UA is trying to fill the gap in the lower priced audio interfaces, esp still being usb 2.0, I don't see the need for these interfaces. If I become more serious with recording, id def upgrade to the higher end UA interfaces (arrow, apollo). I just don't see the need for these esp when there are soo many other competitors out there already offering the similar thing.
UA are wanting to offer something different in this price range (built compression and definitely a vintage sound). I think it’s good fo consumer choose but I agree it’s a saturated market. I can’t recommend the Apollo’s enough if you upgrade.
Actually the midi was the selling point on this for me, as I do have midi devices and my only other soundcard that has midi is the no longer supported soundblaster extigy that I am trying to get working again. While I do have usb to midi adapter having a direct midi interface I can use with midi cables allows me to differentiate devices really this is only about a $30 value but that is still $30 of added value. The onboard compression and vintage is probably another $50 value although practically a lot of stuff is done post processing but I think for living recordings - ie streaming this then actually may allow people to give a little something extra to their sound although again vsts do allow this -- there it is though UA also has their VSTs that they include with this so if you buy vsts that is probably another $50+ of value so for 176 for instance you are about $130 ontop of a $100 soundcard and that is more or less where you are at, the wood and metal appearance on it is nice if you like the vintage look. I am someone who likes old vintage lightbulbs and wood and metal so the overall apperance is nice. While I 100% agree getting high end DSP on this with actual benefit overonboard vsts this would be a great addition like some type of analog modeling - or even just what you get with an old keyboard like echo, reverb, delay, distortion etc.. digitally provided through an interface to turn it into a preamp processor. Like my old gem wk6 keyboard has effects processor built in and it is from 1997 while it has the option for a vocal processor also. You would think you can get that into a low cost chip - you can basically fit an amiga computer on a computer chip these days so adding a lot of extra power into a input interface you would think would be low cost and routine. All that said I look forward to checking out the volt 176 I got. The apollo stuff is way out of range for most starting musicians who are looking for a cheap daw, $1000+ buyin point for a daw would be offputing since a lot of people probably pirate their first DAW anyway until they comit to buying it. It clear that the idea of this product is to provide an interface for people to use Ableton then perhaps have them switch up to Luna if their experience with UA and its plugins are well received so it comes off as a starter product, at a relatively entry level price - imo its a classy option with the "recording artist" concept tied into the classic dreamy past of recording studios. UA offers an overall package their product in any individual part does not stand out but when you combine it it offers on overalll good value for money for people getting into making music and want an interface to start recording live sound. None the less good video if anything this peaked my interest in Luna but I am basically married to FL Studio, and am a "low end" hobbiest. Still this product looks nice, literally.
The best interface in this price range for high-impedance headphones is the Motu M series. This performance fine, but better suited to low impedance headphones IMO.
Oh… so you need to LOWER the master level output to balance the monitoring of what you are playing… I wasn’t sure how that worked. Hmmmm…. This is a strange missing feature that’s tripping me up a bit. I wonder I’d this will be annoying… my old interface has the blend knob and not sure I can live without it. Great info!! I almost missed it! Love the purple lights btw.
I’ve been using an RME FireWire 800 for about 8 years. It’s a bit of a dinosaur these days but sounds great. Upgrading to a new iMac and will be getting a new interface so I don’t have to deal with compatibility issues. Curious about this volt.
Just got the Volt 267 from Thomann. I thought I was having a bad product, with 100% volume in a monitor station had the signal clipping. BUT you sir made my day. The signal is NOT linier, so that makes sense, thank you for this video. Best regards
Hi Thomas, I’m glad that eased your mind. I’ll be honest, I was wondering if that was just an issue with my review unit and if I’d get hammered in the comments for it, but apparently it’s not just me. Mutual relief🙂
@@UniversalAudio Ed for the win yes, I have to come here pestering him with questions as you guys turn off the comments on your videos....wtf? Not a great look for people who might be considering your products...
Hi ed great video may I ask what headphones you are using in this video. Just got the mdr7506 for monitoring and can't stand them looking for some options outside of dt770s
I was using the Adam Audio SP5s. VERY detailed headphones but very prominent at 6 and 10kHz which is uncomfortable for recording, and inaccurate for mixing. I always default back to my Sennheiser HD300 Pros for tracking vocals, and HD600 open backs for mixing!
Ed Man I've been blessed with so many interfaces you wouldn't believe!!! 1 Zoom U44, 3 Zoom U-22s, The Zoom H8 RECORDER, Apollo x4, (arrived last week), the focusrite Scarlett 2i2, focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (on back order), Tascam Dr-100 Mkiii, the Zoom H6 all black, Zoom H4N Pro, Zoom H5, Sound Devices Mix Pre 6ii, and I'm positive I'm forgetting something! And we won't even talk about the 32 microphones I have acquired this year alone! Large condensers, small condensers, Dynamics, ribbons, tubes...this time last year I was in the hospital fighting for my life! So thankful to just be alive. I celebrated my 65th birthday last Monday on November 15th. I said all that to day I have my eyes on the Universal Audio Volt 276 or 476. Thank you so much for the great information I really appreciate your channel very much...
Ha, I'm in the same boat my friend. Used just about every interface under the sun from the cheapest of the cheap to the highest end. I recently changed countries and found myself stuck with a mackie onyx, so am looking to grab a volt as soon as it is available. Glad you're still around, and all the best to you and your music!
They’re called Apollo’s 😜 DSP integration is expensive and it seems the Apollo Solo is as cheap as they can make it so the Volts are a non-dsp alternative for this market 🙂
Using Audient id44, outputs 3&4 won't work and unit has to be constantly unplugged and reconnected... What a load of bollox, waste if money....no reply from Audient, x-&%t+
Thanks, I have....it comes out of 1&2 even when I see the levels on 3&4 in the Audient mixer and in logic. Thomann don't take it back because I bought it in may and didn't use it until now and suggest I buy the UA volt ......so frustrating,
I´m currently on a Steinberg UR44 and it´s kinda noisy. Not that it matters, my pc fans are about the same loudness so a better interface wouldn´t salvage me.
The headphone output is waaay to loud for 32 Ohm headphones and is very sensitive. And at comfortable volume levels (near 0 position) it currs off the right channel >.< Sent it back, getting a motu or arturia instead
Even the main Monitor Knob cuts off one channel when rolled to near zero level, don't like that, but I'm wondering if all units are like that or normally other Volts don't present that behaviour. Anyone knows?
