Found your channel about a week ago and have to say you are the realist recording/audio channel on KZfaq. Keep telling it how it is!

@barry Johns, do you consider the ART usb pre interfaces (they have a 4in4 out for 230 CAD) a real contender for preamps and conversion?

Amazing video and review. How does the Volt compare to the Apogee Duet 2 sound quality wise? I love my Duet, but I recently decided to purchase a synthesizer and unfortunately the Apogee has limited inputs.

Hi Barry, thank you for your great reviews. I wonder if you could help with some advice please? After deciding to migrate from PC/Cubase to Mac/Logic I'm on the the market for a new audio interface. I'm looking at the Focusrite Clarett+ 4pre (~£530) vs UA Apollo X4 Quad Heritage (~£1,540). I know the Apollo comes with the built-in DSP & plugins platform however these days you can run the same plugins on UA Sparks natively if you have a decent CPU (which the M1 Pro does). What's your view on these two? I chose these models as they both offer dual headphones outputs, great when I'm collaborating with a singer. My main workflow consists in recording acoustic/electric guitars/bass, some vocals, and music production in general. Thanks in advance. Ben

I'm still asking the same question on the new interfaces from UA, Where's the Specs?

could you elaborate on the spdif and amp modelers please?

Great channel! I like you compare the UA Volt to the other entry-level audio interfaces at the end, however you missed one that I've been looking at: the IK Multimedia Axe. I was about to pull the trigger on that right when the UA Volt came out. I'm primarily recording guitar so that was my interest. Thanks for the great channel!

Yeah the SSL is pretty solid and the plug-ins are worth the price on their own. Plus they have done coupons for owners to purchase the plug-ins perpetually on sales throughout the year. I’d like to hear your thoughts on how the SSL 2+ compares.

Barry, you left out the new SSL's budget interfaces..

Is it capable of switching from one monitoring set up to another? I’m looking into purchasing another set of monitors and I’m curious if there’s an audio interface that’s available to do this around this price range

Hey Barry...I enjoy all your videos. I'm about to get back into "home recording" after not doing it for over a decade. Ive got a couple questions if you don't mind. So I'm a PC user(HP Spectre). It has one USB 3 port and two USB-C ports. It is touch screen. Question 1: I'm wondering weather I should wait for the Volt or should I go with the Apollo Solo USB-C? Mostly I'll be recording Guitar vocal demos, however occasionally I will want to record full production with midi drums and bass and piano, with over dub instruments like fiddle and steel etc. But mainly I'll be using it to sing track my vocals and email them to my producer in Nashville, where he will mix and master the song and then send back to me etc. I really want an interface with good mic pre 's and some decent plug-ins etc. Thanks in advance, I really value your opinion before I drop the money on gear.

Solid info. Thank you. Picking up The VOLT 1 for travel purposes to track vocals on hotels etc.

You mentioned Sweetwater made a video on how to set up a Win10 machine that works best with UA drivers - do you have a link for that? I can't seem to find it.

Looks good. I mean so long as the conversion is good it's good. Price is great. You get a monitor controller (however rudimentary) and some basic analogue circuits. Oh and a bunch of software so all in all I don't think there is anything to complain about here. You could use it as a dedicated soft synth or other virtual instruments interface (kind of turning your mac laptop or whatever into a dedicated instrument box that you can record as audio). Or at least that's what comes to mind for me anyway. That is how I would use it if I bought it. And of course Barry brings up some great points as well (zero latency monitoring etc etc).

Hi Barry, i love your stuff and your honest opinion. I know that RME Babyface is out of 399 $ range but in my experience - nearly the same age as you - i have the by far best experience about driver support with RME. „At the end of the day“ that is what counts - in my opinion :-) Best from Germany

Does it require cloudlifter with Shure sm7b?

Two questions: - Since these new interfaces work on iPad, are they USB class-compliant? If so, there shouldn't be any custom drivers needed, and they should work on Linux as well. Does that seem reasonable? - I know UA makes great drivers and preamps, and your "win" on that front seems to be based on their reputation. But there don't seem to be any technical specs on the Volt series preamps! Do you expect the specs to be released with the actual devices?

I am lucky enough to have 1x Apollo X16, 3x Apollo 8Xp's, 2x UAD Octo PCIe cards, 1x Satellite Octo Thunderbolt DSP Unit (which I got two of these free from UAD when purchasing two of the Apollo Units and I traded one of these new in the box for a brand new Fender Strat), and UAD Ultimate 7 plugin bundle. Just pre-ordered the Volt 276 and 476 today for my 8 year and 5 year old sons who are my little studio rats and make their own beats. Did not need to see "detailed specs" to make this choice after looking at the SSL2+ and a bunch of other similarly priced "entry-level" interfaces. You get what you pay for and I have no doubt that these will be solid for my use case...

what we need from you is if you could use the VOLT , and share your opinion on quality of sound converters

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?

Can you link the 476 to an Apollo twin solo?

I strongly recommend watching the Julian Krausse review on the Volt. Has some quirks and is not as clear cut against it's direct competition which I would say is the Motu M2 & M4, the SSL2 & 2+, the Audient ID14MK2. I had purchased the ID14 but sold it on 4 months later. Sound quality was excellent and the ADAT expansion at that price point is exceptional. However, there were too many bugs with drivers that caused problems on Windows 10. A lot of people reporting the same issues. I am now considering either the Volt 276, SSL 2+ or the Motu M4.

Wow.... i want to be in the studio with him. AWESOME ENERGY ❣

What about arturia minifuse?

Hey and thanks for this review. I would like to hear anyone's opinion on the case I am trying to solve atm. I am on the market for a new audio interface as planning to go back to recording and audio production after a pause of 5+ years. I want something of good quality, It's reliable and it's simple to use. Reliability and simplicity are probably the most important for me. I read and watched so many reviews in the last month so I really need to make a decision and go into some route. I am a Mac user and have a 2016 MacBook pro at the moment. I am considering jumping on SSL 2+, Volt 476 or Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo. I know they are in different price ranges, but as I said I can swallow the price of Appolo Twin X, if I know that this will be a reliable and stable system. As DAW I am going to start with Garage Band and switch to Logic if needed. I am going to record mainly acoustic/ electric guitars, bass, percussion, vocals etc. Also don't mind printing directly with effects if this is the sound I like. Also, I don't want to go into the effects/plugins rabbit hole as this basically distracts you from the creative process and keep your mind focused on less important things. Hope that makes sense. Any comments/ experiences with any of these interfaces or something else will be highly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

The SSL 2 and 2+ seem to be much closer competitors to Volt (276), more than the other models mentioned, imo. The idea of adding reverb built-in just because of the '76' compressor feature seems a bit odd. Printing directly with a cool compressor, I get that, printing through a mic pre with 'flavor', sure why not, but who wants to track and commit with reverb? Just throw in a reverb plugin as an insert in the DAW and carry on. Instead of that I would have much preferred dual headphone jacks on the 476, how UA omitted that is beyond me. That would have been a welcome addition. I also think having separate phantom power buttons for each mic pre would have been great as opposed to one global 48v switch. Design wise it's cute, retro, a bit Ikea looking but ok, and I also would have done without the compressor tags like 'vocal' 'gtr' 'fast' etc. It makes the interface look a bit more amateur, dunno. So far I think the SSL 2+, which sounds utterly incredible, wins on all counts over the Volt 276. How the latter actually sounds remains to be seen/heard. Nice review overall ;)

Please choose one for me- Audient Id4 Vs Universal Volt 176

I love my Motu M2. Still thinking about getting the Volt though...

I finally broke down and tried mustard on a hot dog a week or two ago. It wasn't too bad.

SSL2+ or Audient ID?

The latest presonus interfaces, the revalator one have built in FX so you can use them even on mobile platforms. I have a Studio 1810c but I am on a mac and it has been fine, except weird they don't put gain control on the rear inputs even in their mixer software, they expect you to boost it in a daw or use a preamp I guess.

the mac ios compatatbility is dope. allows u to used the 476p basically as a 4 channel irig

I can't find a single video talking about if its possible to expand this unit inputs in the future with other units. Think not because it doesn't have the optical input on it. Thabks!

Can you do a review on the black lion interface

I’mI’m skipping on the Audient…looking at SS2+ or VOLT 476 🙃 MIGHT just jump up to Apollo SOLO @ that point tho…But so far the VOLT sounds the best for me in the comparisons..And they have MIDI 🎹

I don't really get the S/PDIF take. If you're using something like a Helix you can run an out or direct and bypass the interrace so you could use it but it doesn't really add anything you can't do without it. And a lot of people these days would use something like an Iridium, Walrus ACS-1, or run an amp through a Two-Notes anyway so that seems like a pretty outdated niche input. The midi in/out is actually one of the main reasons I was considering this unit because while you can buy other things that can handle do it, they mostly still cost about 1/4 of the price of a Volt 1 for a fully functional one so if you want that functionality as well, you're basically competing straight up with Scarlet Solo on price.

Great review, but Windows 10 issues certainly have not been resolved, as you say. UAD products on Win 10 require ASIO drivers to function in anything other than a DAW. This introduces a massive barrier for content producers, primarily because UAD refuses to help users figure this process out. ASIO porting depends upon open source software that is really well designed but requires an incredible commitment to tweaking firmware, software, thunderbolt MOBO settings, and much more beyond merely bios power settings than what UAD's guide suggests. Moreover, UAD customer service folk have been telling win 10 customers for over five years that they would fix driver incompatibility issues. No progress has been made.

Check out the new Black Lion Audio interface.

Presonus drivers are solid and since they also have been making a full featured DAW for over 10 years that is a big advantage. You left out other options such as the Black Lion Audio Revolution, the Tascam 102i, The M-Audio AIR 192|14, The Steinberg UR44C (who is also made by a company with a full featured DAW), and the SSL2+ which may have the best mic pres under $300 (and comes with a Reverb and a LMC+ Plugins). With no DSP support the UA Volt series seems too little too late. There are many better options.

Excellent review

There are two types of people. Those who would never think of putting ketchup on a hot dog, and those who are ultimately wrong. Ha! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Seriously tho, I've loved my 2nd gen Scarlett 18i8 interface for years, but I've never 100% gelled with the DI guitar Hi-Z input to amp sim headroom ceiling. I originally opted for the 18i8 from within the mindset of an acoustic drummer proven competent enough to implement the measured 4 mic Glyn Johns method in a pinch, and aspired to eventually add some more outboard channels via SPDIF and light pipe down the road... Yet then covid-19 happened. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ My Bass, Piano, Drums, and Guitar playing lived within a Mac or PC. Even now I'm exclusively E-drum triggering digital kit's via MIDI, and almost equally doing as much on Bass and Guitar tracks aside from some more traditional all analog "front of amp pedalboard chain" usual suspects. These U/A Volts really seem to potentially have enough of the convincing "vintage" headroom required to pull off possibly handling signals like that. I must admit. I'm GASSING. Haha! Great content BTW Barry! Cheers!

Good review. I'm late to the UAD thing, but their emulations are awesome, imo. I am past this price range in interfaces. Thank heavens I finally got to RME, but sadly I have to agree that Presonus simply cannot make consistently reliable hardware. Since my last encounter, I lump them with Behringer in my studio - avoid.

If the Volt had a mini display like the MOTU's I might want to sell my M4 and get one. Thanks for the review!

Naaa… Reverb? Any time based effects are fine as plugins. It’s compression on the way in that matters and the ad/da conversion.

I like the fact this is more focussed. I know your longer form videos are aimed to be one video. But I think you should cut scripted videos, just to stop the eyes from swaying. Don’t be put off though, I feel like your points were more direct, accurate and on topic. 👍🏻

I like the concept for the most part but it doesn't have enough I/Os for me as I'm running a hybrid setup and being on PC puts UAD out of the question. I wish UAD played nicer with PCs so if they ever worked that out without the headache I'm in. Glad they may be moving away from the whole DSP concept and finally walked into the 21st century. Once out of backorder I will be purchasing the RME fireface which will go nicely with my UAD 610 pre. I agree it is a darker sounding flavor and sort of gritty but that's what I like as it really adds that ump and warmth to the signal. If you want more of a discrete vibe then it's not the unit for you. Thanks Barry I really dig this channel.

No SSL???

Competition would be Audient iD14 and SSL2+

FUCK YEAH MUSTARD ON HOTDOGS!! That’s how I know I can trust u

You from Chicago?

What is entry level even mean? Most of us are not entry level...plainly budget conscious. We all need quality to record, mix and master. Sounds like marketing to me. Good video.

Bought Audient to have something different.not the most popular. It didn’t last many years b4 it had white noise static on the output. Its amazing to have something that sits there ,minimum use and break. No cust response either. Wah wah 😭 y

‘Benign specs’ What the hell does that mean?

God dangit, just got an EVO 8 lmao.

Barry you remind me of my mentor all the way down to being a weirdo about ketchup on burgers and dogs!

Audient and solid state logic are very strong competitors don't you think?

Barry tell us how you really feel big dog, you know you’re disappointed but you’re taking it easy on ‘em b/c you crushed them in your other video. Let ‘em have it, they deserve it.

SSL untouched at that price point

?? seems the usb C connecter is just that,,, a physical connector with the same limited transfer rate as usb 2?? I for one have a slightly older PC that uses windows 10 and I upgraded to 16gb RAM and a 1 TBite drive but midi transfer is still sluggish (particularly with midi control of Virtual instruments) through my Focusrite 6i6 with a usb 2 port. what are the actual stats of transfer rate with this device? It's about time audio companies come clean with the real limitations on entry level equipment. Yes, we've all heard the claims of, "You can make professional sounding recordings at home with this device! ", etc. ,,, but the truth is,,, real quality recordings require more expensive gear with high transfer rates and the drivers, even, or especially, for the MAC mini M1,, seem to be a separate issue altogether. Facts please !? include the transfer rates when discussing gear. Thanks

Swear by my Steinberg UR44, it dose what an interface is supposed to do. Get sound in and out of your computer.

Imagine my surprise when at 7:06 I hear.."but I've not used one of these yet"...while I appreciate people taking time to share their opinion and expertise in a video, the fact you haven't used it yet, makes the entire discussion here null and void. Seriously, actual use of a product being discussed or reviewed, adds a lot more credibility to an opinion. I watched a video by Sanjay C yesterday, and he used audio examples of using a Volt and tracks without for comparison. I personally own a Presonus 1824C after coming from the world of Focusrite for years, and the Presonus sounds wonderful and meets my home recording studio requirements. One thing that separates the Volt from all the other UA interfaces is, use of the UA software products is incompatible. Gamec hanger right there for me. Please don't think I'm criticizing you, because I appreciate you sharing your time and energy about this product. I was just disappointed I invested 7 minutes only to find out you hadn't used it.

You forgot biggest UA competitor. Antelope Audio.

Why review a product you haven’t tested?

I like the retro look😐

RME all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, nice video though!

8.30 minutes of thoughts, gueses and speculations based upon.... reputation, theory, and his imagination!!! Nearly at the end, says he has not layed a hand (or ears) on the actual stuff in real life... Does anyone knows if there is a channel block on youtube so I can block "timewasters" like that ???

Ketchup should be made illegal to put on hotdogs.

Mustard 🤣🤣🤚

Even the OG Mbox had hardware direct monitoring.... not needing software... But this is an ad.

Fist off, I'm sure these things sound great and I agree that no need for the "Front End" monitoring app is awesome. Great job UA! Secondly... Yes. I stand on my Ivory Tower with my 26 inputs and 32 outputs. You will be correct in mocking me stating that I'm completely out of touch. But... I constantly cringe at the IO compliment of sub $1000 audio interfaces. It's like they always say "18 Inputs!" but 8 of those are Light pipe and two more are coaxial SPDIF and then there's four cheap mic preamps and four 1/4" inputs but only two of those are balanced because two are impedance matched for guitar inputs... It's always a run on sentence trying to describe these things. These Volt boxes add a whole new layer with the addition of "Emulated" 610 preamps and some number of 1176's? What?!?! How do I record my band with that?!?! MAY I PLEASE have a box with 4, 8, or 16 holes in the front that I can plug wires into so I can record my band? I'LL BUY THAT! I don't want to learn a new trade! I JUST WANT 4, 8, or 16 HOLES THAT I CAN PLUG WIRES INTO TO RECORD MY BAND!

Nope to the Volt. Black Lion Audio Revolution is the top dog for sound quality in this price range. Arturia Minifuse will probably hit the street for less than $100 with 1 in and 2 1/4 outs. Audient iD4 has 2 Headphone outputs. Antelope Zen GO is more feature packed. I would not buy the Volt it’s gimmicky, I would not put half baked signal processing on my input just b/c it has UAD written on the front.

Great because we live in a world where even a 50 bucks Interface can do what the most expensive studio gear couldnt do Back than 😅

Just some dude reading off the screen, yelling at us about something they haven't used.

#KeTcHuP!

Sorry Barry, I've enjoyed a number of your videos in the past - but why make a video here where you're not actually reviewing the interfaces at all - just "guessing" the quality of the gear based on reputation? That helps no one. No disrespect intended

Hummmm, let me guess....You're reading all that.. lol

My Black Lion Audio Revolution 2X2 made this sound great.. At around the same price point.. BLA is the king of the class stil..This was a money grab from UAD, You can't even access their plugins, You don't get Apollo converters. They are just using their reputation to snatch money from hobby recorders and streamers. Who in hell wants that style of compression on every track? Shameful UAD. But if I was UAD and heard what Black Lion Audio put out at such a good price, I guess I would be scratching at the money tree. With Plugins becoming more amazing everyday what UAD has to offer is becoming less appealing. Start working on them Hardware sales and RnD again.... The titan has fallen.

They are ugly this is the only channel to say that lol it’s kinda cool but I already have an x4 and x8 with a lot more plugin options for mic modeling I know they are cheaper and possibly good for windows and great for iPad but I’d rather spend more money for something better like apogee desktop symphony I don’t really care for bus power never was in a situation where I didn’t have an outlet.

Don't agree at all about what you said about MIDI. I have an electric drumset that I need MIDI. I don't like keyboards to make rhythms.

UA disappoint me.

Volt is a gimmik

waits till near the end to say he hasnt used one yet. Then why the fuck are you speaking on it. Waste of my time

Not digging the video, feels to rehearsed vs the others, looses some feel.

Actually MOTU had bad OSX drivers for 828 FW interfaces. Glitches that fried HDs and motherboards. Also lame sound quality. Avoid all brands named in this video.

this is a pos. i'm sending mine back. has not worked since day one and the software is garbage. i;ve bought a new computer to work with it still crap. going back old school.