Best UAD Audio Interfaces
Introduction
Universal Audio has always been known for its innovation. The brand has made major contributions to recording, from legendary mic preamps and compressors to groundbreaking audio interfaces and software.
For music producers, choosing the right audio interface is one of the most important decisions for their studio. Audio interfaces are essential to any recording setup—they’re the bridge between what you record and what you hear.
With one of the best audio interfaces, you can connect all your key studio gear and instruments during recording sessions, whether you make music on a PC or Mac. Remember, the best interface for you depends on your specific needs.
Universal Audio Brief History
Since 1958, M.T. Putnam Sr. and Universal Audio have been synonymous with innovative recording equipment. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Putnam Sr. led the way in designing consoles and studios. He is often called “the father of modern recording.”
He developed the first US multiband equalizer and introduced artificial reverb. His compressors and microphone preamplifiers are still considered the gold standard today. Thanks to his keen ear and strong business sense, the sound of recorded music was forever changed.
Recently, Universal Audio has released a range of high-quality products specifically for guitarists. Alongside modern classics like the OX Amp Top Box and UAFX Pedals, these products faithfully replicate some of the most sought-after effects and amplifiers in guitar history.
Universal Audio has also developed an extensive line of high-quality audio interfaces, a library of authentic software recreations of vintage hardware, and powerful DSP devices. By honoring the revered tools of the past, Universal Audio is also well-positioned to create the classic gear of the future, thanks to its impressive heritage.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what we believe are their top audio interface models, so you can decide which one is right for you!
Universal Audio Apollo Series
1. Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Heritage Ed.
The Apollo Solo sets a new standard for desktop audio interfaces, featuring class-leading audio conversion, two Unison™ mic preamps, and a suite of onboard UAD plug-ins. This allows you to instantly record album-quality tracks right out of the box. Powered by Thunderbolt 3, the Apollo Solo is the world’s finest desktop audio interface for both Mac and Windows users.
With its acclaimed Apollo A/D and D/A conversion, this compact interface delivers superior sonic performance compared to anything else in its class. You can also record using legendary studio tools such as the UA 610B Tube Preamp & EQ, the LA-2A, and 1176 compressors—all with nearly zero latency, thanks to Unison technology and UAD-2 processing.
The Apollo Solo’s onboard headphone output stands out from other interfaces in its class, delivering more loudness, punch, lower noise levels, and an accurate frequency response.
This means you can track and mix with total confidence when using headphones, knowing you’re hearing every sonic detail. With its rugged all-metal construction and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, the Apollo Solo is the only portable, clutter-free audio interface that delivers true album-quality sound.
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Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Heritage Ed. |
2. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Heritage Ed.
This compact interface perfectly blends the best analog and digital features of Universal Audio’s Apollo Twin X Duo Heritage. Thanks to UA’s Unison technology, it authentically emulates vintage preamps by simulating the exact interaction between microphones or instruments and the preamp’s input.
Along with all the features of the Apollo Twin X Heritage Edition, this device offers DUO Core real-time UAD plug-in processing, Unison mic preamps, and seamless integration with the LUNA Recording System.
The Apollo Twin X DUO provides a comprehensive monitor section, including talkback capability and dedicated front-panel controls for Alt Speakers, Dim, and Mono functions, as well as input and output metering.
You can expand the power and capabilities of the Apollo Twin X DUO at any time by adding qualified Universal Audio hardware. With its wide dynamic range (127 dB) and ultra-low distortion (-117 dB), the Apollo Twin X DUO delivers crystal-clear, high-resolution recording and mixing.
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Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Heritage Ed. |
3. Universal Audio Apollo X4 Heritage Edition
The Apollo x4 Heritage Edition from Universal Audio is a desktop 12×18 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface, packed with features and powered by a robust QUAD Core real-time UAD processing engine.
The Heritage Edition comes loaded with a wide selection of premium plug-ins, including vintage compressors and EQs, virtual guitar and bass amps, time-based effects, and tape emulators.
You can expand the power and capabilities of your Apollo x4 at any time by adding qualified Universal Audio hardware. Thunderbolt users have the option to combine up to four Apollo interfaces and six UAD-2 devices, increasing I/O and DSP capacity without giving up their Apollo x4.
This interface features four XLR-1/4″ mic/line combo inputs and two 1/4″ Hi-Z inputs, all compatible with Unison technology for accurate UAD emulations of classic analog preamps. Capture the vintage character you want in your microphone and instrument recordings, without the unpredictability of old hardware.
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Universal Audio Apollo X4 Heritage Edition |
4. Universal Audio Apollo x8
Compared to earlier models, the Universal Audio Apollo x8 delivers unmatched conversion, processing, and monitoring capabilities. To give Apollo x8 users crystal-clear sound with a 129 dB dynamic range, the design team combined 24-bit/192 kHz converters with new analog circuitry.
With the Apollo x8, you can track and mix using an 18×24 interface (8×14 analog I/O), featuring four Unison-enabled mic preamps and the new HEXA core processor.
The Apollo x8 includes four Unison-enabled mic preamps, allowing you to replicate the actual input impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and circuit behavior of the gear it emulates.
You’ll also get the Apollo x8’s “Realtime Analog Classics Plus” bundle, which offers the most accurate collection of classic analog emulators available.
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Universal Audio Apollo x8 |
Universal Audio Volt Series
Universal Audio Volt 1
This audio interface is made for singers, songwriters, guitarists, and podcasters. The Vintage Mic Preamp Mode lets you record vocals with the warm, classic tone of a vintage microphone preamp.
The built-in tube emulator circuits ensure a rich, full sound. You can easily plug a microphone or instrument into the front panel using the 1-in-2-out audio connectors. If you connect headphones or speakers, you can listen to your recordings without any delay.
The exclusive UA tube emulation circuitry gives the Volt 1 that signature, vibrant sound found in classic UA mic, line, and instrument preamps.
The features and sound quality of this audio interface are perfect for new producers and aspiring engineers starting out in audio production. With the right skills, you can create high-quality recordings and produce music that meets industry standards!
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Universal Audio Volt 1 |
Universal Audio Volt 2
For musicians, songwriters, live streamers, and podcasters, the Volt 2 is the perfect audio interface for easily recording audio with legendary studio sound. Whether you’re on Mac, PC, iPad, or iPhone, you can create professional-sounding music productions, live streams, and podcasts with ease.
With Vintage Mic Preamp mode, you can capture your voice or guitar with an album-ready sound. The Volt 2 also comes with a comprehensive suite of audio and music software, including Ableton, Melodyne, Virtual Drummer, Marshall, and Ampeg, giving you all the tools you need to start creating right away.
Thanks to its high-quality audio and retro-inspired industrial design, it’s convenient to produce professional music, live streams, and podcasts at home or on the go. The built-in vintage-style mic preamps and tone shaping let you capture the rich, full sound of classic UA outboard gear.
Volt 2 keeps things simple with two inputs and two outputs. Just plug your microphones, guitars, or synthesizers into the front panel, and once you’ve recorded your audio, you can monitor it through your speakers or headphones with zero latency. With Volt 2, you’ll be creating like a pro in no time.
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Universal Audio Volt 2 |
Universal Audio Volt 4
Designed for creative collaborators who want to record audio projects with professional studio quality, the Volt 4 is the perfect audio interface. Simply connect Volt to your Mac, PC, iPad, or iPhone, and you’ll instantly enjoy professional sound, thanks to Universal Audio.
With two rear-panel 1/4″ inputs, you can easily connect additional line-level sources like preamps and monitor yourself with zero distracting latency. The speaker and headphone outputs each have their own separate volume controls for added convenience.
Volt 4 delivers top-tier audio fidelity with 24-bit processing and a 192kHz sampling rate, capturing every nuance of your performance with stunning clarity. You’ll also get a carefully curated suite of software packages included with the Volt 4 to spark your creativity.
Plus, Vintage Preamp Mode allows the Volt 4 to be used with external preamps and channel strips without introducing extra coloration. With the Volt 4 in your studio, you can create album-quality tracks with ease.
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Universal Audio Volt 4 |
Universal Audio Volt 176
The Universal Audio Volt 176 desktop recording interface offers one-in, two-out USB audio conversion at 24-bit/192kHz, tone shaping with a 76 Compressor (inspired by UA’s iconic 1176), vintage mic preamp modes, and a suite of industry-leading software. Plus, the Volt 176 is compatible with Apple iPad and iPhone.
Designed for singers, songwriters, musicians, live streamers, and podcasters, the Volt 176 makes it easy to record audio with big studio sound. Built-in vintage mic preamps and tone shaping bring the rich, full sound of classic UA outboard gear right to your studio.
The Volt 176 gives you simple audio connections with one input and two outputs. Just plug a microphone or instrument into the front panel, connect your speakers or headphones, and enjoy zero-latency monitoring of your audio.
When you need to travel light, the Volt 176 lets you create beats and samples, record rehearsals, and edit songs anywhere with your iPad or iPhone.
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Universal Audio Volt 176 |
Universal Audio Volt 276
The Volt 276 was developed by Universal Audio to meet the needs of collaborators ranging from musicians and producers to live streamers and content creators who want to record audio with a big studio sound. The Volt 276 delivers superior studio sound quality compared to any other USB interface in its class.
It features a Vintage Mic Preamp mode, inspired by the Universal Audio 610 tube preamp, and a 76 compressor. This 2-in/2-out USB audio interface is designed to provide outstanding sound quality for singers, songwriters, guitarists, podcasters, and many others.
Thanks to its Vintage Mic Preamp based on the legendary Universal Audio 610 tube preamp, the Volt 276 offers superior audio quality and more character than any other audio interface in its class.
Using an innovative analog circuit inspired by the iconic 1176, the 276 also includes a built-in compressor for controlling vocals, guitars, synthesizers, and drum machines.
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Universal Audio Volt 276 |
Universal Audio Volt 476
Designed for collaborators—musicians, producers, live streamers, and content creators alike—the Volt 476 delivers big studio sound with effortless usability. In just seconds, Volt connects to your Mac, PC, iPad, or iPhone, ready to capture your performance with legendary sound quality.
Created by the same team behind the groundbreaking Apollo interface, this USB interface offers superior studio sound with more character and tone than any other USB interface in its class. Thanks to its built-in tube emulation circuitry, the Volt 476 gives you the rich, full sound of a legendary UAD preamp.
While some audio interfaces offer a handful of random audio apps, Volt takes a different approach. UAD includes a complete suite of music production tools, virtual instruments, and plug-ins—featuring Ableton, Melodyne, UJAM’s Virtual Drummer, Marshall, Ampeg, and more.
With its retro-industrial design and rugged build, the Volt 476 is built to help you capture your music for years to come.
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Universal Audio Volt 476 |
Universal Audio Volt 476P
The Volt 476P from Universal Audio is a desktop 4-in/4-out USB 2.0 audio interface that delivers a studio-quality recording experience. With its easy plug-and-play design, you can create professional, high-quality audio on your PC or Mac with ease.
The rectangular Volt 476P measures about 10.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep and features feet on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around. It comes with a 5VDC power adapter that plugs into the back, unlike some of the smaller Volt models that use the USB-C port for power.
As Universal Audio’s first Volt model to feature four analog preamps, the Volt 476P offers both 76 Compressor and Vintage Mic Preamp modes on every input channel. This makes it perfect for creative collaborators and bands who want to record large audio projects with high-quality studio sound.
The rugged metal construction and retro wood side panels add to the Volt 476P’s stylish design. It also features expanded outputs for headphones, speakers, and other outboard gear.
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Universal Audio Volt 476P |
Conclusion
At this stage, you might find that a single audio interface just isn’t enough for your needs. To help your studio grow and operate more smoothly, consider investing in computer systems and recording platforms that offer features like daisy-chaining, which lets you connect multiple interfaces together.
Before you buy an audio interface, make sure you know exactly which features you need. Being clear about what you don’t require can save you thousands of dollars and ensure you only pay for what’s necessary.
If you have any questions about this topic, please let us know in the comment section below. We’re more than happy to answer your questions and provide more details!
