Universal Audio Volt 176

Universal Audio Volt 176 USB Audio Interface — Studio Sound in a Desktop Box

The Universal Audio Volt 176 is a compact 1-in/2-out USB-C audio interface that brings UA's analog character into a portable, bus-powered format. Built around a single Vintage Mic Preamp and a hardware 76 Compressor inspired by the iconic 1176 FET Limiter, this desktop unit delivers album-ready tone. 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA conversion, 48V phantom power, and zero-latency direct monitoring come through a single USB-C cable.

Analog Tone Shaping Built Into the Hardware

What sets the Volt 176 apart from typical entry-level units is its onboard analog signal path. The Vintage Mic Preamp mode emulates UA's classic 610 tube preamp, while the 76 Compressor is a real analog FET circuit with three presets (VOC, GTR, FAST) for voice, guitar, and drums.

Conversion and I/O — Pro-Grade Specs at a Compact Footprint

The Volt 176's conversion and I/O layout determine what you can record and how cleanly it reaches your DAW.

• Sample Rate / Bit Depth: 192 kHz / 24-bit — class-leading AD/DA resolution
• Preamps: 1 — Vintage Mic Preamp with 610-style tube emulation
• Phantom Power: 48 V — for condenser microphones
• Analog I/O: 1× XLR-1/4" combo mic/line/Hi-Z input; 2× 6.3 mm TRS monitor outs
• Headphone Amplifier — dedicated 6.3 mm TRS output drives high-impedance headphones

MIDI and Digital Routing — Hardware Integration for Producers

Beyond audio, the Volt 176 adds 5-pin DIN MIDI In/Out for synths and controllers. No S/PDIF or ADAT expansion keeps the signal path simple.

• MIDI I/O: 1× DIN 5-pin input / 1× DIN 5-pin output
• S/PDIF / ADAT: No — analog-only routing
• Bus-powered via USB-C — no external power supply required for typical recording sessions

OS Compatibility and Bundled Software — Ready to Record Out of the Box

The Volt 176 ships with everything needed to start producing immediately.

• OS Support: macOS 10.15 or later; Windows 10 or later (64-bit); iOS 14 or later
• Included Software: LUNA DAW, Ableton Live Lite, PolyMAX Synth, Century Tube Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A, Pultec Passive EQ, Melodyne Essential, Marshall Plexi Classic Amp, Ampeg SVT-VR, UJAM Virtual Drummer DEEP, Virtual Bassist DANDY, Spitfire LABS
• Package Contents — USB-C cable, software bundle, manual