Head-to-head · Best Audio Interfaces

Focusrite Vocaster Two vs Universal Audio Volt Series

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Focusrite Vocaster Two comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about serious podcasters needing all-in-one solution — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Audio Interfaces

Focusrite Vocaster Two

4.5

$89.99as of Jul 1

The Focusrite Vocaster Two is designed specifically for podcasters, offering dual XLR inputs, phone connectivity with mix-minus, and Bluetooth capabilities in a compact form factor. Reviewers noted its ease of setup and solid audio quality, though the $299 price point may be excessive for casual users. The device works well with macOS and iPad, but advanced features require the Vocaster Hub software. While it provides impressive versatility for podcast production, most users won't need all its features, making it better suited for serious podcasters who want a one-stop solution.

Strengths

— Includes two XLR inputs with phantom power support
— Built-in phone connection with mix-minus for echo reduction
— Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio input

Watch-outs

— Expensive compared to basic audio interfaces at $299
— Requires dedicated software (Vocaster Hub) for advanced features

$89.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio Volt Series

4.4

$179as of Jul 1

The Universal Audio Volt 476P serves as the flagship model in Universal Audio's Volt series, offering four analog preamp inputs and two headphone outputs compared to the Volt 476's two inputs and one headphone output. Reviewers praised its studio-grade tracking capabilities with selectable UREI 1176-derived compression models and vintage tube preamp emulation. The interface supports bus-powered operation in limited configurations and includes a generous software bundle with Ableton Live Lite and Celemony Melodyne. However, some setups may require a dedicated power supply, and reviewers noted the smooth plastic knobs as potentially ergonomically suboptimal. This interface is ideal for bedroom producers and beginning recordists seeking a full-featured 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA interface with enhanced I/O for multi-mic tracking sessions.

Strengths

— Four analog preamp inputs with UREI 1176-derived compression model presets
— Vintage toggle emulates characteristics of the Universal Audio tube 610 console preamplifier
— Supports bus-powered operation via USB-C cable in limited configurations

Watch-outs

— Requires dedicated power supply in some setups due to higher power draw
— Smooth plastic knobs may be ergonomically suboptimal for some users

$179 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Focusrite Vocaster Two

The Focusrite Vocaster Two is unique in its phone connectivity with mix-minus and Bluetooth capabilities, features absent in the Universal Audio Volt Series and the Audient iD4 MkII. However, it's more expensive than the Behringer UMC22 and lacks the technical performance and build quality of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, making it less suitable for users needing raw audio quality or budget-conscious buyers.

Universal Audio Volt Series

The Universal Audio Volt Series stands out with its UREI 1176-derived compression models and vintage tube preamp emulation, features not found in the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen or the Audient iD4 MkII. While it's more expensive than the Behringer UMC22, it offers studio-grade tracking capabilities that the budget option lacks, and unlike the Focusrite Vocaster Two, it's designed for multi-mic tracking rather than podcasting.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Focusrite Vocaster Two	Universal Audio Volt Series
Inputs	2 XLR	4
Outputs	Stereo 3.5mm jack, Camera output	2
Connectivity	USB-C, Bluetooth	—
Sample Rate	48kHz	24-bit/192 kHz
Bit Depth	24-bit	24-bit
Preamps	JFET	—
Power	Bus-powered via USB-C	Bus-powered via USB-C in limited configurations
Headphone Jack	1/4" jack	1/4" jack

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