Head-to-head · Best Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2 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

Universal Audio Volt Series comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about bedroom producers seeking full-featured I/O — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2

4.1

$1,099as of Jul 1

The Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 represents a significant refresh to the Apollo line, maintaining Thunderbolt connectivity and enhancing audio performance with improved dynamic range and lower THD. Reviewers praised its industry-leading Unison preamps, pristine conversion quality, and real-time UAD processing capabilities. The integration of Sonarworks SoundID correction adds value for monitoring accuracy. However, the premium pricing and lack of included Thunderbolt cable were noted as drawbacks. This interface appeals to professional musicians and producers seeking studio-grade performance in a desktop-friendly form factor.

Strengths

— Industry-leading Unison preamps with analog emulation
— Pristine AD/DA conversion with wide dynamic range
— Real-time UAD plugin processing for zero-latency tracking

Watch-outs

— Premium price point
— No Thunderbolt cable included in the box

$1,099 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #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

Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2

The Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 excels in industry-leading Unison preamps and real-time UAD processing, features not available in the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen or Audient iD4 MkII. While it's more expensive than the Behringer UMC22, it provides pristine AD/DA conversion and professional-grade performance that the budget option cannot match, and unlike the Focusrite Vocaster Two, it's built for professional studios rather than podcasting.

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	Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2	Universal Audio Volt Series
Inputs	4x XLR-1/4" Combo	4
Outputs	2x Balanced 1/4" TRS	2
Connectivity	Thunderbolt 3	—
Sample Rate	24-bit / 192 kHz	24-bit/192 kHz
Bit Depth	24-bit	24-bit
Preamps	4x Unison-enabled	—
Power	—	Bus-powered via USB-C in limited configurations
Headphone Jack	—	1/4" jack

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