UA Volt Gen 2, Max: built-in dynamics and preamp tone, displays, more

What do you do when software is feeling a little, well, disposable? Hardware, for one. Universal Audio has updated its Volt line of USB audio interfaces with built-in processing for preamp tone and dynamics, and on the higher-end models, “smart” displays and extras like ADAT input. (Hint: that can solve some of your connection problems to outboard mixer/Eurorack modules/whatever.) And these interfaces are really not expensive, starting at $149.

You can now get eight of UA’s best plug-ins free, plus the free LUNA DAW

UAD Explore is a surprise. This is no “intro” or limited pack; eight stand-out Universal Audio plug-ins are available for free. That’s on top of the company’s free Luna DAW — though the plug-ins will also work in your DAW of choice, no special hardware required. For skill sharing or anyone lacking a budget now, that means access to some great tools.

Peter Kirn - April 15, 2026

Little Labs Voice Of God Bass Resonance is now a native UA plug-in

There are tricks for getting low-end, and then there’s the Voice of God. UA’s (official) version is good as ever, and now at last, you can run it as a plug-in without any UAD hardware. We’re getting all the classics this week.

Peter Kirn - April 2, 2026

Get Universal Audio’s 610 tube channel strips for free — DSP or native

Peter Kirn - January 13, 2026

The best holiday, end-of-year deals on software and gear you can still get

Peter Kirn - December 29, 2025

Free deals: UA PolyMAX synth, iZotope Ozone Imager, Tonal Balance Control

Peter Kirn - May 25, 2025

The best of Universal Audio’s native plug-ins, in Spark or standalone

Peter Kirn - March 30, 2025

Universal Audio is giving away their 1176 compressor for Valentine’s Day

Peter Kirn - February 14, 2025

It’s not too late to get these post-holiday deals on hardware, software

Peter Kirn - January 2, 2025