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MOTU M2 vs Universal Audio Volt 2

Both are audio interfaces. Compared on 40 specs that the makers publish.

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SpecMOTUM2Universal AudioVolt 2
Connections
InputsSame22
Mic preampsSame22
Instrument (Hi-Z) inputs2Not listed by maker
OutputsSame22
Line outputsSame22
Headphone outputsSame11
Computer connectionUSB-CUSB 2.0 port (USB Type-C connector)
MIDI I/OSameYesYes
Sound and audio specs
Frequency responseNot listed by maker20–20,000 Hz
Sample rateSame192 kHz192 kHz
ResolutionNot listed by maker24-bit
Dynamic rangeNot listed by maker112 dB
Output dynamic range120 dB110 dB
THD+NNot listed by maker-103 dB (0.0007%)
Mic gain range60 dB55 dB
Mic noise (EIN)-129 dBu-127 dBu
Mic max input level10 dBu9 dBu
Line max input levelNot listed by maker22 dBu
Instrument max input levelNot listed by maker12.5 dBu
Line output max level16 dBu15 dBu
Mic input impedanceNot listed by maker3 Kilohms
Line input impedanceNot listed by maker15 Kilohms
Instrument input impedanceNot listed by maker1 Megohms
Latency2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz)Not listed by maker
Headphone output impedanceNot listed by maker100 Ohms
Drivers and power
Phantom powerSameYesYes
USB bus-poweredSameYesYes
PowerBus-powered through USBUSB bus power
Controls and features
LoopbackYesNot listed by maker
Direct monitoringSameYesYes
Onboard effectsNot listed by makerVintage Preamp mode
Metering160 x 128 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level metersNot listed by maker
Computer and phone
Works with (computer)macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant), Windows 11 23H2 or later (x86-64/ARM64)Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit editions); macOS Catalina 10.15 or newer operating system; iPadOS / iOS 14 or newer
Works with iPad / iPhoneSameYesYes
Class compliant (no driver)SameYesYes
Software includedMOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live 10 Lite, 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTUUAD plug-ins, LUNA DAW, and more
Body
BuildSolid metal constructionNot listed by maker
Weight0.61 kgNot listed by maker
Size7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inchesNot listed by maker
In the box and model
Warranty2 yearsNot listed by maker
Check price
Find it on AmazonAffiliate link · opens an Amazon search
Find it on AmazonAffiliate link · opens an Amazon search

Where they differ

  • Mic noise (EIN): M2 lists -129 dBu, Volt 2 lists -127 dBu.
  • Mic max input level: M2 lists 10 dBu, Volt 2 lists 9 dBu.
  • Instrument (Hi-Z) inputs: M2 lists 2, Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Loopback: M2 lists Yes, Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Computer connection: M2 lists USB-C, Volt 2 lists USB 2.0 port (USB Type-C connector).
  • Weight: M2 lists 0.61 kg, Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Line output max level: M2 lists 16 dBu, Volt 2 lists 15 dBu.
  • Output dynamic range: M2 lists 120 dB, Volt 2 lists 110 dB.
  • Metering: M2 lists 160 x 128 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters, Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Power: M2 lists Bus-powered through USB, Volt 2 lists USB bus power.
  • Works with (computer): M2 lists macOS 12 or later (with driver or USB class compliant), Windows 11 23H2 or later (x86-64/ARM64), Volt 2 lists Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit editions); macOS Catalina 10.15 or newer operating system; iPadOS / iOS 14 or newer.
  • Software included: M2 lists MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live 10 Lite, 6GB of loops and sounds from Big Fish Audio, LucidSamples, Loopmasters and MOTU, Volt 2 lists UAD plug-ins, LUNA DAW, and more.
  • Build: M2 lists Solid metal construction, Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Mic gain range: M2 lists 60 dB, Volt 2 lists 55 dB.
  • Latency: M2 lists 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz), Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Size: M2 lists 7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches, Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Warranty: M2 lists 2 years, Volt 2 does not list this in our sources.
  • Resolution: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 24-bit.
  • Dynamic range: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 112 dB.
  • Mic input impedance: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 3 Kilohms.
  • THD+N: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists -103 dB (0.0007%).
  • Frequency response: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 20–20,000 Hz.
  • Instrument max input level: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 12.5 dBu.
  • Instrument input impedance: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 1 Megohms.
  • Line max input level: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 22 dBu.
  • Line input impedance: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 15 Kilohms.
  • Headphone output impedance: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists 100 Ohms.
  • Onboard effects: M2 does not list this in our sources, Volt 2 lists Vintage Preamp mode.

Which one fits which situation

Quick answer

The MOTU M2 and Universal Audio Volt 2 are both two-input USB audio interfaces with MIDI in and out. Each lists two mic inputs with 48V phantom power and sample rates up to 192 kHz.

The M2 page lists a color LCD with level meters, driver loopback and RCA outputs. The Volt 2 page lists a Vintage Preamp mode and 55 dB of available gain.

Pick by the extra you will use in every session: meters and loopback on the M2, or the Vintage Preamp mode on the Volt 2.

Choose MOTU M2 if

  • You want to watch levels on the interface. The M2 page lists a 160 x 128 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters.
  • You stream or record calls from your computer. The M2 driver has loopback channels that route computer output back to the computer, and MOTU names live streaming and podcasting for it.
  • You want RCA outputs as well as balanced 1/4" outputs. The M2 page lists 2 x RCA unbalanced outputs that mirror the 2 x 1/4" TRS line outputs.
  • You want the output figure MOTU states. The M2 page lists a measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs, and the Volt 2 page lists 110 dB for its monitor outputs.

Choose Universal Audio Volt 2 if

  • You want the Vintage Preamp mode. The Volt 2 page lists two mic preamps with 55 dB available gain with Vintage Preamp mode, while the M2 pages do not state a mic gain range.

By use case

Podcasting

Both interfaces list two microphone inputs with 48V phantom power, so two people can record at once. The M2 names driver loopback for podcasting, and the Volt 2 names podcasting as a use.

Check that the loopback routing works in your recording software before you start a show.

What the specs do not tell you

The two pages state mic noise in different ways. The M2 page lists -129dBu EIN, and the Volt 2 page lists -127 dBu A-weighted at 150 Ohms, so these two numbers do not compare directly.

The M2 page lists 7.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches and 1.35 lbs. The Volt 2 page does not list dimensions or weight.

Neither page lists onboard DSP effects or hardware compression, and neither lists an optical or ADAT input.

Set your buffer size in your recording software after installation and test it with your mic.

Listed for

MOTU M2

Listed for: Podcasting

  • Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs (stated by MOTU)
  • 160 x 128 pixel full-colored LCD with input and output level meters (stated by MOTU)

Universal Audio Volt 2

Listed for: Podcasting

  • Bus-powered and class-compliant (stated by Universal Audio)

Check price

MOTU M2

Find it on AmazonAffiliate link · opens an Amazon search

Universal Audio Volt 2

Find it on AmazonAffiliate link · opens an Amazon search

Sources

MOTU M2

Specs last checked 2026-11-03

Universal Audio Volt 2

Specs last checked 2026-11-03

Editorial sources

Editorial updated November 1, 2026