Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer vs Universal Audio Volt 2
Get the Universal Audio Volt 2, narrowly. The Universal Audio Volt 2 wins Audio Resolution and Mic Inputs, but only just, and the rest of the chart is...
The Ruling
Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer or Universal Audio Volt 2? Get the Universal Audio Volt 2, narrowly.
The Universal Audio Volt 2 wins Audio Resolution and Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199, so the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer stays the pick if $40 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need creator features — get the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer.
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer | Universal Audio Volt 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 6.3/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 5/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Value | 10/10 | 8/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer
Compact desktop streaming mixer/interface with tactile controls for mic and monitor balancing.
On paper the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer takes loopback (Yes). It gives up sample rate and XLR inputs to the Universal Audio Volt 2. It is the cheaper of the two, by $40.00.
Leads on
-
LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
Universal Audio Volt 2
2-in/2-out USB audio interface with high-quality preamps and analog-inspired tone shaping.
On paper the Universal Audio Volt 2 takes sample rate (192kHz, +144kHz) and XLR inputs (2, +1). It gives up loopback to the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer. That costs $40.00 more than the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer.
Leads on
-
Sample Rate +144kHz192kHz48kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
Where they’re identical
These 7 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- ADAT Expansion No
- Bus Powered Yes
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The Universal Audio Volt 2 is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer and Universal Audio Volt 2?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer has and the Universal Audio Volt 2 does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 3 specs. They match on 7 specs, including connection type, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from Audio-Technica and Universal Audio, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer or Universal Audio Volt 2?
Get the Universal Audio Volt 2, narrowly. The Universal Audio Volt 2 wins Audio Resolution and Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199, so the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer stays the pick if $40 matters more than those specs.
What do the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer and Universal Audio Volt 2 have in common?
Both share 7 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and headphone outputs (1), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Universal Audio Volt 2 worth the extra $40 over the Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 Desktop Mixer?
The Universal Audio Volt 2 costs $199.00 against $159.00, a difference of $40. The premium buys sample rate (192kHz) and XLR inputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.