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Universal Audio Arrow 2×4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The Universal Audio Arrow 2×4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface is designed for project-studio, home studio, and on-the-road use. The Arrow is the world’s first Thunderbolt 3-powered desktop recording audio interface for Mac and Windows.

Universal Audio Arrow 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

It connects to your computer over Thunderbolt 3 and features two combo XLR-1/4” jacks for mic/line sources. There is also a 1/4″ input tailored specifically for electric guitars and basses. The Arrow has two 1/4″ output connections for your monitors, as well as a dedicated headphone output. The analog inputs use high-class A/D converters, able to deliver up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. The A/D conversion is derived from UA’s flagship Apollo interface range, which the company claims, sonically outperform anything in its class.

Universal Audio Arrow 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The Universal Audio Arrow 2×4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface has two Unison preamps, each of which lets you color the incoming sound through Universal Audio’s modeling plug-ins. You can purchase one of the company’s plug-ins and use them as you record, changing the sound to the resulting audio capture.

Universal Audio Arrow 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The interface is bus-powered over Thunderbolt so there is no need to carry around a power supply. It uses a UAD-2 SOLO Core processor, which gives you some dedicated DSP for operating Universal Audio’s plug-ins. This unit is designed to be portable and features an all-metal construction.

As a bonus, you also get the Realtime Analog Classics bundle from UAD, whose specific plug-ins can be accessed in the features section.

Universal Audio Arrow 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The Arrow’s control panel features dedicated buttons that give instant access to input selection, high-pass filtering, 48V phantom power, a pad, and polarity. All of these functions can be adjusted per channel or linked for stereo pairing. Levels can be viewed on a multicolor five-segment meter that indicates levels ranging from -27 to 0 dBFS for both the inputs and monitor outputs. A large multifunction rotary encoder button controls preamp or monitor levels.

Universal Audio Arrow 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

Too often compact, portable audio interfaces that connect up to your computer compromise on the sound quality. The Universal Audio Arrow 2×4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface is claimed to offer high-end quality but in a small package.

Universal Audio Arrow 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The Universal Audio Arrow 2×4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface looks like a good option for YouTubers, people doing podcasts and anyone who needs to record voice tracks at home, in a studio, or on location in the field. It is available now for $499 USD.

What do you use as an audio interface to connect up to your computer? Let us know in the comments section below.

Key Features

Desktop 2×4 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with 24-bit / 192 kHz audio conversion
Unison mic preamp and guitar amp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Marshall, Fender, and more
Realtime UAD Processing for near-zero latency tracking with classic UAD plug-in effects, regardless of software buffer setting
Includes studio compressors, EQs, reverbs, and guitar amp emulations, and more as part of Realtime Analog Classics bundle
Bus-powered connection to Mac and Windows systems for easy portability and reduced cable clutter
Included Plug-Ins
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ
Marshall Plexi Classic Guitar Amp
Precision Delay Modulation
Precision Delay Modulation L
Precision Reflection Engine
Precision Channel Strip
Pultec EQP-1A EQ (Legacy)
Pultec Pro EQ (Legacy)
Raw Distortion Guitar Pedal
Realverb Pro
Softube Bass Amp Room 8×10
Teletronix LA-2A Compressor (Legacy)
UA 1176LN Compressor (Legacy)
UA 1176SE Compressor (Legacy)

Arrow System Requirements
For complete compatibility information, visit help.uaudio.com
Mac or PC computer with available Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C port
Thunderbolt 3 cable (sold separately)
(Mac) macOS 10.12 Sierra or 10.13 High Sierra
(Win) Windows 10 w/Anniversary Update (64-Bit Edition)
6 gigabytes available storage
Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
Quad Core i7 or better processor recommended

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