Universal Audio Arrow

^# 14

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$200.00 to $872.49 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (14)

4 Critic Reviews

1 Review

Find out who is using Universal Audio Arrow

3 community setups

13 wishlisted

66 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.3 (129)

View Deal

5.0 (24)

$200.00 3 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $536

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Universal Audio Arrow is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Immerse yourself in the world of professional audio with the Universal Audio Arrow. This compact powerhouse is equipped with Unison mic preamps and an onboard UAD-2 SOLO Core processor, providing a seamless recording experience with near-zero latency. It's not just about the hardware, though, as this portable studio also comes with a suite of built-in effects and plugins. From EQ to compression, Marshall Plexi to UA 610-B amp emulations, the Universal Audio Arrow brings the power and versatility of a professional studio right to your fingertips.

Key Features:

Pair of Unison mic preamps for professional-grade recording
Onboard UAD-2 SOLO Core processor for seamless audio processing
Near-zero latency recording for a smooth, uninterrupted workflow
Comprehensive built-in effects and plugins to enhance your sound
High-end 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion for crystal-clear sound
Compact, portable design for musicians on the go

Product specs

Brand	Universal Audio
Model	Arrow 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Interface with Solo DSP Processor
Finish	Gray
Year	2010s
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity	Thunderbolt
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	2
Number of Analog Outputs	2
Number of Channels	4
Number of Digital Inputs	0
Number of Digital Outputs	0
Number of Headphone Outputs	1
Number of MIDI Inputs	0
Number of MIDI Outputs	0
Number of Mic Preamps	2
Sample Rate	192 khz

FAQs

Is the Universal Audio Arrow compatible with both Mac and Windows?: Yes, the Universal Audio Arrow is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, utilizing Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for optimal performance.
Does the Universal Audio Arrow require an external power supply?: No, the Universal Audio Arrow is bus-powered through its Thunderbolt 3 connection, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
How many mic preamps are included with the Universal Audio Arrow?: The Universal Audio Arrow features two Unison mic preamps, allowing for high-quality microphone input and recording.
What is the maximum sample rate supported by the Universal Audio Arrow?: The Universal Audio Arrow supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback.
Does the Universal Audio Arrow include any onboard DSP processing?: Yes, the Universal Audio Arrow includes a UAD-2 SOLO DSP processor, enabling the use of UAD plug-ins for professional-grade audio processing.

Videos

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How to Setup and Record with Arrow by Universal Audio

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Universal Audio Arrow Interface Review / Test / Explained

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DECAP

Reviews

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PROS

Superior build and sound quality enhances home studio recordings
Ideal for tracking vocals and guitars, catering to professional/amateur needs
Thunderbolt 3 support ensures high performance and compatibility
Portability and bus-powering offer flexibility for mobile setups
UAD plugins add value with excellent sound processing options
Outperforms other interfaces even with less DSP

CONS

More complicated setup requires a learning curve for recording techniques
Lack of a power button leads to noisy cycling on/off issues
Weak headphone amp struggles with high-impedance headphones

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Arrow.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Arrow cannot be used as a monitor controller for Apollo rack units due to its single-function button limitations, unlike the Apollo Twin.
Source
0 0

Thunderbolt ports are identified by a lightning symbol; USB-C ports without this symbol may not support Thunderbolt functionality.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Arrow excels for travel and simple location work, handling a small number of DSP plugins, making it ideal for lightweight, portable setups.
Source
0 0

Owners focused on electronic production may find the Arrow suitable, provided the primary interest is in UA plugins rather than extensive recording needs.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Arrow and Solo are identical apart from color and branding, making either suitable purely based on aesthetic preference.
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0 0

Although not on par with the Apollo Twin in speed and conversion quality, the Arrow suffices for recording vocals or guitar, especially when portability is a priority.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

In some markets, the Apollo Twin can be found second-hand for significantly less than the Arrow, despite offering more functionality like extra DSP and I/O.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

The Arrow requires Thunderbolt 2 for optimal performance, as USB-C limits bandwidth significantly, impacting the ability to run complex plugins effectively.
Source
0 0

Thunderbolt 3 requires a proper Thunderbolt PCIE card and compatible motherboard with a Thunderbolt header for full functionality; USB 3.0 ports won't suffice.
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0 0

It's crucial to use a genuine Thunderbolt cable, as USB A to Thunderbolt cables often fail to work with Universal Audio devices.
Source

Critic Reviews

Recording Magazine Reviews: Universal Audio Arrow

recordingmag.com

The Universal Audio Arrow impresses with its compact design and powerful capabilities, delivering UA's renowned sound quality in a portable, bus-powered package. With excellent mic preamps and a robust DSP chip, it handles classic hardware emulations and low-latency monitoring seamlessly. However, the absence of MIDI ports and the tricky Thunderbolt 3 cable situation may frustrate some users. Despite these minor setbacks, the Arrow is a compelling choice for musicians seeking a quality recording interface on the go.

positive

Full Review

Universal Audio Arrow

soundonsound.com

The Universal Audio Arrow is a compact powerhouse offering stellar sound quality with its Thunderbolt 3 interface. It shines with UA's acclaimed plug-ins and low-latency monitoring, making it a standout choice for musicians needing a portable and bus-powered solution. Its Unison technology, which adapts mic preamps to emulate classic gear, adds unique value. However, limited DSP power restricts simultaneous plug-in usage, and it requires a Thunderbolt 3 connection, making it less versatile for those with older setups. Overall, it's an impressive interface for solo artists or mobile producers seeking top-notch audio fidelity and flexibility.

positive

Full Review

Universal Audio Arrow review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Universal Audio Arrow is a game-changer for musicians on the go, offering a compact, bus-powered experience akin to the Apollo series. The Arrow impresses with its superb sound quality and workflow, bundled with a solid range of UAD-2 plugins. However, its reliance on Thunderbolt 3 can be a setback as it isn't ubiquitous, and the required cable isn't included. Despite the Solo Core chip's limited processing power, it suffices for monitoring and recording chains. Overall, the Arrow's portability and feature set make it a stellar choice for mobile musicians, with minor compromises.

positive

Full Review

Universal Audio Arrow Review - Quivering From The Sound

musictech.com

Universal Audio's Arrow is a compact, Thunderbolt 3-powered audio interface that delivers impressive sound quality and a robust set of plug-ins. Ideal for musicians seeking a mobile solution, it offers near-zero latency and seamless integration with UAD's acclaimed effects. The interface is well-built and user-friendly, making it a great entry point into the UAD ecosystem. However, its dependency on Thunderbolt 3 technology means you'll need compatible hardware, potentially adding to the cost. Despite this, Arrow's performance and value make it a compelling choice for those looking to experience Universal Audio's renowned quality.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

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mattavall

120

about 7 years ago

Bullseye for Arrow

I've been going through a LOT of interfaces through the years. Starting with a PCI-based E-MU, onto the brilliant Impact Twin from T.C Electronic, to the not so great Scarlet from Focusrite, via the unstable and unreliable Apogee One and Duet. All before I finally landed in UAD-land and felt like home.

I chose the Arrow over the Apollo Twin mostly for the Thunderbolt 3 native support and also the portability via the bus-powering. This ironically turned out to be the only downside to the interface. The quality and stability of the Arrow is second to none. It never ever fails. BUT, the headphone amp is a little too weak. I work mostly in my bedroom studio and therefore mostly with headphones, and the Arrow just can't drive anything above my ATH-M40x with sufficient power. My DT 770 Pro 250 ohms and ATH-R70x's run out of headroom really quick with the Arrow.

But, I would still recommend this interface every day of the week, just be aware of the headphone amp.