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Description

Unlock the authentic essence of legendary Neve analog equipment with the UAD-2 Quad Neve DSP Accelerator. This powerhouse PCIe card, equipped with four processors, provides a substantial boost to your digital audio workstation, delivering the warmth and detail of classic Neve sound to your mixes. Perfect for both Mac and PC users, this card is designed to work seamlessly with popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and more.

The UAD-2 Quad Neve comes preloaded with an impressive suite of Neve-licensed plug-ins, including the renowned 88RS Channel Strip and a range of EQs and compressors, such as the iconic 1073, 1081, 31102 EQs, and 33609 Compressor. These plug-ins are celebrated for their precision and authenticity, capturing the vintage charm that Neve has long been admired for. In addition to the Neve collection, the card features UA's Analog Classics bundle, which includes the LA-2A, 1176LN/SE Compressors/Limiters, and Pultec EQP-1A, providing a comprehensive array of tools to enhance your audio projects.

Whether you're sculpting rich, analog-inspired tones or needing to run complex mix processing without overloading your computer's CPU, the UAD-2 Quad Neve offers unparalleled flexibility. It supports VST, AU, and RTAS formats, and can be used in tandem with up to three additional UAD-2 cards for even greater processing power. With the added bonus of a $100 plug-in voucher, this accelerator not only elevates your sound but also expands your creative possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Quad-processor DSP Accelerator card for UAD powered plug-ins on Mac or PC
  • Includes Neve-licensed 88RS channel strip, 1073, 1081, 31102 EQs, and 33609 compressor plug-ins
  • Comes with Analog Classics plug-in bundle: LA-2A, 1176LN/SE, Pultec EQP-1A, RealVerb Pro
  • Compatible with major DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Digital Performer, etc.
  • High-bandwidth PCIe format with SHARC floating-point processor
  • Supports VST, AU, RTAS; compatible with Mac OS X and Windows
  • Linkable to up to 4 UAD-2 cards in one system
  • Includes $100 voucher for plug-in purchases at UA's online store
  • 1-year limited warranty

Product specs

UAD-2 SOLO low-profile, half-height, short PCIe card
UAD-2 DUO/QUAD full-height, short PCIe card

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the UAD 2 Quad Neve?

The UAD 2 Quad Neve is a DSP accelerator designed to run UAD Powered Plug-Ins, providing high-quality analog emulation for mixing and mastering without taxing your computer's CPU.

What plug-ins are included with the UAD 2 Quad Neve?

It includes the Neve 88RS Channel Strip, Neve 1073 EQ, Neve 1081 EQ, Neve 31102 EQ, Neve 33609 Compressor, and the "Analog Classics" plug-in bundle, featuring LA-2A, 1176LN/SE, Pultec EQP-1A, and Realverb Pro.

Can the UAD 2 Quad Neve be used with any DAW?

Yes, the UAD 2 Quad Neve supports VST, AU, and RTAS formats, making it compatible with popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and more.

How does the UAD 2 Quad Neve affect my computer's performance?

The UAD 2 Quad Neve offloads processing from your computer's CPU, allowing you to run complex plug-ins without affecting your computer's performance.

Is the UAD 2 Quad Neve compatible with both Mac and PC?

Yes, it is compatible with Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard/Snow Leopard and Windows XP/Vista/7.

How many UAD-2 cards can I use in one system?

You can use up to four UAD-2 cards in one system, and they can also be combined with UAD-1 cards.

Warp Academy

Warp Academy

Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Quad Review

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Quad Review by Warp Academy

Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Quad Review

Warp Academy

Warp Academy

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio UAD2 Quad Installation by SadowickProduction

Universal Audio UAD2 Quad Installation

SadowickProduction

SadowickProduction

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about UAD 2 Quad Neve.

Software and compatibility

  • Running high DSP-demand plugins like the 1073 Unison can max out a Quad, suggesting an Octo for more headroom and creative flexibility.

    Source
  • UAD native plugins run seamlessly on modern CPUs, like the MacBook Pro M3, offering significant track count improvements over DSP-dependent setups.

    Source
  • Some UAD plugins remain unavailable in native format, prompting users to seek alternatives like Acustica and KIT Blackbird BB N105 for similar tonal qualities.

    Source
  • On a Mac Mini M2 Pro, users can run 64 tracks loaded with UAD plugins without significant CPU impact, highlighting superior native performance over DSP setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Users with Octo rarely exceed 50% DSP usage, even with complex mixes, highlighting its suitability for heavy plugin use without constant resource management.

    Source
  • Owners report that UAD-2 Quad can handle 16 tracks with LA-2A Silver, while newer Macs run up to 500 tracks natively, highlighting vast performance differences.

    Source
  • Users with MacBook Pro M1s find that native plugins outperform DSP-based ones in large projects, citing latency-free operation even with extensive track counts.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners advise factoring in the cost of individual plugins, which can add up significantly over time, impacting overall investment.

    Source
  • With native options expanding, many advise considering used UAD hardware for cost savings, as more owners sell due to DSP limitations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For mixes under 30 tracks, a Quad setup is generally sufficient, but larger sessions or newer plugin versions may require an Octo.

    Source
  • For those prioritizing real-time tracking with UAD effects, the Quad is favored over the Duo to prevent DSP overload during sessions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ability to chain multiple Apollos via Thunderbolt offers expanded DSP and I/O options, beneficial for future-proofing studio setups.

    Source
  • Thunderbolt docks allow single-cable connection for UAD devices and peripherals, streamlining studio setups with laptops, especially on newer MacBook models.

    Source
  • The Apollo Twin X Quad allows simultaneous use of up to 4 API Vision plugins before reaching DSP limits, providing real-time tracking benefits that the Duo cannot.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users highlight that newer UAD plugins are more power-hungry compared to older versions, necessitating more powerful DSP solutions like the Octo.

    Source
  • UAD hardware and native plugins reportedly sound identical, contradicting assumptions that hardware might offer superior audio quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Universal Audio UAD-2 Quad review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The UAD-2 Quad from Universal Audio impresses with remarkable power, easily outshining its predecessor, the UAD-1. Its installation is straightforward, and it seamlessly integrates with UAD-1, allowing users to maximize processing capabilities. However, some existing UAD-1 plug-ins aren't yet compatible, and future crossgrading will incur costs. Despite these drawbacks, the overall performance, particularly in processing heavy plug-ins like the Neve 88RS, is exceptional. A worthy investment for UAD enthusiasts aiming for a powerhouse DSP system.

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