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Average Price: $150
High-end/Boutique
$39
$100+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Universal Audio Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Revitalize your digital soundscape with the Universal Audio Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In, a meticulously crafted emulation of the legendary analog tape machine that has shaped countless hits. Whether you're a seasoned producer or an emerging artist, this plugin brings the classic warmth and depth of tape to your digital audio workstation, without the need for bulky hardware.
The Studer A800 was a groundbreaking machine introduced in 1978, celebrated for its pristine analog sound and microprocessor control. Now, its rich sonic character can be seamlessly integrated into your workflow with this software. Choose from tape speeds of 7.5, 15, and 30 IPS, each offering unique frequency shifts and distortion characteristics to perfectly suit your mix.
This plug-in includes simulations of four popular magnetic tape formulations—250, 456, 900, and GP9—each providing subtle variations in sonic texture and tape compression. The intuitive interface allows you to effortlessly tweak Input and Output levels, tape speed, and type to achieve the ideal analog warmth and saturation for your tracks. With additional controls for Noise, EQ, and Bias, the Studer A800 plug-in provides a comprehensive palette for crafting distinct and vibrant sonic landscapes.
Designed for both Mac and Windows systems, this plug-in also supports native operation without UA hardware, making it a versatile tool for any studio setup. Experience the true essence of analog tape with the fidelity and flexibility of digital technology.
Key Features:
- Faithful recreation of the legendary Studer A800 Tape Recorder
- Supports 7.5, 15, and 30 IPS tape speeds
- Includes four modeled tape formulations: 250, 456, 900, and GP9
- Compatible with Mac and Windows, including native operation without UA hardware
- Comprehensive controls for Input, Output, Noise, EQ, and Bias
Owner's manual
Universal Audio Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In User ManualProduct specs
| Available since | March 2023 |
| Los artikel / bundelartikel | Los artikel |
| Delay | No |
| Dynamics | No |
| Effect Filter | No |
| Encoder/Decoder | No |
| Equalizer | No |
| Guitar amps/-effects | No |
| Channel Strip | No |
| Metering / Analysis / Correction | No |
| Modulation Effects | No |
| Multieffect / Plugin-Host | No |
| Overdrive/Distortion | No |
| Preamp / Saturation | No |
| Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter | No |
| Restauration | No |
| Reverb | No |
| Special FX | No |
| Summer / Mixing Consoles | No |
| Tape Simulation | Yes |
| Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching | No |
| Transient Processing | No |
| Vocoder / Vocal effect | No |
| Mastering Tools | No |
| Hardware Controller | No |
| Download | Yes |
FAQs
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What makes the Universal Audio Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In unique compared to other tape emulation plugins?
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The Universal Audio Studer A800 offers detailed control over tape characteristics, including tape type, bias, and hiss levels, allowing for precise emulation of the classic Studer A800 hardware sound. This makes it ideal for engineers seeking authentic tape warmth and saturation.
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Can the Universal Audio Studer A800 Plug-In be used with any DAW?
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Yes, the Studer A800 Plug-In is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro, as long as they support VST, AU, or AAX plugin formats.
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Does the Universal Audio Studer A800 Plug-In require any additional hardware to run?
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The Studer A800 Plug-In can be run natively, meaning it does not require Universal Audio hardware like the Apollo or UAD-2 DSP Accelerators, making it accessible on any compatible computer system.
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What types of music production benefit most from the Universal Audio Studer A800 Plug-In?
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The Studer A800 Plug-In is versatile and can enhance any music genre by providing warmth and depth to recordings. It is particularly beneficial for genres that value analog warmth, such as rock, jazz, and electronic music.
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How does the Studer A800 Plug-In affect the mix when applied to drums?
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When applied to drums, the Studer A800 Plug-In adds punch and cohesion by emulating tape compression and saturation, enhancing the overall impact and presence of the drum mix.
Videos
wickiemedia
UAD - Studer A800 Plugin Explained (Complete walkthrough)
Reviews
PROS
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Adds warmth and character reminiscent of analog tape machines
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Offers a clean simulation of professional tape saturation without wow/flutter
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Customizable tape types provide unique tonal options
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Enhances and rounds off shrill highs effectively
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Boosts warmth in the low-frequency range
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Ideal for mastering, adds elegance and subtlety
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Glues the mix together on stereo out, beneficial before mastering
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Delivers high-quality sound, elevating any track's tonal quality
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Reliable and stable performance in DAWs like Reaper
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Transforms dull tracks into dynamic and engaging mixes
CONS
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High default saturation levels can distort classical music
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Regular price is considered too high by some users
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Potential latency issues if used early in the recording process
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In.
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The gang function, missing in the native version, is crucial for auditioning different settings on individual channels.
Source -
Advanced menu with neutral calibration is favored for initial setup, with adjustments made to tape type, IPS, and bias for desired warmth and stability.
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The native version of the Studer A800 lacks gang controls, differing from the Apollo-required version, affecting usability on multiple channels.
Source
Comparisons
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The Kiive Tape Face is noted for its superior tape compression and punch compared to the Studer A800.
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The Studer A800 is perceived as less effective for electronic music compared to other genres where a tape-recorded band session feel is desired.
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Massey Tapehead is praised as a superior saturation plug-in compared to the UAD Studer A800, especially for those seeking strong tape-like saturation effects.
Source
User experience
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Some users feel the UAD Studer A800 plugin induces a "sloppiness" in tracking, likened to the reactiveness of actual tape.
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Long-term users report the Studer A800 as underwhelming and overpriced, especially when compared to other UA plugins like the ATR 102 that offer unique audio path emulation benefits.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 17 Ratings
928
ah yes, V I N T A G E
you want to make your tracks from dull and lifeless to Bohemian Rhapsody? throw this b**ch in, and it'll carry the rest
Artist usage
Add artist
"The Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in and the Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plug-in tape emulations give a nice edge to bass tracks.
Another favorite is the the Pultec Passive EQ Collection. I like to use it without any boost — just insert it and it gives you a wonderful tool for blending live elements with synths — just by going through the virtual circuitry." - Armin Van Buuren.
"I’m still getting to know a lot of the new stuff. I’m actually looking for other UAD users to help me find some new tricks all the time. When it comes to analog sound or reproduction, another UAD user, Ariel Rechtshaid – who has co-written with me a lot on Justin Bieber, Usher, No Doubt, Major Lazer, etc. – is very good at stuff like that. So I’ve been trying out the UAD Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In."
"Installed the new UAD Studer A800 plugin in yet?Can't wait to get home to try it out."
At 36:12 in the video, Noah "40" Shebib mentions that he uses the Studer A800 on his stereo bus when mixing.
The third clip in this Vine shows the Studer processing a bassline.
"mixing gnarly basslines today"
Other than the 1176 Classic Limiter, I also like the Brainworx bx_refinement and the Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder . Brainworx bx_refinement is a sound that doesn't hate, and the Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder should have a good ear familiarity. The sound is glossy, but it doesn't hurt your ears.
In this video from Kill Paris' Instagram, Kill Paris films the A800 in action as it records a saxophone. "Sexy sax #killparis"
"I use lots of UAD stuff all the time. I love their verbs 140 + 250. I love their Studer, Ampex and Culture Vulture. Love the Silver compressor and Fatso"
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Universal Audio Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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