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Description

Unlock the warm, analog charm of legendary recordings with the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder plugin. This expertly crafted emulation captures the essence of the renowned Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder, a staple in world-class studios since its 1978 debut. Revered for its solid low-end presence and sonic richness, the original A800 has been the secret behind countless iconic albums, spanning artists like Metallica and Stevie Wonder.

Now, you can bring that timeless sound to your digital studio, without the cumbersome hardware. Meticulously modeled by Universal Audio’s DSP engineers and magnetic recording expert Jay McKnight, this plugin replicates the A800's entire circuit path, delivering unmatched multitrack analog tape recording authenticity.

The Studer A800 plugin offers a versatile palette of tape textures with its Input and Output controls, allowing you to craft anything from clean, pristine audio to lush harmonic saturation. Choose from three tape speeds and four distinct tape formulas, each offering unique frequency shifts and harmonic characteristics. The result? A rich, cohesive analog warmth that only genuine tape can provide.

Compatible with any audio interface, this plugin is available in UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions, ensuring seamless integration with your setup. Whether you're tracking, mixing, or adding the finishing touches to your project, the Studer A800 plugin helps you achieve a polished, professional sound with ease.

Key Features:

  • Accurately emulates the Studer A800's electronic signal paths: Input, Sync, and Repro
  • Offers multiple tape speed options (7.5, 15, 30 IPS) for distinct sonic characteristics
  • Includes four popular magnetic tape formulas for varied sound textures
  • Compatible with macOS and Windows, supporting multiple DAW formats
  • Includes UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions for versatile usage

Product specs

Mac macOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey or 13 Ventura
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit editions)
Processor Intel, AMD or Apple silicon
macOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey or 13 Ventura

FAQs

What are the main features of the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder plugin?

The Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder plugin emulates the complete signal paths of the original hardware, including input, sync, and repro paths. It adds warmth, presence, and low-end punch to your tracks, offering multiple tape formulas for creating complex analog textures.

Is the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder compatible with macOS and Windows?

Yes, the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder plugin is compatible with macOS versions 10.15 Catalina through 13 Ventura, and Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit editions).

How does the Studer A800 plugin differ from the UAD Oxide Tape Recorder?

The Studer A800 plugin allows for detailed adjustments such as tape type, bias, and hiss levels, providing a customizable tape emulation experience. In contrast, the UAD Oxide Tape Recorder offers a more straightforward, colorful saturation with less user control.

Can the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder be used for both tracking and mixing?

Yes, the Studer A800 is versatile, providing subtle saturation that enhances tracking and adds warmth to mixes, making it suitable for both stages of music production.

What benefit does the Studer A800 LUNA extension offer?

The Studer A800 LUNA extension allows users to easily apply tape warmth to their entire mix on a per-channel basis, enhancing the overall sound cohesion and presence.

wickiemedia

wickiemedia

UAD - Studer A800 Plugin Explained (Complete walkthrough)

Video thumbnail for UAD - Studer A800 Plugin Explained (Complete walkthrough) by wickiemedia

UAD - Studer A800 Plugin Explained (Complete walkthrough)

wickiemedia

wickiemedia

Video thumbnail for Studer A800 Tape Machine | UAD Quick Tips by Universal Audio

Studer A800 Tape Machine | UAD Quick Tips

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Studer A800 Tape Machine Plug-In Sound Examples | UAD Native & UAD-2 by Universal Audio

Studer A800 Tape Machine Plug-In Sound Examples | UAD Native & UAD-2

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Tutorial: Universal Audio Studer A800 by White Sea Studio

Tutorial: Universal Audio Studer A800

White Sea Studio

White Sea Studio

Video thumbnail for $15,000 tape machine vs $100+ tape plugins.. Will you pick the real studer tape?? by Paul Third

$15,000 tape machine vs $100+ tape plugins.. Will you pick the real studer tape??

Paul Third

Paul Third

Video thumbnail for UAD & UADx Studer A800 Secrets by Steve Kinney

UAD & UADx Studer A800 Secrets

Steve Kinney

Steve Kinney

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio UAD Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-in Demo by Sweetwater

Universal Audio UAD Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-in Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers warm, subtle saturation that enhances track tonality

  • Excels in mastering, adding high-quality touch to projects

  • Glues mixes together effectively, enhancing overall cohesion

  • Authentic tape emulation reminiscent of classic reel-to-reel tapes

  • Highly customizable, allowing for tailored sound adjustments

CONS

  • Can cause latency issues if used too 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 Tape Recorder.

Use cases and applications

  • Owners often use the Studer A800 plugin on buses for clean tape warmth and subtle sparkle, especially effective on drum buses for enhanced presence.

    Source
  • Some users utilize the plugin on individual drum tracks for saturation, though resource-heavy, while others prefer using it on mix buses for a vintage recording feel.

    Source
  • Best results achieved by applying different settings across drum and instrument tracks to maintain clarity and prevent muddiness.

    Source
  • Experimenting with tape bias and EQ settings can creatively shape tone, smoothing piano or taming drum transients effectively.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The plugin includes a drive control knob and allows users to select tape types and IPS settings, with 7.5 IPS noted for low-end punch reminiscent of Ozzy Osborne's "Perry Mason".

    Source
  • 15 IPS settings enhance low-end for rock/hip-hop, while 30 IPS offers cleaner fidelity with GP9 tape noted for its smoothness and high fidelity.

    Source
  • The Studer A800's ability to add saturation when pushed into the red provides a desirable effect for certain elements in a mix.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While some prefer the UAD Studer A800 for its warmth, others mention the Kiive Tape Face for its unique tape compression and punch characteristics.

    Source

User experience

  • The lack of a gang function control in the native version frustrates some users, affecting ease of use when adjusting settings across multiple tracks.

    Source
  • Combining individual track and bus applications can add depth and cohesion, but overuse may diminish track distinctiveness.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Universal Audio Studer A800

soundonsound.com

Universal Audio's Studer A800 Tape Recorder plugin masterfully emulates the warmth and cohesion of analogue tape, delivering highly authentic tape compression without the hassle of maintenance. Its intuitive controls allow for creative tonal shaping, making it a powerful tool for mixing. However, it’s limited to the UAD2 platform, which restricts accessibility for some users. While it may not perfectly replicate the nuances of the original hardware, it deftly blurs the lines between digital and analogue sound, providing a satisfying alternative for those without access to a physical tape machine.

positive

Universal Audio: Studer A800 tape recorder plug-in | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Universal Audio's Studer A800 plug-in delivers exceptional emulation of the iconic tape recorder, allowing users to tweak settings like tape speed and calibration with impressive authenticity. The ability to A/B test against the original machine showcases its fidelity, leaving little to be desired in terms of sound quality. However, while the plug-in enhances the mixing process without the hassle of physical tape, it misses out on the tangible experience and nostalgia of actual tape recording. Ultimately, it's a powerful tool for those seeking analog warmth, albeit at a premium price—well worth it for serious producers but perhaps overkill for casual users.

positive

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