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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
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What are the main features of the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder plugin?
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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.
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Is the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder compatible with macOS and Windows?
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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).
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How does the Studer A800 plugin differ from the UAD Oxide Tape Recorder?
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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.
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Can the Universal Audio Studer A800 Tape Recorder be used for both tracking and mixing?
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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.
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What benefit does the Studer A800 LUNA extension offer?
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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.
Videos
wickiemedia
UAD - Studer A800 Plugin Explained (Complete walkthrough)
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers warm, subtle saturation that enhances track tonality
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Excels in mastering, adding high-quality touch to projects
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Glues mixes together effectively, enhancing overall cohesion
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Authentic tape emulation reminiscent of classic reel-to-reel tapes
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Highly customizable, allowing for tailored sound adjustments
CONS
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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
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Owners often use the Studer A800 plugin on buses for clean tape warmth and subtle sparkle, especially effective on drum buses for enhanced presence.
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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.
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Best results achieved by applying different settings across drum and instrument tracks to maintain clarity and prevent muddiness.
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Experimenting with tape bias and EQ settings can creatively shape tone, smoothing piano or taming drum transients effectively.
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Features and functionality
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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".
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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.
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The Studer A800's ability to add saturation when pushed into the red provides a desirable effect for certain elements in a mix.
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Comparisons
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While some prefer the UAD Studer A800 for its warmth, others mention the Kiive Tape Face for its unique tape compression and punch characteristics.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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