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Average Price: $590

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$150

$501+

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Description

Elevate your music production with the Universal Audio UAD-2 QUAD Custom PCIe DSP Accelerator Package. Designed for those who demand precision and performance from their audio interfaces, this powerhouse is equipped with four Analog Devices SHARC chips, ensuring your digital audio workstation (DAW) is never bogged down by intensive processes. Ideal for both tracking and mixing, the UAD-2 QUAD Custom offers LiveTrack mode to minimize latency during live recordings, while the LoadLock feature ensures you've always got the DSP capacity needed for complex mixing tasks.

With this package, you gain access to the Analog Classics Plus collection, which includes legendary processors like the UA LA-2A audio leveler and the RealVerb Pro room modeler. But the customization doesn't stop there; the UAD-2 QUAD Custom allows you to select any three additional UAD-powered plug-ins from their extensive library, letting you tailor your sound palette to your unique style. Whether you're working with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, or most other DAWs, this versatile PCIe card supports a range of formats, including AAX, VST, AU, and RTAS.

The UAD-2 QUAD Custom isn't just about power—it's about flexibility and control, offering a seamless experience for any recording engineer or producer ready to push their creative boundaries.

Key Features:

  • DSP-accelerator PCIe card with 4 x Analog Devices SHARC 21469 processors
  • Includes Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle
  • Choose any three UAD-powered plug-ins with included voucher
  • Supports AAX, VST, AU, and RTAS formats
  • Linkable with up to four UAD-2 systems
  • Not compatible with Mac Pros released late 2013 or later
  • Free UAD software upgrades and 1-year limited warranty
Man Bun Metal Head

Man Bun Metal Head

My Beef w/Universal Audio | UAD-2 & AMD Ryzen Compatibilty

Video thumbnail for My Beef w/Universal Audio | UAD-2 & AMD Ryzen Compatibilty by Man Bun Metal Head

My Beef w/Universal Audio | UAD-2 & AMD Ryzen Compatibilty

Man Bun Metal Head

Man Bun Metal Head

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio UAD-2 QUAD Custom PCIe DSP Accelerator Package.

Features and functionality

  • The UAD Quad can occasionally max out with power-hungry plugins like the 1073 unison, especially when used in multiple instances.

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  • Owners emphasize the necessity of powering up UAD Thunderbolt interfaces before booting Windows to ensure proper recognition and functionality.

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Software and compatibility

  • Users find the DSP requirements of newer UAD plugins to be high, leading to frequent track bouncing if processing power is insufficient.

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  • Some users report that UAD Native plugins are efficiently handled by M1 and M2 Macs, reducing the need for additional DSP hardware like Satellites.

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  • Users highlight that UA's Luna DAW is Mac-only, limiting Windows users despite the interfaces' OS compatibility.

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  • Some Asus B550 ProArt Creator motherboards with Ryzen CPUs successfully support Thunderbolt 3/4, facilitating seamless UAD interface integration.

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  • Thunderbolt 3 demands specific hardware support; adapters won't suffice due to protocol differences from USB-C, affecting interface compatibility.

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Use cases and applications

  • For sessions under 30 tracks, a Quad is typically sufficient, but larger productions may require more DSP power.

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  • Satellites are valued for location flexibility, allowing users to maintain their setup without moving primary hardware like Apollo interfaces.

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User experience

  • Some users advise printing through plugins during tracking to manage DSP load and enhance workflow efficiency.

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  • Owners appreciate the dedicated processing of Satellites, noting they prevent CPU overload and related audio issues like crackling in Pro Tools.

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  • Windows users often need to disable sleep mode to prevent UAD Thunderbolt interfaces from disconnecting during idle periods.

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Value and pricing

  • Initial hardware investment is compounded by the cost of plugins, with reported expenditures reaching $1500 within a year.

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  • Used Satellite QUAD TB3 units can be found for around $500, offering a cheaper alternative to new models for those needing extra DSP.

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Comparisons

  • Users compare UAD plugins favorably to Slate's offerings, noting differences like the added mid-band in Slate's Neve EQ.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Proper setup sequence is crucial for Thunderbolt interfaces: power up external hardware first, then the computer, followed by speakers, for optimal performance.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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thatmouxie

Core of my plugin environment

Many balk at the ticket price for the UAD-2 accelerator platform and product line, and while it is true that there are many great natively hosted plugin tool sets to bring in to your DAW that are less expensive, once you have one of these things, you immediately understand why the pros endorse UAD-2. The plugins are seriously good, and given that you can access them in a number of ways depending on your hardware, they are versatile too. Yes, SHARC is an tired processor topology, and what it can do with DSP compared to what even a lowly GPU device can do with graphics doesn't really add up as technology moves forward. That's hardly surprising given that GPU product research and investment is driven by gaming and all its billions, and the SHARC architecture is not moving forward at all; it is what it is. However, I find the 8 processors working between this card and a satellite unit I also have in the rig can do some very heavy lifting indeed. I absolutely adore my UAD-2 chain.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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