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Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire DSP Accelerator

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Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire DSP Accelerator

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$399.15 to $596.86

4.5 (45)

7 Reviews

Find out who is using Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire

1 community setup

38 wishlisted

91 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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$499.00

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5.0 (3)

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5.0 (13)

$399.15 2 available New

$118.51 28 available Used

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4.9 (32)

$455.00

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Description

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Unleash the power of your music production with the Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire DSP Accelerator. This robust device functions as an external DSP system, providing you with unrivaled access to award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins. The UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Core's prowess lies in its ability to run large, complex mixes without straining your host computer, thanks to its four SHARC processors.

This DSP accelerator is designed with versatility in mind. It easily connects to Intel-based Macs and Windows 7 PCs via FireWire 800, and can even link to Thunderbolt-equipped Macs via Apple's Thunderbolt-to-FireWire adapter. The UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Core is also compatible with VST, Audio Units, RTAS, and supports full 64-bit operation, ensuring seamless integration into your existing setup.

What sets this gear apart is the included UA's "Analog Classics" plug-in bundle, offering access to popular UAD plug-in titles from renowned manufacturers. These plug-ins have been crafted meticulously with the original hardware manufacturers' schematics, golden units, and experienced ears, ensuring the warmth and harmonics of classic analog equipment.

Key Features:

Powered by four SHARC processors
Connects to Intel-based Macs and Windows 7 PCs via FireWire 800
Compatible with Thunderbolt-equipped Macs via Apple's Thunderbolt-to-FireWire adapter
Includes UA's "Analog Classics" plug-in bundle
Supports VST, Audio Units, RTAS, and full 64-bit operation
Flexibility to run large, complex mixes without taxing your host computer

Product specs

Available since	March 2011
Thunderbolt 2/3	No
USB 3	No
Ethernet	No
PCI Express	No
Firewire	Yes
Audio In-and Outputs	No
System Expansion	Yes
PCMCIA	No
ExpressCard	No
Los artikel / bundelartikel	Bundle
Dynamics	1
Equalizer	1
Reverb	1
Mastering Tools	1

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire DSP Accelerator?: The UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire DSP Accelerator enhances your computer's processing power, allowing it to run Universal Audio's high-quality analog emulation plug-ins for professional audio mixing.
Is the UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire compatible with both Mac and Windows systems?: Yes, the UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire is compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms, enabling users to integrate it into various studio setups.
Can the UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire be used without a UA audio interface?: Yes, you can use the UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire to run UAD plug-ins without a UA audio interface, allowing you to mix using the DSP power of the Satellite.
Does the UAD-2 Satellite QUAD require a specific type of connection to function?: The UAD-2 Satellite QUAD requires a Firewire connection, providing a reliable and fast data transfer rate for processing plug-ins.
What types of plug-ins can I run with the UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire?: You can run a range of plug-ins, including dynamics, equalizers, reverb, and mastering tools, all designed to enhance your audio projects with high-quality analog emulations.

Videos

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Warp Academy

Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Quad Review

Warp Academy

UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt Review

Ask.Audio

UNIVERSAL AUDIO DSP SATELLITE ACCELERATOR SYSTEM - What You Need To Know

Ed Thorne | Mixing & Mastering

UAD 2 Satellite Quad Core Unboxing and Install

The Bass Hang

Sweetwater Minute - Vol. 79, UAD-2 Satellite from Universal Audio

Sweetwater

Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire DSP Accelerator allows UAD plugins to run without needing a UAD interface, offering flexibility for DAW integration.
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Software and compatibility

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The Satellite connects directly to a computer and is compatible with Protools for running plugins, providing a straightforward setup for users focused on software.
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The Satellite is not USB-C, requiring an adapter for newer systems, contrasting with the UAD Arrow's native compatibility with Thunderbolt 3.
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Users face significant compatibility challenges on Windows, especially with AMD/Ryzen builds, often requiring third-party solutions like ASIO Link Pro for stable operation.
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The PCIe QUAD is incompatible with certain modern systems due to older address length issues, whereas the PCIe OCTO works without problems.
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Users report that UAD device stability on Windows can be affected by third-party software like SteelSeries, requiring careful configuration to avoid conflicts.
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The UAD Arrow interface allows for only two DSP-heavy plugin instances, highlighting the limited DSP capability of devices with a single core.
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Comparisons

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A user considered the UAD Arrow + Satellite but opted for the Apollo Twin MkII Duo due to the Arrow's USB-C requirement, which is limited to newer Macs.
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Build quality

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The UAD-2 Satellite QUAD Firewire requires two Apple adapters for newer setups: Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2.
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Setup and maintenance

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A specific setup using the Asus ThunderboltEX 4 card and Thunderbolt headers is needed for successful integration with AMD systems.
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Use cases and applications

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Some users report success in daisy-chaining the Satellite with an Apollo x8 using Apple adapters, noting minor stability sacrifices but no critical failures.
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Users find the UAD Echoplex plugin essential for replicating studio-quality sound, especially when used with the Studer 800 and Decapitator plugins for enhanced overdriven effects.
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User experience

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Multiple users report frustration with the complexity and lack of official support for AMD setups, often requiring substantial DIY troubleshooting and community support.
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Owners often prefer borrowing UAD hardware for temporary needs due to the high cost and limited capability of entry-level devices like the Arrow.
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Value and pricing

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Purchasing a UAD Arrow interface temporarily for specific projects is considered a cost-effective strategy, especially at around $250, despite its limited plugin capacity.
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Mods and upgrades

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Combining UAD's Studer tape machine plugin and Decapitator with the Echoplex plugin achieves a closer analog sound, favored by users for vocal tracks.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 45 Ratings

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neko

271

almost 10 years ago

Perfect Companion to the Apollo for a small studio or as a way into UAD Plugins!

The boost This provide my apollo on the DSP front i have found priceless, granted you could just bounce any files and print the effects "to tape" its definitely useful and allows for more extensive experimentation on the fly.

jagharenlitenkuk

1332

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

Hey, I kind of know that Satellite is for storing plugins but is it handy for data backup too? What does this basically do and who do people mainly use it for?

neko

271

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

Hi sorry for the late reply this isnt like a hard drive it doesnt store your plugins those are still stored on your computer, this basically runs the plugins instead of your CPU having to run them. People use it because UAD replicate analog hardware which has a certain sound to it (which i didnt believe until i bought one of these to try it out). Also you cant back any data up to it, its basically an external CPU which runs the UAD plugins, but at the same time it acts as a key allowing you to run UAD plugins (so you can use UAD plugins without UAD external DSP) I hope this helps