Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (7)
$899.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$899.00
Amazon
4.6 (94)
$899.00
Reverb
5.0 (10)
$1,084.64 New
$499.99 Used
Gear4Music
£625.00

Average Price: $875

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your music production setup with the Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3. This robust DSP accelerator is your gateway to a universe of authentic analog emulation plug-ins, making it an indispensable tool for both Mac and Windows 10 users. Equipped with four SHARC processors, the UAD-2 Satellite delivers a substantial DSP boost, enabling you to handle large, professional mixes with ease and precision.

Seamlessly integrate this powerhouse into your existing studio environment through its cutting-edge Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, offering ultra-low latency and unprecedented bandwidth. Whether you’re working on a dense project or a simple track, the UAD-2 Satellite ensures your mixes pack the same rich, analog character found in classic recordings. And with backward compatibility, you can effortlessly connect with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices, ensuring no piece of your gear is left behind.

Included with the UAD-2 Satellite is the Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, featuring legendary titles from industry giants like Neve, Lexicon, and Studer. Additionally, you gain access to over 90 optional plug-ins, allowing you to customize your sound palette to suit any genre or style.

Key Features:

  • Thunderbolt 3 DSP Accelerator with four SHARC processors
  • Compatible with Mac and Windows 10 systems
  • Provides access to authentic analog emulation plug-ins
  • Includes Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle
  • Backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices
  • Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining peripherals
  • Fan-free construction for silent operation
  • Ideal for mobile mixing and expanding DSP power

Whether you're in the studio or on the go, the Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 is your ticket to unparalleled creative freedom and professional-grade sound.

Product specs

Brand Universal Audio
Model UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 OCTO Core Desktop DSP Accelerator
Finish Gray
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In United States

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3?

The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 is designed to expand your computer's DSP capabilities, allowing you to run large professional mixes with UAD Powered Plug-Ins, providing rich analog sound emulation from renowned brands like Neve, Lexicon, and SSL.

How does the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 connect to my computer?

It connects via Thunderbolt 3, ensuring high-speed data transfer and is also backward compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices, making it versatile for various setups.

Can I use the UAD-2 Satellite with my current DAW software?

Yes, the UAD-2 Satellite is compatible with major DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, and Ableton Live, making it a flexible choice for different production environments.

What plugins are included with the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3?

The device comes with the Analog Classics Plus bundle, featuring legacy editions of renowned plugins like the LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176 Classic Limiting Amplifiers, and Pultec EQP-1A, among others.

How many UAD-2 Satellite devices can I use simultaneously?

You can use up to six UAD-2 / Apollo devices on a single system, allowing for extensive DSP power across larger projects.

What are the standout features of the UAD-2 Satellite's DSP capabilities?

The UAD-2 Satellite features 4 (QUAD) or 8 (OCTO) SHARC processors, providing a significant DSP boost to handle complex mixes and a large number of plugins simultaneously.

Manaberry

Manaberry

Unboxing the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3

Video thumbnail for Unboxing the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 by Manaberry

Unboxing the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3

Manaberry

Manaberry

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 Satellite Thunderbolt 3.

Features and functionality

  • The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 is designed for mixing, not tracking, lacking Unison preamps available in Apollo interfaces.

    Source
  • For users who frequently change locations, a Satellite offers convenience by allowing them to leave their Apollo connected at their main setup.

    Source
  • The number of plugin instances supported by the Satellite depends on the number of cores; users with a 16-core setup report substantial capacity.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • DSP-only plugins run on the Satellite, but Unison-enabled plugins are unavailable, affecting setup for users needing tracking capabilities.

    Source
  • Users report that many UAD plugins remain DSP-only, which can be a limitation if relying heavily on native versions that aren't yet available.

    Source
  • M1 Mac Mini users must follow UA's setup instructions to ensure compatibility with the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users with MacBook Airs may benefit from the additional processing power of the Satellite's DSP, reducing strain on the computer.

    Source
  • The Satellite is favored for keeping processing separate from the computer, preventing the CPU from becoming overloaded during intensive Pro Tools sessions.

    Source
  • Running an Apollo through a Satellite TB3 in a daisy chain configuration works effectively on M1 Mac Studio setups, provided setup instructions are followed.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $200, the purchase is relatively low-cost compared to the ongoing expenses of acquiring UAD plugins.

    Source
  • Purchasing a used Satellite QUAD TB3 at $500 is considered a good deal, especially when paired with discounted plugin offers like Ultimate 11 for $1000.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners find investing in a Mac mini M2 Pro offers better value and processing power for UAD Native plugins than purchasing a UAD-2 Satellite.

    Source

User experience

  • Newcomers to the UAD ecosystem should consider the cost of plugin bundles like Ultimate or Complete before committing to the system.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Toru Kitajima uses Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3

Toru Kitajima

Singer, Guitarist

Ling Tosite Sigure

...
Verified via サンレコ 〜音楽制作と音響のすべてを届けるメディア

In an interview published by サンレコ〜音楽制作と音響のすべてを届けるメディア, Toru Kitajima confirmed the use of the Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 in his Studio SAUNA.

See how Lonas uses Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3

Lonas

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup 2024 | Louis Johnson (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters on YouTube, a Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 can be observed on Lonas's workdesk at 18:36.

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 UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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bassic

bassic

Gear IQ 221

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