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Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in

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Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in

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$39.00 to $49.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

2 Critic Reviews

All time low price

0 wishlisted

8 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 1, 2026.

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4.5 (4)

$49.00

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$39.00

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Average Price: $104

Standard/Professional

$99

$250+

Price Tier

In the Mastering Plugins category, Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the warmth and character of vintage analog tape with the Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in. Known for its authentic emulation, this plug-in captures the essence of the iconic Ampex ATR-102, a staple in professional studios since the 1970s. Trusted by audio engineers and producers, it brings the rich saturation, harmonic coloration, and deep warmth that defined countless classic recordings directly to your digital workstation.

The plug-in offers a playground of possibilities with multiple tape heads, speeds, and EQs, allowing you to meticulously craft your sound. Whether you're looking for the subtle glue of analog warmth or the pronounced character of tape saturation, the UAD Ampex ATR-102 delivers. Its intuitive controls mean you can easily explore different signal paths and tape formulas, making it adaptable to any project.

For a seamless workflow, take advantage of the Auto-Gain and Auto-Cal features, which ensure optimal gain staging and flat EQ settings. And if you're using Universal Audio's LUNA platform, the dedicated extension turns your system into a powerful analog workstation. With presets from industry legends like Chuck Ainlay and Richard Dodd, you'll have a head start in achieving the perfect mix.

Key Features:

Authentic emulation of the renowned Ampex ATR-102 tape machine
Multiple tape heads: 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, and 1-inch
Tape speeds: 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 IPS
Various emphasis EQs: CCIR/IEC1, NAB/IEC2, and AES
Famous tape formulas: GP9, 456, 900, 250
Auto-Gain and Auto-Cal functions for optimal settings
Noise On/Off option to add/remove analog characteristics
Enhanced retina GUI with interactive tape reels
LUNA extension for advanced analog sound integration
Presets from renowned ATR-102 users

Product specs

Software Type	Tape Recording
Platform	Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full	Full
Download/Boxed	Download
Bit Depth	64-bit
Format	AAX, AU, VST3 (UAD Native), UAD DSP
Authorization Type	iLok Account Required (UADx Native version)
Hardware Requirements - Mac	Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC	Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac	macOS 10.15 or later
OS Requirements - PC	Windows 10 or later

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in?: The UAD Ampex ATR-102 plug-in emulates a renowned 2-track tape machine, offering authentic tape warmth and saturation, ideal for mastering and adding analog character to digital recordings.
What tape speeds are available with the UAD Ampex ATR-102 plug-in?: The UAD Ampex ATR-102 offers multiple tape speeds, including 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 IPS, allowing users to choose the desired tape effect and character for their mix.
Is the UAD Ampex ATR-102 plug-in compatible with my DAW?: The UAD Ampex ATR-102 plug-in is compatible with DAWs supporting AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, making it versatile for use across various digital audio workstations.
Does the UAD Ampex ATR-102 plug-in require any specific hardware for operation?: Yes, the UAD Ampex ATR-102 plug-in requires an iLok account for authorization and is compatible with Mac and PC systems meeting the specified hardware and OS requirements.
Can the UAD Ampex ATR-102 be used with the LUNA Recording System?: Yes, the UAD Ampex ATR-102 can be used as a LUNA Extension, providing an authentic analog tape sound within the LUNA mixer environment.

Videos

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Universal Audio

Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In Trailer for UAD-2

Universal Audio

It’s NOT a RECORD until you’ve used THIS! || Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102

White Sea Studio

Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 - Extended Video Review

Production Expert

Master Your Mix with the Ampex ATR-102 Tape Plug-In

Universal Audio

WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU BUY THE Universal Audio Ampex ATR 102 PLUG IN ***REVIEW***

BIG APEX REACTS

TAPE IS BACK! UAD AMPEX ATR102

Studio Life

Reviews

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PROS

Adds smooth, silky sound for mastering
Brings mixes to life and glues them together
Provides tape-like heft and tone
Better mastering quality than some competitors
Avoids the maintenance hassle of vintage tape machines
Offers authentic tape sound experience

CONS

Lack of delay section is disappointing for some users
Missing wow & flutter and feedback for delay effects

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in.

Use cases and applications

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The Ampex ATR-102 is typically used on the master bus or during mastering rather than individual tracks, often paired with a Studer for track processing.
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The ATR-102 is favored for adding a "glue and roundness" on vocal and synth busses, enhancing mixes with a less digital sound.
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Some users prefer the ATR-102 for bus processing rather than mastering, indicating its versatility in enhancing overall track clarity and depth.
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Features and functionality

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The plug-in can significantly alter treble; users may need to adjust settings for a neutral sound when mixing into it.
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The Ampex ATR-102 is praised for its ability to massage bass and highs, making the sound more "hi-fi," especially in genres like pop funk and electronic.
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Software and compatibility

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Users report latency issues on Mac Studio Ultra M1 with high effects loads, even at low buffer settings, requiring empty master fader slots for smoother processing.
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The transition to native support has increased accessibility and appeal, particularly for those previously limited by hardware requirements.
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Setup and maintenance

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Input/output levels must be carefully managed to avoid tape/overload distortion, especially when adding the Ampex during mixing.
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Comparisons

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Users working with electronic and lofi genres often prefer the API summing plugin over Neve for its punch and cleaner tone.
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User experience

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Some users find that using the ATR-102 on genres like metal can smear the low end, favoring other plugins for cleaner low-end preservation.
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Users report the Ampex ATR-102 bringing unique clarity that other plugins like Gulfoss and Virtulizer can't achieve, highlighting its distinctive impact on mixes.
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Value and pricing

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Users recommend trying the demo before purchase, noting that buying during sales can maximize value when considering multiple plugins.
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Buyers find significant value in discounted pricing, with some acquiring multiple plugins for around $100, emphasizing cost-effectiveness during sales.
Source

Critic Reviews

UAD Ampex ATR102

soundonsound.com

The Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in delivers a rich, authentic tape sound that can elevate any mix. Its extensive features allow for detailed calibration and creative effects, capturing the essence of the original hardware with impressive fidelity. However, the lack of a varispeed knob and some limitations in achieving extreme effects may leave some users wanting more. Overall, it’s a powerful tool for mastering and special effects, but it requires a hefty DSP load and may not suit every budget.

positive

Full Review

Universal Audio: Ampex ATR-102 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

The Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in delivers a robust digital emulation of a classic tape machine, allowing for flexible sound shaping and instant comparisons that physical tape can’t match. It excels in capturing the warmth and character of analog tape, winning over clients with its convincing results. However, it struggles with playback of actual mix tapes and can be resource-intensive, potentially limiting for some users. While it may not replace a real tape deck, its ability to tailor settings and eliminate unwanted noise offers a unique advantage, making it a valuable tool for modern mixing and mastering. Overall, it’s a worthy investment for UAD-2 card owners looking to add genuine "tape" feel to their projects.

positive

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