Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (30)
$999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$999.00
Amazon
3.8 (13)
Reverb
4.0 (6)
$849.00 New
$550.00 Used
B&H
5.0 (1)
$999.00
Gear4Music
£877.00
Vintage King
4.0 (2)
$849.00

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Enhance your production capabilities with the Universal Audio UAD-2 OCTO PCIe Card, a powerhouse DSP accelerator designed to give your mixes unrivaled depth and clarity. Tailored for both Mac and Windows systems, this card seamlessly integrates into your PCIe-equipped desktop or compatible expansion chassis, offering a remarkable lift in audio processing power. At the heart of this device are the eight SHARC processors, which provide the muscle needed for running the most demanding UAD plug-ins with grace and precision.

Universal Audio has collaborated with iconic hardware manufacturers to bring the authentic warmth and character of classic analog equipment into the digital realm. The UAD-2 OCTO Core is your gateway to an expansive library of award-winning UAD plug-ins, including revered names such as Ampex, Manley, and Neve. The included "Analog Classics" bundle offers a taste of this vast collection, featuring timeless favorites like the LA-2A and 1176 compressors.

Whether you're working in Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, or Live, the UAD-2 OCTO Core enhances your workflow with its reliable performance and versatility. It’s compatible with other UAD-2 devices, allowing you to scale up as your studio grows. Experience the ultimate in audio fidelity and processing capability with this flagship model, and take your mixes to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Eight SHARC processors for exceptional DSP power
  • Compatible with Intel-based Macs and Windows 7 PCs
  • Access to the UAD Powered Plug-Ins library, including "Analog Classics" bundle
  • Supports professional power-users with high plug-in instances and sample rates
  • Integrates with Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more
  • Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices like UAD-2 Satellite and Apollo interfaces
  • VST/AU/RTAS and 64-bit compatible
  • Thunderbolt connectivity available for Mac via a compatible chassis (sold separately)

Product specs

Brand Universal Audio
Model UAD-2 OCTO Core PCIe DSP Accelerator Card
Finish White
Year 2012 - 2025
Made In United States

FAQs

What is the main function of the Universal Audio UAD-2 OCTO PCIe Card?

The UAD-2 OCTO PCIe Card is a DSP accelerator designed to offload processing of Universal Audio’s plugin effects, allowing for more instances of high-quality plugins to run without taxing your computer's CPU.

Is the UAD-2 OCTO compatible with all DAWs?

The UAD-2 OCTO is compatible with major DAWs that support VST, AU, or AAX plugin formats, such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro.

Can the UAD-2 OCTO PCIe Card be used on multiple computers?

Yes, the UAD-2 OCTO can be used on multiple computers, but it must be installed in a PCIe slot, and the UAD plugins are tied to your Universal Audio account, which allows registration of up to six devices.

Does the UAD-2 OCTO require an external power supply?

No, the UAD-2 OCTO PCIe Card does not require an external power supply as it draws power directly from the PCIe slot in your computer.

How does the UAD-2 OCTO improve mixing and mastering?

The UAD-2 OCTO enhances mixing and mastering by providing additional DSP power to run Universal Audio's high-quality plugins, offering more processing headroom and enabling complex plugin chains without overloading your computer's CPU.

Production Expert

Production Expert

Testing 6 UAD 2 Octo Cards In a Mac Pro With Cubix Xpander Part 1

Video thumbnail for Testing 6 UAD 2 Octo Cards In a Mac Pro With Cubix Xpander Part 1 by Production Expert

Testing 6 UAD 2 Octo Cards In a Mac Pro With Cubix Xpander Part 1

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Testing 6 UAD-2 Octo Cards In a Mac Pro With Cubix Xpander Part 2 by Production Expert

Testing 6 UAD-2 Octo Cards In a Mac Pro With Cubix Xpander Part 2

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio UAD-2 Octo by Khaliq “Khaliq-O-Vision” Glover

Universal Audio UAD-2 Octo

Khaliq “Khaliq-O-Vision” Glover

Khaliq “Khaliq-O-Vision” Glover

Video thumbnail for UAD 2 OCTO CORE pcie UNBOXING  유에이디 옥타코어 언박싱  dsp accelerator cards by 현미경 사운드 Microscope Sound

UAD 2 OCTO CORE pcie UNBOXING 유에이디 옥타코어 언박싱 dsp accelerator cards

현미경 사운드 Microscope Sound

현미경 사운드 Microscope Sound

Reviews

PROS

  • Expands DSP capacity significantly for UAD plugins

  • Easy installation and setup process

  • Frees up CPU resources for other processing needs

  • High-quality UAD plugins emulate analog hardware accurately

  • Enhances performance with CPU-intensive virtual instruments and plugins

  • Compatible with Intel PCIe lanes, even on powerful systems

  • Offers additional plugin licenses with card purchase

  • Reduces latency when connected via PCI bus

  • Excellent packaging and presentation

CONS

  • High cost may be prohibitive for some users

  • Perceived necessity of hardware for newer plugins

  • Lack of clear information on connection ports and user manuals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card.

Features and functionality

  • The Universal Audio UAD-2 OCTO Core PCIe DSP Accelerator can be combined with the Apollo X4 for increased processing power during mixing, not recording.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The OCTO PCIe card is compatible with DAWs but does not function within the UAD Console software.

    Source
  • Some users report compatibility issues with the UAD OCTO PCIe card and newer Ryzen 9 CPUs, specifically with the MSI X670E Carbon motherboard.

    Source
  • The UAD OCTO PCIe card may face issues in external chassis without active cooling, potentially leading to overheating and damage.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Apollo X4 and X6 share the same converters, with differences primarily in DSP capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Apollo X4, with its two headphone outputs, is more than sufficient for single-microphone bedroom recording setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with Ryzen 9 setups often see a red/green flashing light issue, indicating connection problems with the OCTO card.

    Source
  • Users report delays in response from UA customer support, possibly due to current staffing or workload situations.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Troubleshooting steps suggested by support include reinstalling UAD software and updating the motherboard BIOS, though these have not always resolved the issue.

    Source
  • A direct Thunderbolt connection on a Mac is essential for UAD PCIe cards; using a hub can result in bus management issues and connectivity failures.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

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zummer

UAD Plugins Unlock free download, no crack, keygen, serial, torrent https://uadplugins.club/

UAD Plugins Unlock free download, no crack, keygen, serial, torrent... for Universal Audio Apollo, Arrow, UAD-2, Twin, Satellite, Octo, Quad, Duo, Solo: https://uadplugins.club

peter_kontor2

UAD coto puss

I use so many UAD plugins that I can't imagine to function properly with out octo card. If you use UAD plugins it's a must have or soon it will be for you.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Weeknd uses Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card

The Weeknd

Singer, Keyboardist

Bulleez n Nerdz

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In an article from Soundonsound, it is noted that The Weeknd utilizes the Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card to enrich his music with vintage analog sounds.

See how Pretty Lights uses Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card

Pretty Lights

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Uaudio

“When Joel told me about UAD plug-ins, I was beyond blown away by his opinion. He insisted that they were actually true emulations of the [analog] gear he is so familiar with. I couldn't believe my ears. I immediately went and bought every UAD plug-in and a Thunderbolt chassis for three OCTO cards.”

See how Illangelo uses Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card

Illangelo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

“Not much. What I use is this: a MacBook Pro, in my studio together with a PCI chassis with two UAD Octo Cards..."

See how Gareth Jones (producer) uses Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card

Gareth Jones (producer)

Music Producer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Gareth Jones

"I am a huge fan of the powerful UAD plugins and run 2 Octo cards. This dream setup combined with a host of other incredible plugins including the full Slate Digital set allows me to interface with my Analog summing chain in a really creative and satisfying way. I have built a huge multi buss virtual mixing console inside Logic X which is giving gratifying results. Big. Wide. Punchy."

See how Stuart Price uses Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card

Stuart Price

Music Producer

The Killers

...
Verified via Uaudio

Could you describe your current setup?

"Yes, it’s the new Mac Pro with an Apollo QUAD connected via Thunderbolt. I was using a UAD OCTO PCIe card in a Sonnet chassis as well which worked great too. I used that in tandem with a Neve Melbourn 12 channel board."

Album Usage

The Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card has been featured on the following albums:

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 OCTO PCIe Card, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
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2
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1
FabFilter Timeless 3
FabFilter Timeless 3 Music Software
1
iZotope Ozone 9
iZotope Ozone 9 Music Software
1
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
1

1 alternative for Universal Audio UAD OCTO PCIe Card, curated by the Equipboard community.

Universal Audio Arrow

$300.00 - $872.49

cheaper alternative

forum UAD Plugins Unlock free download, no crack, keygen, serial, torrent... for Universal Audio Apollo, Arrow, UAD-2, Twin, Satellite, Octo, Quad, Duo, Solo: https://uadplugins.club

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