Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $325
High-end/Boutique
$49
$150+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 9 merchants for "Universal Audio UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Revitalize your sound with the Universal Audio UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp, a vintage British valve amp simulator that brings the legendary tones of rock's golden era directly to your DAW. Crafted for musicians and producers who seek authentic, album-ready sounds, this plugin captures the essence of a classic Top Boost amplifier, celebrated by icons from Queen to Radiohead.
Harness the power of expertly emulated channels—Normal, Brilliant, and Vibrato—to craft sounds ranging from gentle chimes to searing overdrive. Whether you're laying down tracks for rock, pop, or country, the Ruby '63 provides the sonic palette you need. The inclusion of legendary boost effects, like the ‘60s Dallas Rangemaster and the Maestro EP-3 preamp, further enriches your sonic arsenal, delivering crisp, layered tones that cut through any mix.
Explore a selection of meticulously captured speaker cab setups, each offering a unique flavor of the British Invasion sound. Choose from Silver, Blue, Green, and more, each tailored with precision miking techniques to ensure your recordings sound as if they were created in a world-class studio.
With a collection of expertly crafted presets, finding your signature sound is both fast and intuitive. Simply load up your preferred style and start recording, or tweak the settings to align perfectly with your musical vision.
Key Features:
- Authentic emulation of a vintage Top Boost amp
- Three selectable amp channels: Normal, Brilliant, Vibrato
- Integrated classic boost effects: Dallas Rangemaster, Maestro EP-3
- Six classic speaker cabinet simulations, each with unique mic placements
- Curated presets for quick and easy sound shaping
- Compatible with macOS and Windows systems
- Requires internet connection for software authorization via iLok Cloud or optional iLok USB for offline use
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Amp Emulation, Boost |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Channels | 3 |
| Form Factor | Pedal |
| EQ | 2-band EQ, Cut |
| Presets | 1 x Onboard |
| Amp Modeling | 3 x Speaker models, 3 x Cabinet emulations |
| Distortion/Overdrive | Boost |
| Effects | Vibrato |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" TS |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" TS |
| USB | 1 x USB-C (firmware updates) |
| Bypass Switching | Buffered |
| Features | Mono/Stereo, 4-cable mode, Bluetooth v5.0 |
| Software | UAFX Control mobile app |
| OS Requirements - Mac | iOS 13 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Android 10 or later |
| Power Source | 9V DC (400mA) power supply (sold separately) |
| Height | 2.56" |
| Width | 3.62" |
| Depth | 5.55" |
| Weight | 1.24 lbs. |
FAQs
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What types of tones can I expect from the Universal Audio UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp?
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The UAD Ruby '63 emulates the iconic British "top boost" sound, offering chimey cleans and rich overdriven tones. It features three speaker models and cabinet emulations, providing versatility for classic rock and blues genres.
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Does the UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp work well in a stereo setup?
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Yes, the UAD Ruby '63 supports mono and stereo outputs, making it suitable for a wide range of setups, including stereo rigs for a more expansive sound.
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Can I use the UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp with a bass guitar?
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While primarily designed for electric guitar, the UAD Ruby '63 can be used with bass guitars, though tonal results may vary depending on the specific bass and playing style.
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How can I update the firmware on the UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp?
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Firmware updates for the UAD Ruby '63 can be performed via the USB-C port using the UAFX Control mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
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Is the UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Ruby '63 is designed with live performance in mind, featuring a robust form factor and buffered bypass switching to maintain signal integrity in various live scenarios.
Videos
Sweetwater
Universal Audio Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier Pedal Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Captures Vox AC30 sound with remarkable realism and dynamic response
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Provides a satisfying tactile experience with intuitive dial controls
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Excellent for both recording and live performances
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Great platform for clean tones and overdrive exploration
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Inspires creativity and feels like playing a real tube amp
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Vibrato effect and pre-amp boosts enhance sound versatility
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Easy transition between different guitar pickups with volume tweaks
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Offers a brighter, more colorful sound compared to other modelers
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Highly portable and cost-effective alternative to physical amps
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Complements well with external devices like OX Stomp for enhanced sound
CONS
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Difficulty achieving a totally clean tone with P90 equipped guitars
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Digital noise and static can occur at high gain levels
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Price is high for a single amp model compared to other options
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Takes time to dial in the perfect tone with some setups
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp.
Setup and maintenance
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Owners suggest placing modulation and time-based effects either before or after the UAD Ruby '63, depending on whether they handle line level inputs.
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Users recommend dialing back treble and bass on the brilliant channel to address a mid-scooped sound, suggesting the need for a mids knob for better control.
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Features and functionality
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The stereo output is designed to mimic two Vox cabs panned, offering an enhanced stereo experience during recording.
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The Ruby's lack of post-recording malleability is seen as a limitation for those not regularly gigging or requiring flexible recording setups.
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The Ruby '63 includes 6 built-in impulse responses (IRs) that can be disabled to use external IRs in the signal chain later.
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User experience
Use cases and applications
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The pedal is often used at the end of the signal chain like a traditional amp setup, enhancing its appeal for both live and recording environments.
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Ruby is preferred for playing through a real amp setup without a computer, while Morgan is favored for recording flexibility.
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Ideal for recording directly into a DAW, the Ruby '63 is favored by users who previously recorded with a Vox AC10 through a load box for its similar response.
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Comparisons
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The Morgan Suite offers versatility with British, American, and boutique amp models, unlike Ruby, which some find limited to its Vibrato model for broader tonal range.
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Nembrini's Vox AC30 emulation is noted for being affordable and often on sale, offering a budget-friendly alternative to Ruby's $399 price tag.
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The Walrus Audio ACS-1 offers more versatility with MIDI and headphone jack, but the Ruby '63 surpasses it in pure sound quality, mimicking an actual Vox amp more accurately.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistAlbum Usage
The Universal Audio UAD Ruby '63 Top Boost Amp has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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