Pricing and availability

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Plugin Boutique
$39.00 $34.00 $5.00 · All time low
Sweetwater
5.0 (7)
$99.00
Thomann
4.9 (7)
$36.00 $35.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $61

Standard/Professional

$59

$200+

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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the legendary ambiance of one of the world's most iconic recording studios right from your own setup with the Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in. This meticulously crafted software brings the renowned Sound City's British console sound and its historic echo chamber right to your digital workspace. With it, you unlock the ability to track and mix with the same sonic character that has graced countless hit records by artists such as Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Tom Petty.

Dive into a world where vintage meets cutting-edge technology, offering you the freedom to select from a treasure trove of vintage microphones, including ribbons and tube condensers from brands like RCA and Neumann, and reposition them in real-time. Whether you're looking to capture the intimate warmth of a "wood" corner or the expansive reflections of a hall, this plug-in provides the flexibility and authenticity to do so. And with exclusive access to the world's first emulation of the Dolby A301 Noise Reduction System, your recordings will have the same shimmer and punch as those produced within Sound City's hallowed walls.

Perfect for musicians and producers who crave that genuine analog warmth combined with modern precision, this plug-in is a must-have tool that blurs the lines between past and present, offering an unparalleled recording experience.

Key Features:

  • Emulation of Sound City Studios’ iconic Studio A with historic room and mic setups
  • Vintage mic selection featuring RCA, Neumann, AKG, and more
  • Authentic British console emulation with 3-band EQ and inline compression
  • First-ever emulation of the Dolby A301 Noise Reduction System
  • Real-time mic positioning and re-amping capabilities
  • Stunning echo chamber emulation for lush, natural reverb effects

Product specs

Software Type Studio Setting
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, AU, VST3 (UAD Native)
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 are the main features of the Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in?

The UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in offers access to Sound City's iconic Room A, a magic mic locker, and authentic British console tones with 3-band EQ and inline compression. It also includes outboard gear effects like Dolby A-style effects and 1176 limiting.

Is the Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in compatible with my DAW?

This plug-in is compatible with DAWs that support AAX, AU, or VST3 formats, making it versatile for use with popular software on both Mac and PC platforms.

What are the system requirements for the Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in?

For Mac, it requires macOS 10.15 or later with an Intel Core 2 Duo or higher and 4GB RAM. For PC, it requires Windows 10 or later with an Intel Core 2 Duo/AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher and 4GB RAM.

Do I need additional hardware to use the Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in?

No additional UA hardware is required to use this plug-in. However, an iLok account is necessary for authorization of the UADx Native version.

How does the Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in enhance my recordings?

This plug-in enhances recordings by placing your audio sources in the renowned acoustic space of Sound City's Room A, offering expertly placed mic setups, and providing lush echo chamber effects for a polished sound.

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Introducing UAD Sound City Studios Plug-In | Get a Tour Today

Video thumbnail for Introducing UAD Sound City Studios Plug-In | Get a Tour Today by Universal Audio

Introducing UAD Sound City Studios Plug-In | Get a Tour Today

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for UAD Sound City Studios + the Mutt Lange TRICK!! by Colt Capperrune

UAD Sound City Studios + the Mutt Lange TRICK!!

Colt Capperrune

Colt Capperrune

Video thumbnail for The U.A. Sound City Studios is way more than just ROOM&REVERB! by White Sea Studio

The U.A. Sound City Studios is way more than just ROOM&REVERB!

White Sea Studio

White Sea Studio

Video thumbnail for UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in: The Art of Capturing History by Sweetwater

UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in: The Art of Capturing History

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for UAD Sound City Studios Plug-In Sound Examples | UAD Native by Universal Audio

UAD Sound City Studios Plug-In Sound Examples | UAD Native

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio adds Sound City Studio Plug-in by Andrew Masters

Universal Audio adds Sound City Studio Plug-in

Andrew Masters

Andrew Masters

Video thumbnail for UAD Sound City Studio Plugin for Electric Guitar ReAmping by MillSounds

UAD Sound City Studio Plugin for Electric Guitar ReAmping

MillSounds

MillSounds

Video thumbnail for UAD Sound City Studios - A world famous studio, in your DAW! by Creative Sauce

UAD Sound City Studios - A world famous studio, in your DAW!

Creative Sauce

Creative Sauce

Reviews

PROS

  • Transforms home studio recordings with a pro facility sound

  • Unique room emulation creates natural-sounding reverb

  • Excellent for adding dynamic space to mixes

  • Effectively places instruments "in the room"

  • Versatile for various instruments and mix needs

  • Enhances recordings with incredible depth and fullness

  • Simplifies achieving a coherent mix space

  • Offers a distinct approach to room sound processing

CONS

  • Not a traditional reverb with multiple preset options like plates or halls

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in.

Use cases and applications

  • The plugin excels at adding natural room reverb to dry recordings, enhancing vocals, guitar, and strings effectively.

    Source
  • Employing the plugin as a reverb send can efficiently add body to overly dry sounds, applicable to various instruments.

    Source
  • Employing the mic align button effectively reduces phase issues, especially when blending multiple mic pairings like overheads, room, and hall mics.

    Source
  • Printing and blending various mic pairings allows for customized room sound balancing, mimicking physical mic setups in different recording scenarios.

    Source
  • Some users have successfully created a faux room mix for poorly recorded drums by applying Sound City directly to a drum bus, enhancing the room ambiance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users find Sound City superior to Ocean Way, noting it provides better results for reamping in dead rooms.

    Source
  • Sound City offers a unique blend of a reverb chamber, Neve EQ, and dynamic processors, making it more tonally flexible than Ocean Way, which suits Hollywood-style mixes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The encode mode on the compressor is favored for adding a smooth, bright sheen to vocals across mixes.

    Source
  • The plugin adds a unique ambiance and side-channel effects, enhancing the mix's spatial qualities when used subtly.

    Source
  • The plugin includes an EQ section reminiscent of a Neve desk and offers dynamic options like 1176, Neve bus comp, or the Dolby-A-Trick for versatile tone shaping.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The plugin's slow UI loading on certain rigs can hinder frequent use despite its excellent sound quality.

    Source
  • There are reported compatibility issues in Pro Tools where the mic list is not fully visible, and controls do not load, requiring UA support intervention.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users report that high-passing the reverb send on kicks above 100Hz prevents muddiness in the mix, preserving clarity in the low end.

    Source

User experience

  • Heavy use can lead to noticeable phase cancellations, so minimal application is often more effective for maintaining mix integrity.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the native version for its flexibility, allowing mixing from various locations without needing a satellite, though some miss using it for real-time tracking.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The plugin was acquired at a significant discount through a custom bundle, making it an attractive deal for users when combined with another plugin.

    Source

Critic Reviews

UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in — A Mix Real-World Review - Mixonline

mixonline.com

The Universal Audio UAD Sound City Studios Plug-in is a sonic powerhouse that effectively captures the iconic acoustics of a legendary studio. With its versatile re-mic and reverb modes, it allows musicians to breathe life into their tracks, making them feel expansive and professionally polished. The extensive library of modeled microphones enhances its utility, catering to various recording needs. However, some limitations arise, such as the closest vocal mic setting being only a foot away, which may introduce unwanted ambience. While it can be processor-intensive, careful application can yield outstanding results, especially on drums and vocals. If used judiciously, this plug-in can elevate ordinary recordings into something exceptional.

positive

Universal Audio Sound City Studios review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Universal Audio’s Sound City Studios plugin captures the legendary vibe of the iconic studio with remarkable fidelity. It offers an array of mic options and an emulation of Sound City’s reverb chamber, making it a versatile tool for enhancing recordings. While the extensive tweakability can be overwhelming for some, the user-friendly interface and plethora of presets make it accessible. The plugin is a significant asset for those working in smaller spaces, breathing life into tracks with rich, spacious sound. However, its price point may deter some, although discounts are often available. Overall, it’s a powerful plugin that can elevate home recordings to ‘big studio’ quality.

positive

Universal Audio: UAD Sound City Studios Plug-In | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The UAD Sound City Studios plug-in brings a slice of legendary recording magic right into your DAW, effectively emulating the distinctive sound of one of rock's most iconic studios. Its array of presets and vintage mic options deliver convincing sonic results across various instruments, making it a powerful tool for creating cohesive mixes. However, tread carefully; its easy-to-overdo effects can lead to a sense of overindulgence, raising ethical questions about authenticity in recording. Overall, while it offers great potential for enhancing your tracks, moderation is key to avoid sounding like you're "cheating."

positive

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