"With the UAD-2 , you put it on and it sounds like a Fairchild. It makes it so much easier to get what you're looking for."
— Matt Knobel (Lenny Kravitz)
“It's easy to get the VCA VU pumping away. Correctly adjusting the Threshold knob to get the unit working is simple, thanks to the Above and Below threshold lights.”
— Review (Computer Music)
"The Universal Audio UAD 1176LN and LA-2A compressors do a great job of capturing the character of the older gear."
— Charles Dye (Pro Sound News)
"I love the sound of a Fairchild [plug-in] on an acoustic guitar. For me, it just brings out that natural sound that I like.”
— Jim Dalrymple (The Loop)
"It was hard to reliably distinguish hardware from plug-in in all but the most extreme settings (where plug-in was better)"
— Mitch Gallagher (EQ Magazine)
"The UAD-2 is the first plug-in set that replaces gear I own, hardware-wise, and that's a big deal."
— Vance Powell (The Raconteurs, Jars of Clay)
"I'd have to say that the UAD plug-ins blow similar TDM plug-ins out of the water..."
— Andy Hong (TapeOp)
$596 if purchased separately
The “Big Four” Landmark Compressors of the Past 50 Years, Right at Your Fingertips
The Classic Compressor Bundle combines the world’s finest emulations of the four most important and beloved audio compressors of the last 50 years — in one convenient and cost-effective bundle — saving you 25% versus buying these popular UAD Powered Plug-Ins individually. Each included compressor represents a “golden” example of the four fundamental gain reduction types: Optical compression (Teletronix® LA-2A), FET compression (UA 1176LN), Variable Mu/Tube compression (Fairchild® 670), and VCA compression (VCA VU). Taken together, the UAD Classic Compressor Bundle delivers a comprehensive, professional and widely acclaimed solution for all your dynamics processing requirements — regardless of instrument type, music style, or desired sound.
Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier
The Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier is practically the definition of tube-based vintage audio gear. The unit’s original Opto-Electrical attenuator circuit is responsible for the incredibly rich, warm compression found in countless classic recordings over the last 40 years. Universal Audio studied not just the LA-2A hardware’s sound, but how each component interacted and behaved under a full range of studio conditions — giving you that smooth, ultra-musical sound that’s magic on vocals in particular. In fact, the word "emulation" hardly does this Powered Plug-In justice. It is, more accurately, a “digital copy” of the Teletronix LA-2A, and upholds all the classic, analog characteristics of the original with unprecedented clarity and sound quality.
1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier
The reputation of the hardware 1176LN Limiting Amplifier is well known throughout the audio industry. Originally designed and built by Universal Audio founding father Bill Putnam Sr. in the 1960's, the 1176LN was the first to use a Field Effect Transistor (FET) as a voltage-controlled variable resistor. That innovation was the key to the product's unique character. An in-depth analysis of the 1176LN's "personality" allowed UA to meticulously reproduce the ultra-fast attack and unique sonic characteristics of the original hardware as a UAD Powered Plug-In. The resulting 1176LN Powered Plug-In is, hands down, the most accurate emulation of this analog classic available to those recording on a Mac or PC.
Fairchild® 670 Compressor
In studio gear esoterica, the two-channel Fairchild 670 is the 'Holy Grail' of hardware compressors. Universal Audio went to great lengths to capture the unique and sublime sonics of this famous Variable Mu/Tube limiter — while simultaneously eliminating its 65 lb. girth, 14 transformers, 20 vacuum tubes, and $30,000 vintage-market price tag — for our UAD Powered Plug-In version. Modeled on Allen Side's favorite unit from Ocean Way Studios, the Fairchild 670 plug-in incorporates all of the features from the original unit. Several new UAD-only features round out this offering, giving the Fairchild 670 Powered Plug-In added flexibility in modern studio settings.
VCA® VU Compressor/Limiter
The VCA VU Compressor/Limiter is a faithful emulation of the first commercially available VCA compressor, the dbx 160 — still widely considered the best VCA compressor ever made. “VU” is the common nickname for this highly regarded studio staple, famous for its simple control set and firm compression characteristics. The “VU” also has unique nonlinearities not found in other VCA compressors that give it a sonic distinction from later models. The UAD Powered Plug-In version of the VCA VU captures all of the sonic nuances from our “golden” modeling unit, plus the simple control set of the original hardware, including Threshold, Compression (Ratio) and Output Gain.
Note: All UAD Powered Plug-Ins require a UAD-2 or previous-generation UAD-1 card, as well as the latest version of the Powered Plug-Ins software, available here.
