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Overview

Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In

The Rich Analog Sound of the World’s Most Popular Multichannel Tape Machine and Four Tape Formulas in a Single Plug-In.

For more than 30 years, artists and engineers alike have been drawn to the warm analog sound, solid low-end, and overall presence of the Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder. The sheer number of albums recorded on this legendary 2” analog tape machine — including classics from Metallica, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, A Tribe Called Quest, and Jeff Buckley — serve as shining examples of the musicality of analog tape.

Features

  • Studer-endorsed, UA modeled emulation of legendary A800 Multitrack Tape Machine
  • Provides the warm, natural sound and solid low-end response of 2” analog tape — on Mac and PC
  • Models complete A800 electronic signal paths, including Input, Sync and Repro paths
  • Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card available from authorized dealers worldwide
  • View All Features

Authenticated by Studer, and modeled by UA’s world-renowned team of DSP engineers and AES magnetic recording expert Jay McKnight over a 12-month period, the Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plug-in for UAD-2 is the first product of its kind. This plug-in faithfully models the entire multitrack tape circuit path and electronics of a popular A800 machine from Allen Sides' collection at Ocean Way Studios — plus the distinct sounds of multiple tape formulas. Put simply, it's the world’s most accurate representation of professional multitrack analog tape recording, now available on Mac and PC.

Studer A800 Hardware Transport Controls

History
As the first microprocessor-controlled tape machine, the Studer A800 marked a new generation of professional multitrack recorders when it was introduced in 1978. Years ahead of its time, the A800 remains a sonic benchmark, and can still be found in studios all over the planet. However, with their massive steel frame and meter bridge, twin half-horsepower motors and cast alloy deck plates, original A800 units tip the scales at a backbreaking 900 pounds — not to mention the space required to house such a device. The UAD-2 plug-in version poses none of the hardware hassles of manual calibration and maintenance, nor the potential for tape degradation — while retaining all the beautiful sonic qualities that make tape such a beloved recording medium. Just drop the A800 in your first insert on every track desired, and enjoy the benefits of having recorded to tape.

Parameters
The Studer A800 for UAD-2 provides all of the original unit’s desirable analog sweetness; like magnetic tape, users can dial in a clean sound, or just the right amount of harmonic saturation using the Input and Output controls. The reel deck IPS control steps through three tape speed choices (7.5, 15, or 30 IPS), each with distinct frequency shift, head bump and distortion characteristics. The tape Type control lets users choose from four of the most popular magnetic tape formulas of the last three decades — each with their own subtle sonic variation and tape compression characteristics. The Cal control allows the user to choose between +3dB, +6dB, +7.5dB, or +9dB calibration levels. Input, Sync and Repro paths, plus Thru (bypass) are available for authenticity. A huge time saver, the Studer A800 plug-in features an innovative Gang Controls setting, allowing for instant global adjustment of any parameters for all Studer A800 instances in your session.

Secondary controls are hidden behind the reel deck, and can be exposed by clicking on the Studer badge or the Open label. The Equaliser control allows the user to select between the American (NAB) and European (CCIR) EQs. The HF Bias calibration allows tuning the HF oscillation voltage to the magnetic record head, striking a balance between sensitivity and distortion. This can also be used as an effect — from warm, overbiased sounds, to voltage-starved distortion and chatter. Sync and Repro HF and LF calibration EQs allow for adjusting playback response. All controls can be automatically calibrated via the A800’s Auto Cal feature, or may be disabled. Finally, separate controls for Hiss and Hum are available, with a global noise bypass.

In Use
The Studer A800 plug-in's primary recommended use, and the proper way to "demo" this processor, is as the first insert on every track where you want the sound of tape. This way, you can hear the cumulative "cohesive" effect of recording to magnetic tape as you build up your mix. (Of course, it can sound incredible on mix busses as well.) Be sure to strip away all other plug-ins at first; you may find, for example, that you end up needing far less compression and EQ, and that your mixes "glue together" more easily. See the Tips and Tricks blog entry below for more details.

$279.29
$349.00

Features & Specs

Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In

Features:

  • Studer-endorsed, UA modeled emulation of legendary A800 Multitrack Tape Machine
  • Provides the warm, natural sound and punchy low-end response of 2” analog tape — on Mac and PC
  • Models complete A800 electronic signal paths, including Input, Sync and Repro paths
  • Features four of the most popular Tape Formulas and Calibration Levels
  • Tape saturation and overdrive via easy-to-use Input / Output controls
  • Provides dead-on magnetic tape sound without the hassles of calibration, maintenance, tape degradation, etc.
  • IPS Speed/Emphasis Curve chooses between 7.5 NAB, 7.5 CCIR, 15 NAB, 15 CCIR, 30 AES
  • Gang Controls allows for fast global adjustment of all instances
  • Run 24+ tracks with a single UAD-2 QUAD DSP Accelerator Package
  • Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card available from authorized dealers worldwide

See the UAD Instance Chart here

Parameters:

  • Input provides -12 to +24 dB gain
  • Output provides -24 to +12 dB gain
  • Signal Path selection
    • Thru provides plug-in bypass
    • Input provides machine electronics-only path without tape
    • Sync provides path of audio being recorded to tape via record head and playing back via record head, plus machine electronics
    • Repro provides path of audio being recorded to tape via record head and playing back via repro head, plus machine electronics
  • IPS Tape Speed provides selection between 7.5, 15 and 30 IPS (inches per second) operation
  • Tape Type provides selection between 250, 456, 900 and GP9 formulas
  • Calibration provides +3, +6, +7.5 and +9 dB operating levels
  • Emphasis Equaliser selects between NAB or CCIR curves at 7.5 and 15 IPS (AES at 30 IPS)
  • Auto Cal Off/On provides automatic calibration for Record EQ, Bias, Playback EQs when switching IPS Tape Speed, Tape Type or Emphasis Equaliser
    • Record EQ / HF Driver provides a continuous “boost filter” gain
    • Bias / HF Driver provides a continuous recording head oscillator voltage from 0 to 15.5 volts
    • LF / Sync Playback EQ provides a continuous low frequency filtering gain
    • HF / Sync Playback EQ provides a continuous high frequency filtering gain
    • LF / Repro Playback EQ provides a continuous low frequency filtering gain
    • HF / Repro Playback EQ provides a continuous high frequency filtering gain
  • Noise Off/On provides global enabling and disabling of noise components
  • Hiss provides independent control for the noise floor component of the tape system ±25 dB
  • Hum provides independent control for the 60 cycle (NAB/AES) or 50 cycle (CCIR) AC component of the Studer A800 system  ±25 dB
  • Gang Controls Off/On provides temporary global access to all Studer A800 instantiations from one Studer A800 GUI window for all plug-in parameters
  • Show/Hide button reveals/hides the calibration and setup controls by clicking the Studer Badge Open/Close label
  • VU meter displays post input, pre-output signal
Reviews / Ratings

Reviews

1 of 5
  • Ed Cherney

    (Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton)

    “I came of age with the Studer A800 tape machine. I've recorded hundreds of tracks through that machine with every type of tape, speed, alignment, and bias. I just upgraded to a UAD-2 card and stumbled in to the UAD A-800. Holy s**t!”

    11/2011

    Electronic Musician

    "I was curious if UA 'got it right.' Simply stated, they did. Bull's-eye."

    05/2011

    J.J. Blair

    (Rod Stewart, George Benson)

    "This [Studer A800] plug-in gives me that little "X" factor... a very subtle, yet noticeable character that cannot be achieved simply with EQ or other plug-ins."

    04/2011

    Gareth Jones

    (Depeche Mode, Erasure, Grizzly Bear)

    "I enjoyed hearing the wonderful [Studer A800] plug-in. I was a huge A800 user in the 80s, and it was great to be sonically back there again."

    04/2011

    Darrell Thorp

    (Beck, Radiohead, Charlotte Gainsbourg)

    "The Studer A800 plug-in is tape in a box. Tracks that are thin and dull become full of life and tone... so creative, and musical."

    04/2011
  • Nathaniel Kunkel

    (Lyle Lovett, Nirvana)

    "The idea of a tape machine plug-in resonated with the skeptic in me. But I'm a believer now. This [Studer A800] plug-in is nothing short of amazing. Bravo, fine work UA!"

    04/2011

    JR Hutson

    (Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild)

    "The Studer A800 is the plug-in I've been waiting for! I've been searching for ways to get that warn saturated analog sound from a totally digital setup, and this is it. This has revolutionized my process."

    04/2011

    Fab Dupont

    (Jennifer Lopez, Santigold, Mark Ronson)

    "The Studer A800 plug-in creeped its way onto mix after mix, to the point where it's taken over by now. Definitely the closest thing to a real tape machine that I have heard."

    04/2011

    Frederick Norén

    (Sound On Sound)

    "There’s no question about the authentic sound produced by the UAD Studer A800 plug-in. This tape plug-in makes everything more coherent."

    02/2011

    Ryan West

    (Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Kanye West)

    "All the gooey and gluey loveliness of the Studer A800 anywhere I want to apply it in my DAW mixes sounds like an unreasonable request, but UA has delivered once again."

    12/2010
  • Vance Powell

    (The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs)

    "No tape emulation has ever achieved this level of... completeness? I expect to smell the tape when I hit play!"

    12/2010

    Ryan West

    (Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Kanye West)

    "I never thought I'd say this about anything in my studio, but the reality is that it [Studer A800 plug-in] works on everything."

    12/2010

    Vance Powell

    (The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs)

    "With the [Studer A800's] fine adjustments, different tape formulations and operating levels, UA has given us the best type of tape for every different type of track..."

    12/2010

    Vance Powell

    (The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs)

    "I can't tell you how happy I am that UA has made this [Studer A800] plug-in... Yes I can, Thank You UA!"

    12/2010

    Ryan West

    (Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Kanye West)

    "The Studer A800 plugin is the missing link for in-the-box mixing, but I'm also using it when mixing with Protools and an SSL or summing mixer."

    12/2010
  • Ross Hogarth

    (R.E.M, Keb' Mo, Ziggy Marley)

    "I've been really loving the Studer A800 on bass, kick, overheads, horns and strings. It adds a tonal color that is very musical. Killer job!"

    04/2011

    C.J. Vanston

    (Prince, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker)

    "Wow. The Studer A800 is big and beautiful, just like I remembered... What blew me away was the depth that I perceived."

    04/2011

    Mick Glossup

    (Frank Zappa, Van Morrison, UFO)

    "The Studer A800 plug-in, like all the other UA plug-ins, does a great job of simulating the analogue experience, which in this case is supplying the 'glue' to blend components together during the mix."

    04/2011

    Matt Knobel

    (Lenny Kravitz, Mary J. Blige)

    "The Studer A800 plug-in brings me back to a time long ago. The only thing missing is the smell of new tape."

    04/2011

    Glenn Rosenstein

    (Ziggy Marley, U2)

    "The [Studer A800] gives me all the analog goodness without any of the cross-talk, shedding, head-wear, maintenance issues, alcohol swabs, tape alignment."

    04/2011
  • Travis Wyrick

    (P.O.D., Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels)

    “Living in a digital world, it is fantastic to hear true emulation of analog tape! I specifically used GP-9 at + 9 for years for drums and bass and I am very impressed at how UA has captured the “glue” that tape adds to the tracks."

    12/2010

User Ratings

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Average Rating (49 Reviews)
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    by Thomas McNutt(Wednesday 15 February, 2012)

    The sonic quality is truly unbelievable. The UA Studer A800 Plug-In really helps to bring my tracks to life... It's a bonus that it's Magnetic Tape month. Don't wait, You can't go wrong having this in your Plug-In arsenal. … Read more

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    by Jean-Philippe RAPHA(Tuesday 14 February, 2012)

    Très très bonne émulation, son analogue et très chaud, idéal quasiment sur tous types de pistes drums, voix etc... à découvrir absoluement . … Read more

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    by peo hedin(Wednesday 26 October, 2011)

    I've been missing this wonderful machine for some time now, and didnt find any good plugins so achive this sound i had in my memory. But then a local music store hooked me up with UAD sofware...:) The A800 blew me away, and finally im back in the days:) it actually behaves and sounds like the … Read more

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    by Igor Pinkhas(Sunday 23 October, 2011)

    With skillful use of Studer ® A800 Multichannel gives very impressive results … Read more

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    by Daniel Skittlethorp(Wednesday 5 October, 2011)

    Amazing plug. Get it !! I still have a pristine 16 track machine sitting in the control room. Woa is me. I don't know what I'll do with it now that I have this fabulous Studer 800 plug. You guys at UA are awesome. Thank you for this and all the other great plugs that you have made available. … Read more

Artists
  • Grammy-Winning Engineer Darrell Thorp

    Marsha Vdovin hears how UA hardware and UAD Powered Plug-Ins are instrumental in his high profile engineering projects. Read more

    Rik Simpson

    Rik Simpson has engineered, produced, or mixed hit artist such as Jay Z, PJ Harvey, and Portisthead, but his latest project was producing Coldplay's latest album, Mylo Xyloto. Read more

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    Michael Brauer has enjoyed an illustrious 30-year music career, mixing chart-topping albums by artists including Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones. Read more

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