UAD-2 Satellite Support Page
This page is dedicated to UAD-2 Satellite compatibility and support. The following information is subject to change and may not always be up to date due to OS updates or other factors beyond our control.
Last Updated: April 24, 2012
Jump to: General Information | System Requirements
Specifications | Compatibility | System Sleep
FireWire Bus Power | FireWire Audio Interface Compatibility
Multi-Unit Support | Mac Pro FireWire Ports
International Power Supply Adapters | FireWire Adapters & Repeaters
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Get Started
- Create Your my.uaudio.com Account
- Registration and Authorization Instructions and Video
- Offline Authorization
Performance
Other Information
- UAD-2 Powered Plug-ins Basics & FAQ
- UAD User Manual – See Chapter 11 for detailed UAD-2 Satellite instructions
- UAD Version History & Release Notes
- Software Updates
Latest UAD-2 Satellite Software Updates
We are actively working to enhance the compatibility and performance of UAD-2 Satellite. For optimized operation, update to the latest UAD software. Note: This section lists software changes that are directly related to UAD-2 Satellite only. For a complete list of all changes, see the UAD Version History & Release Notes.
- Resolved compatibility issues with Avid/Digidesign 002 & 003 audio interfaces
- Two units can be used together in a single system
- Minimum latency is reduced from 512 samples to 256 samples
- Resolved various “err−98” issues
- Resolved possible unresponsive state when unit is on at system boot or restart
- Resolved issue requiring specific boot sequence with Avid/Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro
- Initial release for UAD-2 Satellite
UAD-2 Satellite System Requirements
- Intel-based Mac computer
- Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard or 10.7.3 Lion (or higher)
- Available FireWire 800 or FireWire 400 port
- 1024 x 768 or higher resolution monitor
- 1 GB available hard drive space
- CD-ROM drive or Internet connection for software installation
- Internet connection for registration, UAD plug-in authorization, & updates
- Compatible VST, RTAS, or Audio Units plug-in host application software
UAD-2 Satellite Specifications
- FireWire 800/400 external enclosure w/ power supply
- Desktop dimensions: 6” wide x 8” long x 1” high (weight: 2 lbs)
- Two (DUO) or four (QUAD) Analog Devices SHARC floating-point processors
- Supports Mac OS X 10.6.4 Snow Leopard or higher (32-bit or 64-bit mode)
- Supports VST, RTAS, and Audio Units plug-in formats
- 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz sample rate support for all plug-ins
- Drivers optimized for modern multi-thread and multi-processor architectures
- Real-time and faster than real-time processing for mix bounces
- DSP LoadLock™ ensures resource availability on loaded plug-ins
- 14-day full function demo for all plug-ins; try before you buy
- UAD Powered Plug-Ins™ available 24/7 from UA’s Online Store
System Compatibility
Note: System compatibility identification is based on the Mac Model Identifier (see "how to find" below).
Tested Computer Systems
All Intel-based Mac systems with FireWire 800 have been tested in-house and the compatibility of these systems is listed below. Older Intel-based Macs with FireWire 400 only (those without Firewire 800) have not been fully tested with UAD-2 Satellite but we are not currently aware of any compatibility issues with those models.
Compatible Computer Systems
The following Intel-based Mac systems with FireWire 800 have been tested in-house and are known to be compatible at FireWire 800 and FireWire 400 speeds:
| MacBook Pro 5,1 (15") |
iMac 7,1 |
Mac Pro 3,1 |
Mac Mini 3,1 |
| MacBook Pro 5,2 (17") |
iMac 8,1 |
Mac Pro 4,1 |
Mac Mini 4,1 |
| MacBook Pro 5,3 (15") |
iMac 9,1 |
Mac Pro 5,1 |
|
| MacBook Pro 5,4 (15") |
iMac 10,1 |
||
| MacBook Pro 5,5 (13") |
iMac 11,1 |
||
| MacBook Pro 6,1 (17") |
iMac 11,2 |
||
| MacBook Pro 6,2 (15") |
iMac 11,3 |
||
| MacBook Pro 7,1 (13") |
Partially Compatible Computer Systems
The following Intel-based Mac systems with FireWire 800 have been tested in-house and are known to run UAD-2 Satellite at FireWire 400 speeds only*:
| MacBook Pro 1,2 (17") |
Mac Pro 1,1 |
iMac 6,1 |
| MacBook Pro 2,1 (17") |
Mac Pro 2,1 | |
| MacBook Pro 2,2 (15") |
||
| MacBook Pro 3,1 (17") |
||
| MacBook Pro 4,1 (15") |
||
| MacBook Pro 4,1 (17") |
*For the systems listed as partially compatible (those that operate at FireWire 400 speeds only), adding a PCIe-to-FireWire or ExpressCard34-to-FireWire adapter can add FireWire 800 compatibility. See list of recommended adapters below.
Incompatible Computer Systems
- Windows PC systems are incompatible with UAD-2 Satellite
- PowerPC-based Mac systems are incompatible with UAD-2 Satellite
- The MacBook Pro 3,1 (“15-inch Mid/Late 2007”) is incompatible with UAD-2 Satellite
How to find the Mac Model Identifier:
|
The Mac Model Identifier (e.g., “MacBookPro2,2” at right) |
|
System Sleep
System Sleep Is Not Supported.
Important: Quit all UAD plug-in host software and power down and/or disconnect UAD-2 Satellite before system sleep.
While UAD-2 Satellite is active, system sleep is not supported. Follow one or both of these guidelines when using UAD-2 Satellite:
- Disable sleep. Open the System Preferences*>Energy Saver pane and drag the “Computer Sleep” slider to “Never” (far right position).
- Before sleeping the system when UAD-2 Satellite is active, quit all plug-in host applications (including UAD Meter & Control Panel) then power off or disconnect UAD-2 Satellite. After system wake is complete, UAD-2 Satellite may be powered up and/or reconnected.
*System Preferences.app is located in Applications/Utilities, or click the Apple icon in the menu bar (upper left of screen) and select “System Preferences” from drop menu.
FireWire Bus Power
UAD-2 Satellite cannot be bus powered nor does it supply bus power from its FireWire ports to other devices. When using a FireWire device that requires bus power, it is important to connect that device directly to a FireWire port that supplies bus power, such as the host computer itself or an externally powered FireWire repeater that is specifically designed to supply bus power. Note: The included power supply adapter is required for UAD-2 Satellite operation.
FireWire Audio Interface Compatibility
Avid/Digidesign Digi 002 and 003 are fully supported for use with UAD-2 Satellite as of UAD v5.9.0 and higher.
With UAD v5.8.1, these audio interfaces are known to lose communication with the host computer during playback and/or session loading when used with UAD-2 Satellite. We recommend updating to UAD v5.9.0 or higher for optimum performance.
MOTU “Mk3” interfaces: For optimum performance when using the recent FireWire audio interfaces from MOTU with the “Mk3” series moniker (828mk3, 896mk3, Traveler-mk3, UltraLite-mk3; including all “hybrid” models) with UAD-2 Satellite, we recommend booting the computer and powering the MOTU interface before powering UAD-2 Satellite. Additionally, UAD-2 Satellite should be power cycled after each time the computer is restarted.
Apogee Duet I (FireWire-based) interface: Some Macs have only one FireWire port (e.g., MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini). This creates a compatibility issue for the Apogee Duet, because the Duet requires bus power and it has no external power input. In order to use the Duet and UAD-2 Satellite on systems such as these, a FireWire repeater is recommended (some FireWire “hubs” may not perform optimally). FireWire repeaters can be connected to an unused port on UAD-2 Satellite then connected to the Duet. UAD-2 Satellite must be directly connected to the single port on the computer to ensure full FireWire 800 performance (i.e., more simultaneous UAD plug-in instances).
The diagram below illustrates the proper method of connecting Apogee Duet with UAD-2 Satellite (note an extra FireWire cable is required because of the additional device between UAD-2 Satellite and Duet). See Chapter 11 in the UAD Manual for additional FireWire connection example diagrams.
The Apogee Duet issue can alternately be addressed by adding a second FireWire bus and connecting the Duet directly to the host computer’s built-in bus while UAD-2 Satellite is connected to the alternate FireWire bus. For some notebook computers, a second FireWire bus can be added via an ExpressCard adapter; a list of compatible adapters is below.
Apogee recently announced the Duet II audio interface, which uses the USB protocol instead of FireWire. Although we have not tested the Duet II in-house, we have not encountered any UAD-2 Satellite issues with USB-based interfaces.
Multi-Unit Support
Multiple UAD-2 Satellite Units
As of UAD v5.9.0 or higher, connecting two UAD-2 Satellite units together in a single system is a supported configuration. We are actively investigating support for more than two UAD-2 Satellite units.
Combining UAD-2 Satellite with UAD-2 PCIe and/or UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop
UAD-2 Satellite can be added to an existing system containing a UAD-2 PCIe and/or UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop. Note adding a UAD-2 Satellite will cause other UAD-2 devices to operate at the same minimum buffer setting as UAD-2 Satellite (512 Samples).
Mac Pro FireWire Ports
Mac Pro systems have FireWire ports on the front and rear of the computer. For optimum performance when using UAD-2 Satellite with Mac Pro computers, connect UAD-2 Satellite to a FireWire port on the rear of the Mac Pro instead of a front panel FireWire port.
International Power Supply Adapters
UAD-2 Satellite includes an external international DC power supply with changeable AC connectors to match the AC socket in various countries. To change the AC connector:
1. Press and hold the button on the AC connector marked “PUSH"
2. Rotate the AC prongs counter-clockwise to remove the connector
3. Insert the desired connector and rotate clockwise until it snaps into place.
Note: The removable connectors are keyed so they cannot be inserted incorrectly.
Recommended FireWire Adapters and Repeaters
FireWire adapter and repeater compatibility is based on the FireWire controller integrated circuit chip that is inside the various available retail products. The “known good” controller chips that have been tested in house are:
- TI XIO2213
- LSI FW643
FireWire adapters and repeaters that use either of these chips should perform well with UAD-2 Satellite. All other controllers we tested have proven to be unreliable with UAD-2 Satellite.
There is no reliable way to determine which FireWire controller chip a given adapter uses, other than viewing the silkscreen numbers on the IC chip itself. All the FireWire products listed in the following tables use one of the qualified controller chips.
Important: To disconnect UAD-2 Satellite when it is connected to an ExpressCard-to-FireWire adapter, unplug the FireWire cable instead of removing the ExpressCard adapter to avoid system instability.
Recommended PCIe-to-FireWire 800 Adapters
The following PCIe-to-FireWire adapters have been qualified for use with UAD-2 Satellite:
| Brand: | Model | Format | Controller | Source: |
| Syba | SD=PEX30009 | PCIe |
TI XIO2213 |
www.amazon.com |
| SIIG |
NN-FW0012-S1 | PCIe |
TI XIO2213 |
www.amazon.com |
| Dynex |
DX-PC12PF |
PCIe | LSI FW643 |
www.amazon.com |
Recommended ExpressCard34-to-FireWire 800 Adapters
The following ExpressCard-to-FireWire adapters have been qualified for use with UAD-2 Satellite:
| Brand: | Model | Format | Controller | Source: |
| StarTech |
EC1394B2 |
ExpressCard34 |
TI XIO2213 |
www.buy.com |
| StarTech |
EC13941A1B |
ExpressCard34 |
TI XIO2213 |
www.buy.com |
Recommended FireWire Repeaters
FireWire repeaters are used to add additional FireWire ports to a FireWire bus and/or to provide FireWire bus power to devices that require it (such as the Apogee Duet audio interface). Repeaters are recommended instead of FireWire “hubs,” which may not perform optimally.
The following FireWire repeaters have been qualified for use with UAD-2 Satellite:
| Product: | Format: | Notes: | Source: |
| Unibrain FireRepeater 400 – 3 Port | 1394A (FW 400) |
External Power Supply Required (Sold Separately) |
www.1394sotre.com |
| Gefen FireWire 400 Repeater |
1394A (FW 400) |
External Power Supply Required (Sold Separately) |
www.gefen.com |
| Unibrain FireRepeater 800 – 3 Port |
1394B (FW 800) |
External Power Supply Required (Sold Separately) |
www.1394sotre.com |
| Unibrain FireRepeater-800 PRO – 4 Port |
1394B (FW 800) |
External Power Supply Required (Sold Separately) |
www.1394sotre.com |
Incompatible FireWire Hubs
Note: DO NOT BUY these hubs for use with UAD-2 Satellite:
- Belkin F5U526 FireWire 6-Port Hub
- IOGEAR Hi-Speed USB 2.0/FireWire 7-Port Hub
- Belkin F5U507 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire 6-Port Hub for Mac mini
UAD-2 Satellite Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use UAD-2 Satellite with Avid/Digidesign Digi 002 and 003 audio interfaces?
Yes! As of UAD v5.9.0 and higher, these interfaces are fully supported.
Can I use multiple UAD-2 Satellite units together in the same system?
Yes! Connecting up to two UAD-2 Satellite units together is a supported configuration as of UAD v5.9.0 and higher. We are actively working to improve performance with more than two units; please check back later for up-to-date information.
I already own a UAD-2 PCIe system, can I add UAD-2 Satellite to that system?
Yes! UAD-2 Satellite works just like any other UAD-2 PCIe card, whereby you can add a card to a “group” and the UAD plug-ins will be authorized for all UAD devices in the group. Groups can contain up to 4 UAD-2 devices.
How many plug-ins can I get running on UAD-2 Satellite?
This specification is both subject to change and also varies depending on how many FireWire devices are on the bus:
- 77 Stereo/152 mono plug-ins over FireWire 800, tested at sample rates of 44.1 kHz.
- For a greater number of plug-in instances, connect UAD-2 Satellite directly into a FireWire 800 port.
- See the UAD Instance Chart for additional detail.
Note: Some DAWS force using stereo processing even on mono tracks, which will reduce the total amount of possible UAD plug-ins.
Does UAD-2 Satellite allow for Daisy chaining to other FireWire devices?
Yes! You can connect any mixture of FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 devices to UAD-2 Satellite. To maintain a higher amount of simultaneous plug-in instances, a direct FireWire 800 connection should be made between UAD-2 Satellite and the host computer.
Does the FireWire bandwidth go down if I daisy chain a FireWire 400 device to the FireWire 400 port on UAD-2 Satellite?
No! You can enjoy full use of the FireWire 800 bandwidth even when daisy chaining FireWire 400 devices. Just connect UAD-2 Satellite directly to the 800 port on the Mac.
Does daisy-chaining other FireWire devices limit the amount of UAD plug-ins I can run?
Yes, all FireWire DSP accelerators are limited by the amount of available FireWire bandwidth. Any FireWire bus has a fixed amount of bandwidth, and all the devices on the bus for that same bandwidth. For best performance, limit the amount of FireWire devices connected to the computer.
To help you get guaranteed performance out of UAD-2 Satellite, there are settings in the UAD Meter & Control Panel (in the FireWire tab) that let you allocate the fixed amount of FireWire bandwidth that UAD-2 Satellite will consume. This ensures the same quantity of plug-ins are available from session to session.
So a QUAD is a QUAD right? I have plenty of DSP left on my UAD-2 Satellite QUAD but the FireWire Bandwidth meter is full! Why can’t I run as many UAD plug-ins on my UAD-2 Satellite QUAD as my UAD-2 QUAD PCIe?
This is purely a FireWire bandwidth issue. Assuming you don’t run out of DSP to run the plug-ins you want, it all comes down to the available bandwidth of the FireWire bus. Compare a two-lane highway to a seven-lane freeway; on the seven-lane freeway, more cars can get through simultaneously. Similarly, plug-ins require their own I/O stream in order to be heard, and FireWire has a limited amount of streams compared to PCIe. The bottom line: Available FireWire bandwidth is completely unrelated to the amount of available UAD-2 Satellite DSP.
The available FireWire bandwidth can also become constrained depending on other FireWire devices on the FireWire bus (such as an audio interface). All that said, lots of plug-ins can be run over FireWire during an average session.
I understand that the processing of the UAD plug-ins is done on UAD-2 Satellite. Does that mean I can’t use the freeze features of my DAW?
You absolutely CAN use freeze on your DAW with UAD-2 Satellite, just hit the freeze button and the audio channel gets processed faster than real-time, just like any other AU/VST plug-in.
What is the lowest hardware buffer setting I can use with UAD-2 Satellite for stable operation?
UAD-2 Satellite natively runs at a 512 sample buffer or higher. All FireWire DSP accelerators have a buffer limit to operate reliably; this is inherent in how fast data can be transferred over FireWire. In designing the UAD-2 Satellite driver, we were able to implement dynamic buffering that enables lowering the audio interface hardware buffer setting (256, 128, 64 etc) and still using UAD-2 Satellite simultaneously. When the hardware Buffer is set lower than 512, UAD-2 Satellite continues to work at a 512 sample buffer while other devices like audio interfaces will work at the lower buffer, allowing for critical low latency tracking workflows to be achieved. UAD-2 Satellite plug-ins should not be on the input or master output path during tracking to insure the lowest possible throughput latency when tracking. UAD-2 Satellite can, however, be used on reverb send/return tracks because, typically, those paths are not timing critical.
Will UAD-2 Satellite work for tracking with UAD plug-ins on input in real-time?
The latency will probably be too high for most users. This is a very common issue with FireWire DSP accelerators, as the buffer settings required in all DAWs for stable operation are too high to be used in a tracking workflow. We recommend using UAD-2 Satellite in the mixing and mastering stages of your workflow, where latency is less of an issue.
Are UAD-2 products compatible with Mac OS X 64-bit kernel mode?
Yes! 64-bit driver support for all UAD-2 devices was added in UAD Powered Plug-Ins v5.8.0.
Note: For further information on 64-bit operating systems read the following UA Support Report: 64-bit Operating Systems: Separating Fact from Fiction
Are UAD Powered Plug-Ins 64-bit?
Currently the UAD plug-ins are all 32-bit format, so when they are used in 64-bit host applications they require the use of a 64-bit bridge adapter. These bridge adapters are usually supplied by the manufacturers of the 64-bit host application you are using. We are aware of our user's concerns and requests for full 64-bit plug-in support, and we have announced that all UAD-2 plug-ins will be fully 64-bit compatible in 2012. Any changes or new announcements regarding full 64-bit plug-in support will be posted on the UA website.