UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop Support Page

General Information

Get Started

• Create Your my.uaudio.com Account
• Registration and Authorization
• Offline Authorization 

Performance

• UAD Instance Chart
• UAD Host Application Compatibility
• RTAS & Pro Tools Compatibility

Other Information

• UAD-2 Powered Plug-ins Basics & FAQ
• UAD User Guide – See Chapter 10 for detailed UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop instructions
• Software Updates
• UAD Version History & Release Notes

Minimum System Requirements - UAD v6.2.0

Windows (x86 and x64):

• Windows XP (Home, Professional, or x64 Edition),
  Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, or Windows 7

Mac OS X (32-bit and 64-bit):

• Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard or 10.7.3 Lion (or higher)
• Processor upgrade cards are not officially supported

All Platforms:

• ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 expansion slot for each UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop
• 1024 x 768 or higher resolution monitor
• CD-ROM drive or internet connection for software installation
• 1 GB available hard drive space
• Internet connection required for registration and plug-in authorization
• Compatible VST, Audio Units, or RTAS plug-in host application software

Discontinued Platforms:

• Prior UAD versions for older operating systems are available in the UAD Software Archives

Specifications

UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop Specifications:

• High-bandwidth ExpressCard (/34 or /54 compatible)
• 1 Analog Devices SHARC 21369 floating-point processors
• Multi-card support for up to 4 UAD-2’s (only 1 SOLO/Laptop per System) and 4 UAD-1’s in one computer
• Cross-Platform for Mac OS X 10.6/10.7, Windows XP/x64, Vista32/64, 7 32/64
• Supports VST, RTAS, and Audio Units plug-in formats
• 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz 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
• LoadLock™ ensures resource availability on loaded plug-ins
• 14-day full function demo for all plug-ins; try before you buy
• Powered Plug-Ins™ available 24/7 from UA's Online Store

Configuration Details

The following information describes specific configuration and settings that must be observed when using the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop.

All Platforms

• Close sessions and remove UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop before system sleep. Before putting the computer into sleep/hibernate/standby mode, quit all UAD host software and remove the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop card. Otherwise, unpredictable behavior and/or loss of session data could occur.
• Do not remove UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop while UAD plug-ins are loaded. Removing the card when it is active could cause the system to crash. Quit all UAD hosts before removing the card.
• UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop requires UAD software version 5.3.1 or higher.
• Using UAD-2 SOLO/Latop with desktop computers via PCIe-to-ExpressCard adapters is not tested and this configuration is unsupported. However, users have reported using this configuration without any issues.

Computer Compatibility

Windows Systems:

• Lenovo X200 / LCS2 is incompatible with UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop.
  Symptom: Complete system freeze. We've had user reports of incompatibilities with SOLO/Laptop and this system. We are looking into the issue, and currently do not recommend this configuration until a resolution is found.

• Use the ExpressCard/34 to ExpressCard/54 adapter with ExpressCard/54 slots.
  The UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop card uses the ExpressCard/34 form factor. When the card is installed in systems with the wider ExpressCard/54 slot, the included ExpressCard/34 to ExpressCard/54 adapter should be used for the most reliable connection. The adapter has two tabs on the bottom and one in the middle that snap into place on the SOLO/Laptop card. To install the adapter, line up the bottom two tabs on the adapter with the corresponding holes on the SOLO/Laptop card. Snap in the middle tab and the adapter will click into place. To remove the adapter, snap it off by holding the SOLO/Laptop card and bending the adapter down.

• Reinsert the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop if the LED flashes red/green indefinitely.
  Occasionally the LED on the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop card may continuously flash red and green after booting is complete and/or when inserting the card after boot. If this occurs, simply remove then reinsert the card, which should cause the LED to remain steady green.

Mac Systems Only

• Kernel panics with MacBook Pro “Core Duo” models under Mac OS X 10.6.8
  Kernel panics (system crashes) may occur when UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop is used with MacBook Pro “Core Duo” models under Mac OS X 10.6.8. This issue only occurs with MacBook Pro Model Identifier 1,1 or 1,2 units (it does not occur with “Core 2 Duo” and later models). Unfortunately this issue will not be addressed by Apple and we can no longer provide support for this system configuration.
  
  Workaround: The only known workaround is to revert to OS X 10.6.7 or earlier, as the issue was introduced in the OS X 10.6.8 update. If you are experiencing kernel panics under OS X 10.6.8 systems that are not Macbook Pro 1,1 or 1,2 Core Duo models, please contact our technical support team.

UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop Frequently Asked Questions

Are UAD-2 products compatible with Mac OS X 64-bit kernel mode?

Yes! 64-bit driver support for all UAD-2 devices under Mac OS X 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 products compatible with Windows 64-bit OS?

Yes! 64-bit driver support for all UAD-2 and UAD-1 devices under Windows 64-bit operating systems (XP, Vista, 7) was added in UAD Powered Plug-Ins v4.5.1.

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.

What systems are supported?

The UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop is designed to be compatible with any computer with an ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 slot. When the card is installed in systems with the wider ExpressCard/54 slot, the included ExpressCard/34 to ExpressCard/54 adapter should be used for the most reliable connection.

Note: some computers may perform better than others. Make sure you have the latest drivers and BIOS updates for your computer as many system performance issues are fixed after initial product release.

(Win) Do I need to use the “Safely Remove Devices” option in the Windows Taskbar Notification Area before ejecting the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop? (Mac) Do I need to use the “Power Down Card” in the Mac OS Menu Bar before ejecting the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop?

No. Because the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop is not a Storage Device, this is not necessary. 
Important: Never remove the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop card when UAD plug-ins are loaded, as this could cause the system to crash.

I already own a UAD card and UAD plug-ins, can I use them on my UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop?

Yes. With the launch of the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop we have added a new flexible licensing feature to allow users to “link” existing UAD plug-in licenses to the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop. See "Link License" Registration above.

Can I Sleep/Standby/Hibernate my computer when using the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop?

System sleep/standby/hibernate has been rigorously tested and is supported *BUT* we have observed some random/intermittent issues when performed with the card inserted. We recommend exiting all sessions and removing the card before sleep/standby/hibernate.

Is the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop the same power as a PCIe UAD-2 Solo?

Yes. See the UAD Instance Chart for more information.

Can I use the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop on a Desktop Computer using a PCIe to ExpressCard Adaptor?

Using UAD-2 SOLO/Latop with desktop computers via PCIe-to-ExpressCard adapters is not tested and this configuration is unsupported. However, users have reported using this configuration without any issues.

If you decide you want to try to use UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop via an adaptor on a desktop computer (this is NOT a supported configuration), follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of system hangs and/or data loss:

• Since PCIe slots don’t have built in hot-plug capabilities, UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop cannot be hot-plugged when using an adaptor. The UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop must be in the computer before boot, and should not be removed until the computer is shutdown.
• Sleep is Not Supported when using the UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop via an adaptor. Please disable Sleep/Standby/Hibernate when using UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop with an adaptor
• UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop may not be recognized on some systems (card remains flashing RED/GREEN). On systems like this, try to see if a BIOS update is available as this sometimes improves compatibility.
• If you decide to try to use SOLO/Laptop via an adaptor on your desktop computer at your own risk, we cannot officially recommend one, but some users have reported using this device successfully: ST Lab PCIe to ExpressCard Adapter/Controller for Expresscard 34/54