Enter to Win a $8000 PA System!

Universal Audio Max Preamp and Dual Compressor Pedal

Stereo Dual Compressor Pedal with 3 Compressor Models, 610-style Preamp, Buffered Bypass, and UAFX Control App
Limited-time Offer! - 4 Days Left
Lowest price in 90 days
$50.00 Off!
Purchase this item at Sweetwater, and get $50.00 off! The price shown reflects your savings. Effective now through 3/31/2024.
Details
$299.00
Instant Savings: $50.00 (14%) Was: $349.00

Earn $15 back in Bonus Bucks OR pay $13/month with 24 month financing*

In Stock!

Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Universal Audio Max Preamp and Dual Compressor Pedal
In Stock!
$299.00
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Dual Compression Flexibility with Maximum Tonal Authenticity

Boasting three classic compressor models and a spot-on tube preamp emulation, the Universal Audio Max Preamp & Dual Compressor pedal contains the power of a small studio setup in a standard stompbox form factor. From a classic guitar pedal compressor to a smooth optical tube model to UA’s own 1176, the Max’s dual-compressor design allows for a single instance of compression or the first instance stacked into the second for maximum squash and density. A versatile control section including Attack, Ratio, Release, and Comp adjust each compressor individually depending on where the 2-way Comp Select switch is selected — a knob tweakers dream, and that’s before you throw the harmonic warmth of the 610-style Preamp into the mix! Lastly, if you’re seeking greater adjustability, pair your Max with Universal Audio’s UAFX Control software for improved equalization options, series/parallel switching, and even a sidechain bass filter for an endless array of tonal choices.

Three iconic compressors to choose from

The Max has three different compressors to squash your sound, from a stompbox classic to two legendary studio units. The control scheme for the Max will drastically change depending on which model you choose, retaining the workflow and feel of the original model.

  • Dyna: This setting is modeled after one of the most revered guitar compressor pedals, producing a somewhat lo-fi and attitude-filled compression tone. When testing the Max out at Sweetwater, we loved this setting for vibing up a funky rhythm tone or adding a touch of snarl to a crushed country lick.
  • FET 1176: Considering Universal Audio invented the 1176-style compressor way back when, this one’s inclusion is no surprise. However, what is a surprise is how perfectly UA has captured the original’s warm, soulful feel on this compact little pedal. This setting is ideal for giving any source an old-school feel and studio-ready sheen.
  • OPTO LA-2A: If you’re after a soft, warm, and dynamic feel, the OPTO LA-2A setting will surely be your first choice. This mode is based on a classic vintage tube optical compressor, with the addition of Ratio adjustment for enhanced control over the original.

True tube-style preamp tones

Truly a studio-ready setup in a box, the Max’s three compressor models are augmented by a preamp emulation of another Universal Audio classic: the 610 tube preamp. A quick swipe of the Max’s red Preamp knob injects your sound with the rich, lush character of UA’s legendary tube preamp and EQ unit, with a healthy dose of harmonic warmth. It’s an ideal sonic complement to the Max’s trio of retro compressor tones, allowing you to effortlessly call up sought-after studio sounds in history from the comfort of your pedalboard.

One compressor is good — two are better

A light hand goes a long way when dialing in a bit of subtle compression, but sometimes you need to really crush a signal for maximum aggression and attitude. After all, this pedal is a “Dual Compressor,” boasting two 3-way switches to rig up any wild combination of the Max’s three compressors that you could dream up. A 2-way Comp Select switch allows you to easily choose which of the two compressors the pedal’s knobs control (Attack, Ratio, and Release). Plus, a dual-footswitch design essentially gives you three channels of crisp compression tone to choose between instantly.

UAFX Control app for enhanced adjustability

Compatible with any iOS or Android device, Universal Audio’s UAFX Control app opens up a whole new realm of sonic possibilities. Pair up your Max with UAFX Control to adjust equalization options, switch between serial/parallel operation, or even add a sidechain bass filter for seriously enhanced compression and preamp effects.

Universal Audio Max Preamp and Dual Compressor Pedal Features:

  • Stereo dual compressor and preamp pedal with 3 classic compressor emulations and a preamp modeled after the UA 610 tube preamp
  • UAFX dual-engine processing delivers the highest level of sonic authenticity
  • 3 classic compressor models to choose from, including a staple compressor guitar pedal, UA’s own 1176 FET compressor, and an iconic optical tube compressor
  • Preamp knob captures the tube-style warmth and harmonic grit of the UA 610 preamp
  • Dual compressor design, with 2 x 3-way switches to pick any combination of the Max’s 3 compressors to combine
  • Attack, Ratio, Release, and Comp controls, in addition to a 2-way Comp Select switch that allows you to dial in both compressors with a single set of knobs
  • UAFX Control app offers enhanced equalization options, series/parallel operation, sidechain bass filter, and much more
  • Utility features include silent switching and buffered bypass

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Pedal Type: Compressor
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Inputs: 2 x 1/4" TS
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TS
  • Bypass Switching: Buffered
  • Additional Features: UAFX Control app
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
  • Power Usage: 400mA
  • Height: 2.56"
  • Width: 3.62"
  • Depth: 5.55"
  • Weight: 1.24 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: GPM-MAX

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Secret sonic sauce

If ever there were an "always on" pedal, this is it. I'd been wanting a compressor pedal for some time, but I never could decide between optical or FET style compression. Then the Max appeared, and I snapped it right up. It makes everything sound better. The question is always, "How much of the improvement is simply due to volume boost vs. tone?" It's a little of both. Best example is how a thin Tele suddenly becomes rich and luscious, with plenty of sustain, and a little preamp grit (I generally keep the preamp knob below 12:00 because the distortion becomes unpleasant if you go too high). Sonically, this pedal is top-notch (as usual for UA). And it's so tweakable, with two compressors available at any one time. Which brings me to my only complaint: I wish I could save a favorite setting. That would be useful because it's easy to mess things up given that the knobs don't necessarily show you the current state of a given compressor. Hint to buyers: be sure to install the latest firmware in order for the LEDs to work properly and show compression.
Music background: Hobbyist
Rated 4/5

World class compression, need a phone tho

I can plug two instruments in and each has its own compressor and preamp! I use the LA-2A on acoustic guitar and just a touch of 1176 on bass. The LA-2A really adds sparkle and tightness to the guitar and the bass is nice and punchy using the 1176. Very intuitive interface, if a knob is not used for a particular compressor type the LED flashes green, so easy to tell which knobs apply to which compressors without consulting the manual. Minus one star just because it requires a phone to do the channel configuration, it would be nice to have hidden functions in the knobs to do that.
Music background: Musician
Close Close $8,000 PA System Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, test has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!