Universal Audio Max Preamp and Compressor Pedal

A UAFX-engine-powered pedal in a compact box, the Universal Audio Max is a preamplifier and FET compressor with warm dynamics fit for studio or stage.

Overview

Your sound, perfected. Built upon award-winning UAFX dual-engine processing and a burning desire for the ultimate in sonic legitimacy, Max Preamp & Dual Compressor puts the colorful sound of three legendary limiters and an iconic tube preamp, right at your feet.

Explore Iconic Compression with the UA 1176

From the mind of UA founder Bill Putnam to your pedalboard, Max gives you the same FET compressor used on decades of legendary studio guitar sounds, whether you're looking to make your funk a little funkier, add soulful sustain, or inject subtle infusions of tone.

Get Warm Tube Compression with the Teletronix LA-2A

This legendary optical tube limiter gives you softer, warmer dynamics control versus the 1176. Plus, you can fine tune your compression with a pedal-exclusive Ratio feature, for limiting beyond the vintage hardware and UAD plug-in versions.

Create Funky, Dirty Tones with the Classic Dyna Comp*

Add the grimy squeeze of this (in)famous red box to your sounds for lo-fi compression and funky overdrive perfect for sleazy slide tones.

Add a Legendary UA 610 Tube Preamp to Your Rig

Get the warm detail and character of UA's iconic tube preamp and EQ, and dial in killer sounds with the perfect amount of harmonics and grit.

Stack Compressors for Tones that Go Beyond the Norm

With Max, you can easily layer compressors in any combination for a dizzying array of sounds and textures, letting you push your tones to the front no matter how… read more much limiting you apply.

Personalize your Pedal with a Mobile App

With the UAFX Control app, you can tweak EQ settings, get serial/parallel operation, and add a sidechain bass filter for fully customized compression and preamp effects.

*All trademarks are property of their respective owners and used only to represent the effects modeled as part of Max Preamp & Dual Compressor.

Note that Max Preamp & Dual Compressor requires a modern 400 mA isolated power supply (sold separately). Go here for power supply recommendations.

Features:

- The most authentic emulations of classic UA 1176, Teletronix LA-2A, and classic Dyna Comp compressors, in a single pedal
- Full emulation of UA's legendary 610 tube preamp and EQ
- Stack and layer any combination of compressors
- Tweak preamp EQ settings, configure footswitches, add a sidechain bass filter, and more with the UAFX Control app
- Silent switching, buffered bypass, stereo operation

Specs

- Power requirements: Isolated 9VDC, center-negative, 400 mA minimum (sold separately)
- Inputs: 2 x " TS
- Outputs: 2 x " TS
- USB Type-C for updates via computer
- Height: 2.56" (6.5 cm)
- Width: 3.62" (9.2 cm)
- Depth: 5.55" (14.1 cm)
- Weight: 1.24 lbs (0.567 kg)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 1.45 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 3 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): GPM-MAX

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 831-440-1176
Web: https://help.uaudio.com/

Reviews

(1 ratings)

Submitted August 1, 2023 by a customer from gmail.com

"Not a lot of headroom + tricky software"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I’m giving the pedal 2 stars because when it’s dialed in it, particularly at low volumes, sounds amazing. But there’s not a lot of headroom. I know the pre-amp is known for low headroom, but even when it’s off there’s a lot of distortion when you’re pushing the gain. I tried to go into the UAFX app in an attempt to fix the issue. But the app itself is extremely finicky; I have the pedal registered but the pedal won’t stay connected to my Bluetooth. And I’ve tried to update the firmware through my laptop, but then I’m having issues downloading the UAFX control app on my Lenovo notebook (which probably UA’s fault, but another hoop to jump though). I’ve been in touch with UA and waiting on another response from them. At this point I would be happy to run the compressors parallel to see if it helps with the distortion.I’ll also note that flipping the switch requires you to remember where the setting was before. Which can be tricky; remembering one setting of the comp is set at 9:00 when the other is set at 12:00 can be overwhelming. But is easy to get around once you spend time with the pedal. I know the $350 price tag is for the quality the pedal contributes to the tone, not the “experience” of turning knobs and pressing buttons. But at this point I’m worried about taking it on to a gig and being able to adjust it to the room/group/etc. Like I said, at low volumes it sounds amazing and it’s so much fun to jam on. But worrying about it being a distraction… read more on stage? Or simply getting the most out of it? For $350? Idk man. I hope I can get into the app and make the adjustments needed because this would be sweet to gig with.

Sound
Sounds great when dialed in. 90% of the time it distorts.

Features
Having to flip a switch then turn knobs can be frustrating because you have to remember where the knob was before.

Ease of Use
This is by far the most difficult paddle I’ve ever tried to calibrate a sound for.

Quality
Heavy duty plastic and digital computer parts; can’t realistically ask for more from a digital pedal.

Value
It would be easier to get the clone of each pedal but a lot more expensive than this all in one.

Manufacturer Support
I’ve had one email back from the when usual “turn off and on again” instructions.

The Wow Factor
It emulates classic gear used to make classic sounds that are on recordings everyone enjoys.

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