UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3
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Get the rich analog sound of UAD plug-ins over Thunderbolt.
The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt is a powerhouse DSP accelerator that gives Mac and Windows 10 users complete access to the world’s most detailed and authentic analog emulation plug-ins, available exclusively on the UAD platform.
Bolstered by next-generation connectivity, UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 lets you run large professional mixes with the rich analog character of award-winning UA-developed plug-ins, including exclusive titles from Neve, Fender, Lexicon, Studer, and many more. Plus, it’s backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 UA devices.Now You Can:
Run UAD Powered Plug-Ins on compatible Thunderbolt Mac or Windows 10 systems
Get a massive DSP boost for powering large professional mixes
Access over 100 plug-ins from Ampex,® Lexicon,® Helios,® Studer,® Neve,® Manley,® Capitol Studios,® API, and more
Start mixing right away with the included Analog Classics Plus plug‑in bundle
Get the sound of a professional analog studio “on the road,” courtesy of UAD plug‑ins
Combine with other UAD-2 devices, including UAD-2 PCIe card(s) and Thunderbolt-equipped Satellites and UA Audio Interfaces
UAD: The Industry’s Most Respected Collection of Audio Plug-Ins
From serious home recordists to multi-platinum mix engineers, UAD Powered Plug-Ins have been winning over audio professionals for more than 15 years. The reason is simple. No other plug-ins so faithfully capture the sound and behavior of classic analog equipment — from rare compressors and equalizers, to vintage reverb processors and tape machines.
The UAD library features over 100 plug-ins, co-developed with the biggest brands in audio. These plug-ins can be purchased with UAD-2 hardware from retailers as part of bundled packages, or you can buy UAD plug-ins à la carte from UA’s Online Store.
Learn More About UAD Plug-Ins ›
Powerful, Expandable Processing
UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 is available in QUAD or OCTO models with either four or eight SHARC processors, respectively. It can also be integrated alongside UAD-2 PCIe DSP Accelerator cards and Thunderbolt-equipped UA Audio Interfaces, including Arrow, Apollo Twin, and Apollo X interfaces for truly scalable mixing power.
UAD Plug-In Craftsmanship: The Science Behind the Scenes
In developing UAD plug-ins, UA’s acclaimed engineers undertake intensive physical modeling of classic audio hardware — “rebuilding” vintage analog gear in the digital world, component by component. UAD plug-ins replicate the exact, sometimes quirky behavior of the most prized analog hardware in existence, bringing you rich, three-dimensional sound and harmonics "in the box.”
What Makes UAD Plug-Ins Different? ›
Upgrade to the Ultimate Collection of UAD Plug‑Ins
UAD Accelerators include a suite of plug-ins right out of the box, with Teletronix® LA‑2A and UA 1176 compressors, Pultec® EQs, and more. Upgrade to the UAD Ultimate Bundle to get a fully-stocked analog studio at huge savings, with over 100 exclusive titles from Neve,® Ampex,® Lexicon,® SSL,® Fender,® and more.
See what’s included in Ultimate ›
“UAD plug-ins are amazing...
I’ve used them on all my projects
for the last few years.”
– Dan Auerbach The Black Keys
“UAD-2 is the first plug-in set that replaces hardware I own – that's a big deal.”
– Vance Powell (The Raconteurs, Jars of Clay)
“The sonic quality of UAD plug-ins is unrivaled
— I use them in every mix.”
– Jaycen Joshua (Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Jay Z)
“UAD plug-ins are always my first choice. Now with the UAD-2 SatelIite, I can have them all the time.”
– Darrell Thorp (Beck, Radiohead, Charlotte Gainsbourg)
“My UAD-2 Satellite is quickly becoming a classic piece of outboard gear. I'm using it on every mix.”
– Joe Chiccarelli (Jason Mraz, Beck, The Strokes, Morrissey)
“UA gear really helps bring the tradition of classic recording to the modern workflow.”
– Fab Dupont (Shakira, Santigold, Jennifer Lopez)
“UAD is my new secret weapon in the studio. I get everything to sound the way I always wanted, way before the mixing. ”
– Ivan Barias (Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott, Estelle)
“The UAD-2 Satellite gives me access to the world-class plug-ins I've come to rely on, with way more power, and in a package that I can toss in my suitcase or backpack.”
– Ryan West (Eminem, Kanye West, Kid Cudi)Customer Reviews
S. LEGAND
November 20, 2020
Delighted
Now I use the best plugins, the best emulations... my mixes are greater. Nothing to add
Read MoreJ. Poole
November 14, 2020
Comparison
UAD is the best because you only have to buy it once. No update fees.
Read MoreS. Davis
November 10, 2020
System strain gone!
After plugging the UAD Accelerator, the first thing noticed is the strain it takes off of the computer. This is a true life safer and gives the ability to utilize more plugins for use at...
Read MoreF. Biagetti
November 6, 2020
Great for additional processing power
I bought this satellite TB2 second hand and it works like a charm, no compatibility issue just plug & play! It's giving 4 additional DSP cores to my twin quad and for now I think...
Read More -
Analog Classics Plus Bundle
With the Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, you’re ready to start mixing with legendary tube gear like the Fairchild® 670 and the Pultec® EQP-1A EQ. You also get a dedicated suite of powerful mixing plug-ins and UA’s landmark 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in.
- UA 610‐B
- Fairchild 670 Legacy
- Teletronix LA‐2A Legacy
- UA 1176LN Legacy
- UA 1176SE Legacy
- Pultec EQP‐1A Legacy
- Pultec Pro Legacy
- Precision Channel Strip
- Precision Reflection Engine
- Precision Delay Modulation
- Precision Delay Modulation L
- UA Precision Enhancer Hz
- RealVerb‐Pro
UA 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ
Impart your tracks with the iconic warmth and character of the classic hardware used to track everyone from Duke Ellington to Coldplay. By emulating the entire signal path, including tube amplifiers, transformers, and circuit nonlinearities, the 610-B Tube Preamp and EQ plug-in injects organic detail and saturation to any signal.
Fairchild® 670 (Legacy)
The world’s most coveted compressor, the classic Fairchild 670 tube limiter will give your tracks and mixes unmistakable tube warmth and character. Whether you’re looking for subtle compression on a lead vocal, or grittier textures that can work on guitars, bass, or a drum bus, the Fairchild 670 plug-in adds a classic “glow” to anything you run through it.
Teletronix® LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier (Legacy)
With its gentle, program dependent optical compression and meticulously designed tube amplifier, the LA-2A is the go-to compressor for professional mixers around the world — especially for vocals. Incredibly easy-to-use Peak Reduction and Gain controls gives you the ideal optical compression sound for guitar, bass, drums, and more.
1176SE/LN® Classic Limiting Amplifiers (Legacy)
Get classic, ultra-fast FET compression from the world’s most recognized compressor. The 1176 will impart punch, presence, and character as well as its signature distortion overtones on drums, vocals, guitars, and bass. The 1176LN has graced countless recordings, from Led Zeppelin, to the White Stripes and Michael Jackson.
Pultec® Pro Equalizers (Legacy)
Mix with two of the most sought-after hardware EQs ever made — the MEQ-5 Midrange Equalizer and the EQP-1A Program Equalizer. Both of these tube-based icons deliver offer smooth and silky EQ curves with an abundance of warm analog character.
Precision Mix Rack Collection
Featuring the Precision Channel Strip, Precision Reflection Engine, and Precision Delay Modulation plug-ins, the Precision Mix Rack Collection offers four modern, high-fidelity plug-ins for recording and mixing. Powerful and intuitive, Precision Mix Rack Collection gives you an impressive tool set — perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
UA Precision Enhancer Hz
Expertly dial-in your music’s low-end frequencies with the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-in. Able to yield exacting results with minimal adjustment, the Precision Enhancer Hz can add weight to kick drum samples, fatten up a synth bass, or simply make the low-end of your tracks more audible on smaller speakers.
RealVerb Pro
RealVerb Pro is a flexible, natural sounding reverb based on UA’s own unique set of algorithms. Allowing you to design the room just as you hear it, the RealVerb Pro goes beyond simply big/small or dark/bright, giving your sources distortion-free, smoothing diffusion control and ultra-long reverb tail.
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Key Features
Run UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Thunderbolt 3 on modern Mac and Windows 10 systems (backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices)
4 (QUAD) or 8 (OCTO) SHARC processors provide a massive DSP boost for running large professional mixes
Access over 100 plug-ins from Ampex, Lexicon, Studer, Neve, Manley, SSL, EMT, Helios, and more
Includes Analog Classics Plus bundle featuring Legacy editions of LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176 Classic Limiting Amplifiers, Pultec EQP-1A, Pultec Pro, and Fairchild 670 plug-ins, plus 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and more
Compatible with Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Live, and more
Combine with other Thunderbolt-equipped UAD-2 devices including PCIe card(s), UA Audio Interfaces, and additional Satellites
Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt peripherals
Also available with Custom software packages featuring user-selectable plug-ins
UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 System Requirements
ALL:
- Thunderbolt 3 cable (not included)
- Internet connection to download software and authorize UAD plug-ins
- Compatible plug-in host DAW software
- 6 gigabytes available storage
MAC:
- Available Thunderbolt 1, 2, or 3 port
- macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, or 10.15 Catalina
- Thunderbolt 1 and 2 connections require an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (not included)
WINDOWS:
- Available Thunderbolt 3 port
- Windows 10 (64-Bit Edition)
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Customer Reviews
UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3
S. LEGAND
Delighted
Now I use the best plugins, the best emulations... my mixes are greater. Nothing to add
M. Sheehan
Awesome
awesome
J. Poole
Comparison
UAD is the best because you only have to buy it once. No update fees.
S. Davis
System strain gone!
After plugging the UAD Accelerator, the first thing noticed is the strain it takes off of the computer. This is a true life safer and gives the ability to utilize more plugins for use at one time.
Not receiving the too many plugins message is awesome. No longer do I have to choose between the plugins I use.M. Kerlin
Top notch
Flawless Octo performance.
F. Biagetti
Great for additional processing power
I bought this satellite TB2 second hand and it works like a charm, no compatibility issue just plug & play!
It's giving 4 additional DSP cores to my twin quad and for now I think that's plenty for typical rock projectsa. cowan
UAD Satellite Thunderbolt 3
Very happy with this UAD product. So glad to be using plugins I purchased some years ago plus some new plugins. I had lost my original hardware after moving interstate. Back on track! This accelerator works really well.
C. Bruce
Industry Standard
If you still are on the fence about UA and the Apollo X line and the satellites here’s the bottom line from an x6, Octo and Ultimate 8owner of 6 months The defining moment that every one will encounter is when you start hearing that the music you are doing starts sounding like records old and new and you can now make that elusive sound you become musically drunk with amazement and you will feel your now unstoppable. What shows is that your barely mixed songs start sounding better than the mastered versions of stuff you did on consumer targeted equipment. What made me buy this was a review identical to this one and I swore it must have been fake or a company sympathizer the worst thing that can happen is you get famous. .
A. Jäger
UAD-2 Satellit Thunderbolt 3
Das Gerät ist einfach Super!
P. Betremieux
Satellite Quad thunderbolt. doesn't. work!!!
I have a apollo 8 and an octo satellite who work good. I've bought a satelite quad for more power, but it does'nt work at all! charge my general DSP, dismiss all my UAD plugs!
and now the music store is close for one month in Paris... what a ...!J. Phab
Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt - OCTO Custom
Good stuff but what I bought was a Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt - OCTO Custom. Excellent product really provides the seamless heavy lifting to support bigger mixes. Nice to be able to build and engineer audio chains on the canvas and not get limited by tech. Let's you put it between the speakers. Thinking of getting another unit for the house.
The rear power switch on the OCTO compromises usability. Also it should come with optional 1RU Ears. Had to pursue a DIY to custom fitted solution to put it in the rack in one of our sidecars.
Desk space is premium real estate. The price was also a bit heavy almost the cost of the main Apollo 8 we purchased. Overall great product. Also like the umbrella licensing across the entire system for the plugins. That is a solid value add.S. Costantino
Very much needed with my Apollo Quad
Can’t get enough DSP with all the powerful plug ins available at UA!
I love having this under the hood for maximum recordings and mixes!W. Edwards
Best purchase since my Apollo Twin
So glad I bought this unit. Lets me use the plugins I want on my mix. I went for the Octo, and my template with all the plugins in place only gets me to 75% of available DSP. That’s with a couple of instances of Capitol Chambers, and a whole host of other stuff. If you like UA plugs, this is a no-brainer.
z. al-jebori
3 octa + quad all work perfectly
Very happy with my over kill set up only downside is it doenst help the apollo with unison applications but I dont really need it.
V. Velazquez Solis
I love it
A game changer. Thanks UA!
A. Björnsson
angelica
I bought this product and It's not working at all. The box itself seem to only run one plugin and majority of my plugins are disabled because of the Dsp. I've tried to contact the support team and they haven't replied to my actual questions. Pretty disappointing as I have another older version of the satellite box and that one runs fine.
T. Anderson
Just added my first Octo Satellite
I started a year ago with the Twin X Quad to get a nice interface and test the waters of UAD. Well I drank the koolaid and one year later just added an octo satellite to the mix and it's great. I look at it as an investment in my future music. There is lots of competition when it comes to plugins but I choose to put my money with UA and I've been really happy so far.
T. Musto
Did the trick
Whats to say? Love the plugins need more DSP!
P. Spierenburg
Very happy
This is my second octo tb3. It has lots of dsp power and very good effects. If you want a stable dsp system, just go for this one.
A. Fazil
Power DSP when you need it the most
This is my 2nd Satellite - With Luna and this device - its a Dream - you have enough power to use all your great UAD plugins to get great mixing going - If you can afford to go for the OCTO as eventually you will want to move to a higher specification device.
