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
P. Whitby
September 19, 2021
All sorted, but ...
This is a very neat attractive little box, of solid constriction that is now taking care of all my DSP needs, with more than a little to spare. I bought it during the promo which offers...
Read MoreJ. Veatch
September 14, 2021
Lovin' the extra power!
I purchased an Apollo Twin Quad to record some of my songs. Unfortunately, I'm like a kid in a candy factory. When I heard how...
Read MoreN. Dillie
September 13, 2021
The DSP I needed!
This is the second UAD satellite I’ve owned and I can tell you the octo is no joke. It has all the power I need to record, mix and even master.
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, 10.15 Catalina, or 11 Big Sur
- 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
P. Whitby
All sorted, but ...
This is a very neat attractive little box, of solid constriction that is now taking care of all my DSP needs, with more than a little to spare.
I bought it during the promo which offers extra plugins, but since I already have Ultimate 9, I already own all the plugins in the offer.
UA have kindly offered to swap these for other 'popular' ones, so I'm hoping that the good folks will have a look at my wish list.
So my review for the Satellite really ought to be a 5 ***** as it is a brilliant addition to my Apollo TWIN MKII QUAD
BUT ...
If instead, the promo had been to 'pick any five plugins', it would have been a no-brainer even for those who have yet to join the Universal Audio eco-system.j. park
ir has some fever...
but it works great
A. Salganik
Great quality wow
Great quality wow
A. Salganik
Great quality wow
Great quality wow
J. Veatch
Lovin' the extra power!
I purchased an Apollo Twin Quad to record some of my songs. Unfortunately, I'm like a kid in a candy factory. When I heard how great the plugins were sounding.......yes, I wanted more. Picked up the Octo processor and I'm not looking back. I went from 75% DSP usage to 23%. Now I can add more tracks and not break a sweat. Thank you Sweetwater!
N. Dillie
The DSP I needed!
This is the second UAD satellite I’ve owned and I can tell you the octo is no joke. It has all the power I need to record, mix and even master.
C. Roberts
My New Found Faith
I've believed in many things throughout my life. Once I was introduced to the power of the UAD-2 Satellite Octo Thunderbolt 3, even the color spectrum of what I could see has changed. It's turned my Apollo Twin Duo into a Megazoid from Power Rangers. It's like adding NOS to a Porsche. This will not disappoint and is worth the investment. Do yourself a favor and buy it!
S. Ziarek
UAD-2 Satelitte
Perfect hardware!
L. Tian Siung
Extra Power needed!
Using it with Apollo X6, connection is easy and works flawlessly.
S. Liljeqvist
Great except for not being able to use in console
I have the Apollo twin x duo and bought some plugins with high DSP requirements then I kept maxing out my DSP and getting the error message with a link with advice on on how to manage DSP resources better in the short term and the recommendation of buying a satellite for a long term fix, So I bought one and then found out it doesn’t actually work in console. Still happy with it for use in DAWs, however I do feel misled.
K. Slack
Xtra processing is a must
I’ve been with UA since the the first UAD PCI Solo card in what now seems like the stone ages.
Even though UA’s plug-ins are amongst the best sonically, they are resource hungry. Especially if you use their Unison technology driven preamps and modelers. This is the third satellite I’ve owned and it’s truly a game changer for serious professionals.k. Kim
Very useful
I have a lot of space for uad plugin!
And i agree with P.Duville give me another choice!P. Duville
Miserable plugins selection
Hello , i have a lot of uad plugins. When i purchase the octo uaudio give me some plugins that i already have , so i cant get any new plugins. I think in uaudio ate very poor and they cant give any plugin to a loyal customer. I dont like how uaudio manage the shit
A. Belli
DSP expanded
This is a great piece of kit! I was getting frustrated having bought a load of plugins and finding I was limited in the amount I could use.
Not any more.M. Düring
A complete new level...
Since I've been working with UAD plugins and now using two UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 in the studio, my mixes have grown up! I love it!
S. Rico Hernandez
Satélite increíble!!!
Es un magnífico hardware y vale toda la pena tener uno!!!
L. Bliss
Huge Difference!
I upgraded from the FireWire Satellite 2 because I upgraded from my older Mac Mini to a newer one. I initially bought the Quad but was getting a number of notifications of plugins not being able to load so upgraded to an Octo. It made all of the difference; able to load everything with lots of room to spare. Awesome!
T. OLIVEIRA
Incrível
Não tenho palavras para descrever os benefícios da UAD 2 OCTO nas minhas mixagens
T. OLIVEIRA
Incrível
Não tenho palavras para descrever os benefícios de ter uma UAD 2 OCTO nas minhas mixagens
C. Coffie
UAD
Love it
