Universal Audio is proud to announce Apollo, a high-resolution audio interface that combines UA’s analog design heritage with esteemed UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a sleek, elegant recording system. With Apollo, music producers and performers can finally track through UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time, via a professional 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface that delivers class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz sound quality.

“Apollo is the culmination of 10 years of analog and digital audio development here at UA,” said Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder. “In many ways, it’s brought the analog and digital sides of our company together. With Apollo, we’re delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with all the conveniences of modern digital equipment, including next-generation Thunderbolt technology.”

Apollo is, first and foremost, a well-built, high-resolution audio interface, featuring premium mic preamps and top-end converters to deliver the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class. Its Core Audio drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more. Moreover, Apollo’s Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings within individual DAW sessions, even months and years later.

Apollo differentiates itself from all other audio interfaces, however, via its onboard UAD-2 DSP Acceleration. This onboard processing allows for recording through UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins — with nearly instant sub-2ms latency — so that music producers can quickly monitor, audition, and “print” audio using a wide range of popular analog emulation plug-ins from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more (sold separately). In this way, Apollo’s sonic character and tonal options are virtually limitless. The onboard UAD-2 processors are also available for mixing and mastering, offloading processing from the host computer.

Notably, Apollo offers compatibility with Intel’s new Thunderbolt technology, as found on the newest iMacs, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs. Available via a user-installable Thunderbolt Option Card, Thunderbolt provides lower latency, reduced audio buffer size, improved performance at high sample rates, and greater UAD plug-in instances versus FireWire.

“Thunderbolt technology makes possible a whole new class of products to enhance music production workflows and creativity,” says Jason Ziller, Director of Marketing and Planning for Thunderbolt technology at Intel Corporation. “Products like Universal Audio’s Apollo are using Thunderbolt to rock music producers’ worlds.”

Apollo incorporates numerous design hallmarks from classic UA analog gear, including its fast, easy workflow. Dedicated front-panel controls are present for all the most common features, including preamp gain, channel selection, mic pad, +48V phantom power, low cut, monitor level, and dual headphone controls.

Apollo’s connectivity includes 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps, 8 balanced line inputs and outputs, dual front-panel JFET DIs, digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs, 8 channels of ADAT, 2 channels of S/PDIF, word clock I/O, FireWire 800 (standard), and a Thunderbolt expansion bay — making it a well-equipped centerpiece for the modern project studio.

On the Mac, Apollo requires OS X 10.6 or later, an Intel processor, an available FireWire or Thunderbolt port and a compatible AU, VST or RTAS host application.

The Apollo High-Resolution Audio Interface will be available in both DUO CORE and QUAD CORE processing formats (with either two or four Analog Devices SHARC processors, respectively). Apollo will be shipping in the first quarter of 2012, with an estimated street price of $1,999 (DUO processing model) and $2,499 (QUAD processing model). Apollo’s Thunderbolt Option Card will be shipping in the first half of 2012, with an ESP of $499.

www.uaudio.com/apollo

Announced at NAMM 2011 in January, Universal Audio today shipped their UAD-2 Satellite DUO and QUAD FireWire DSP Accelerator Packages. As the newest members of UA’s award-winning UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform, the UAD-2 Satellite family combines DSP acceleration with the plug-and-play simplicity of FireWire 800/400 — perfect for modern, Intel-based iMacs and MacBook Pros.

The UAD-2 Satellite puts the entire UAD Powered Plug-Ins library within easy reach of FireWire 800 and 400-equipped computers. No PCIe card installation is required. In developing these UAD plug-ins, UA’s DSP engineers work with leading hardware manufacturers — including Roland, Neve, Studer, dbx, Solid State Logic, Lexicon, Manley, Empirical Labs, Trident, SPL, EMT and more — using their exact schematics, golden units, and experienced ears. This gives computer-based musicians and engineers the warmth and harmonics of classic analog recordings, wherever they mix.

Available in DUO or QUAD processor format (with either two or four Analog Devices SHARC processors, respectively), UAD-2 Satellite packages provide a processing “boost” for digital audio workstations, and include a selection of classic analog emulation plug-ins, right out of the box.

“This is a really exciting announcement, both for UA as a company, and for legions of musicians and engineers wanting to tap into UAD-2 plug-ins via FireWire,” commented Universal Audio President Matt Ward. “The UAD-2 Satellite is a sleek, high-quality product that delivers even higher quality results.”

“UAD-2 Satellite is the result of UA listening to our customers, and giving them a processing solution that is both elegant and powerful,” added UA Senior Product Manager Lev Perrey. “Coupled with our roadmap of exciting new plug-ins, we anticipate this product expanding our 40,000-strong UAD user base significantly in the years to come.”

Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite — Rear View (click to zoom)

Notable UAD-2 Satellite features include:

• Access the UAD Powered Plug-Ins library on select FireWire 800 and 400 equipped computers
• Compatible with a wide range of modern Intel-based iMacs and MacBook Pros
• Run larger mixes in Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Performer and more — without taxing host computer CPU
• 5 models to choose from: DUO (Core); DUO Flexi (w/ $500 Plug-In Voucher); QUAD (Core), QUAD Flexi (w/ $500 Plug-In Voucher), and QUAD Omni v.5.7 (w/ 50 UAD plug-ins)

Minimum system requirements:

• Mac OS X version 10.6.4 “Snow Leopard” or higher (32-bit or 64-bit mode)
• Available FireWire 800 or 400 port
• 512MB RAM (1GB strongly recommended)
• 200MB available hard drive space (400MB for UAD-1 & UAD-2 combined installation)
• Internet connection for registration, plug-in authorization, software updates
• Audio host application (DAW) w/ VST, RTAS, or Audio Units plug-in compatibility

The complete line of UAD-2 Satellite DSP Accelerators is now available with prices starting at $899.

http://www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins.html

Discuss UAD-2 Satellite on our Effects forum.

Universal Audio has announced the release of the highly anticipated Manley Massive Passive EQ plug-in. Working with Manley Labs, Universal Audio’s Massive Passive EQ plug-in represents the most ambitious hardware EQ modeling project to date, bringing UAD-2 users both the standard and mastering versions of this world-renowned EQ in one package.

The two-channel, four-band Manley Massive Passive EQ utilizes design strengths from choice console, graphic, parametric and Pultec EQs — delivering a fundamentally different EQ that’s beyond compare. The Massive Passive’s natural treatment of a signal lends itself to both radical tonal shaping as well as delicate vocal shading or subtle mastering enhancement.

“The Massive Passive EQ is one of our best-known products. We didn’t even want to entertain the idea of doing a plug-in unless it was really going to be done right,” commented EveAnna Manley, Owner, Manley Laboratories, Inc. “Our expectations were high for the plug-in emulation to be spot-on. Working with Universal Audio, we believe they’ve totally nailed it.”

The Manley Massive Passive EQ Powered Plug-In features include:

• Highly coveted 2-channel, 4-band, passive, tube EQ emulation plug-in, both standard and mastering versions
• Painstakingly modeled over a six month period and rigorously scrutinized by Manley Labs for authenticity
• Filter curves, band interdependencies, distortion and hysteretic behavior all represented in plug-in — yielding a unique, very musical and “open” sound

“The Massive Passive is truly the ultimate in mastering grade EQs. It sounds warm without ever being dull; it stays precise while remaining highly musical,” offered UAD Powered Plug-Ins Product Manager, Will Shanks.

“Manley Labs represents quality, sonic excellence and unequivocal analog design expertise,” enthused Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “There has always been a special affinity between our companies, and we are elated to have EveAnna Manley joining us a plug-in partner for the UAD-2 platform.”

The Manley Massive Passive EQ plug-in is available for purchase via UA’s Online Store for $299. It is part of the new UAD Software v5.6.0 release, in addition to The EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb, and the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-ins. UAD Software v5.6.0 is available as a FREE download to Mac and PC users worldwide.

www.uaudio.com/products/software/manley/

Discuss the Massive Passive EQ on our Effects forum.

Universal Audio recently announced the release of the EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb plug-in for the UAD platform. The EMT 140 replicates the sonic signature of three uniquely different EMT 140 plates formerly installed at the Plant Studios in Sausalito, CA and is licensed and endorsed by EMT Studiotechnik GmbH as the world’s only authentic EMT plate reverb emulation.

“EMT is certainly excited to partner with Universal Audio; I am confident our endorsement of UA’s emulations of EMT’s well-loved classic audio processors will bring both companies great success,” said EMT’s President, Jules Limon. “It’s very inspiring to see a team like UA’s take such a keen interest in accurately recreating the devices of the past with their scientific approach to digital signal processing.”

The EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb Powered Plug-In features include:

• Highly prized, fully endorsed, smooth and natural EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb emulations
• Includes three distinct plate models – each with a unique sound and discrete mechanical damper controls
• Includes original EMT 80 Hz input Shelving Filters or custom aftermarket Martech Low-Cut Filters
• Pre Delay, Low & High Shelving Filters, Wet/Dry Mix, Balance and Width controls with Hard Bypass via the lighted EMT power icon
• Also includes Modulation controls to add additional movement to the stereo field

“EMT’s impact on the way records are made is right up there with the Neumanns and Studers of the world,” commented Universal Audio President Matt Ward. “Their reverbs, both analog and digital, are still among the most prized and protected possessions a quality studio can have… So EMT’s endorsement of our Powered Plug-In is truly an honor.”

The EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb plug-in is available for purchase via UA’s Online Store for $199. It is part of the new UAD Software v5.6.0 release, in addition to the Manley Massive Passive EQ, and the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-ins. UAD Software v5.6.0 is available as a FREE download to Mac and PC users worldwide.

Universal Audio, manufacturer of the award-winning UAD Powered Plug-ins for Mac and PC, today announced partnerships with many well known pro-audio hardware companies to develop new software. Manley Labs, Lexicon, dbx, Ampex, MXR, Studer and more will lend their expertise to the UAD-2 platform beginning as soon as the first quarter of 2010.

Universal Audio Partners With Manley Labs to Unleash Massive Passive EQ Plug-Ins For UAD-2 in Q1 2010

Working with Manley Labs, Universal Audio’s Massive Passive EQ plug-ins represent the most ambitious EQ modeling project to date, bringing UAD-2 users both the standard and mastering versions of this world-renowned hardware EQ. Specifically, the two-channel, four-band Manley Massive Passive EQ utilizes design strengths from choice console, graphic, parametric and Pultec EQs — delivering a fundamentally different type of EQ that’s beyond compare. The Massive Passive’s natural treatment of a signal lends itself to both radical tonal shaping as well as delicate vocal shading or subtle mastering enhancement.

“The Massive Passive is truly the ultimate in mastering grade EQs. It sounds warm without ever being dull; it stays precise while remaining highly musical,” offered UAD Powered Plug-Ins Product Manager, Will Shanks.

“The Massive Passive EQ is one of our best-known products. We didn’t even want to entertain doing a plug-in unless it was really going to be done right,” commented EveAnna Manley, Owner, Manley Laboratories, Inc. “Our expectations were high for the plug-in emulation to be spot-on. Working with Universal Audio, we believe they’ve totally nailed it.”

“Manley Labs represents quality, sonic excellence and unequivocal analog design expertise,” enthused Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “To say Universal Audio has admiration for Manley’s designs and reputation as a company would be a huge understatement. There has always been a special affinity between our companies, and we are elated to have EveAnna Manley joining us a plug-in partner for the UAD-2 platform.”

The Manley Massive Passive EQ plug-ins will be available for download directly from Universal Audio’s online store.

Universal Audio Announces Partnership With Ampex Corporation to Develop Tape Machine Emulations

Ampex is famous in the professional audio world as innovators of magnetic tape and tape recorder technology — widely praised for its rich, almost magical sound quality. For the first time ever, Universal Audio’s renowned team of DSP engineers will exhaustively and faithfully model these complex devices and media, bringing accurate emulations of Ampex magnetic recording tape to the UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform.

“Ampex is not only the most recognizable maker of US-made tape machines; they really pioneered the concepts that gave way to modern multi-tracking and overdubbing,” commented Universal Audio President Matt Ward. “But it’s really the sound of these amazing machines, along with their well-guarded tape formulas, that birthed the golden-era of record production. The fact that these designs are still in use today is a testament to the Ampex brand’s iconic status in the world of professional recording.”

“Ampex is quite pleased to be returning to the professional audio market after many years away; and in such a unique fashion,” stated Gordon Strickland, President and CEO of Ampex Corp. “It took a company like Universal Audio, who understood that the Ampex name could be made ‘new’ again for multiple generations of audio customers through the latest advancements in DSP technology. We are well aware of the value of the Ampex brand, and we protect it accordingly. Our discussions with UA convinced us that they would be a good partner and would create products that we could all be proud of.”

“We’ve long known that Tape machines would be considered the ‘holy grail’ of audio plug-ins. This is something that our customers have been demanding for quite some time,” confirmed UAD Plug-In Product Manager Will Shanks. “So we’re taking great pains to ensure that our efforts will satisfy our most discriminating customers’ expectations, not to mention our own. We’re very excited to have both the Ampex Corporation and former Ampex engineers closely involved on the emulations of the classic devices and media we’re targeting.”

Universal Audio Announces Partnership With Dunlop

Dunlop is a leading manufacturer of guitar stompboxes and studio-oriented effects under the Dunlop and MXR brands. Under this partnership, Universal Audio will deliver a range of unique and classic effects to the ever-growing family of plug-ins available on the UAD-2 platform.

“Dunlop and MXR have innovated and defined classic effects sounds for decades,” said Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “We hope to extend this reputation by painstakingly modeling authentic Dunlop and MXR effects for the UAD-2 platform. Guitarists and producers have embraced these effects for decades, so we’re very happy about this partnership.”

“Universal Audio and Dunlop Manufacturing both have a commitment to maintaining a tradition of true analog gear for musicians,” commented Jimmy Dunlop, Vice President of Dunlop. “When it came time to create plug-ins of our classic electronics, we knew there was only one company to turn to. We know our customers will be pleased with the level of quality and performance that UA will be offering.”

Universal Audio Partners With Harman Pro Group to Deliver Range of Classic Audio Equipment Plug-Ins

Each company in the Harman Pro Group has a near-mythic status in the professional audio world — ranging from reverb (Lexicon), to compression and other processing (dbx), tape machines (Studer), and spring reverb (AKG). Under the terms of this agreement, Universal Audio will develop, market and sell plug-in emulations of select Lexicon, Studer, dbx, and AKG equipment for the UAD-2 Powered Plug-In Platform.

“We are delighted to be working with Universal Audio to bring these virtual legacy products to market,” commented Michael MacDonald, Harman International, EVP of Marketing and Sales. “Our brands are like gold to us, and when it comes to faithfully reproducing the sound and character of these vintage devices, we knew that we needed to partner with the best — and that is UA. We have the utmost confidence in Universal Audio to not only deliver on the promise of these brands, but to provide customers with the ‘best in class’ support they expect.”

“The Harman Pro Group is the parent company behind and array of legendary premium audio brands, and we are truly honored by this partnership,” said Universal Audio President Matt Ward. “This is a great tribute to the care and detail that our DSP and user interface teams put into each and every UAD Powered Plug-In. We look forward to working with the talented folks at the Harman Pro Group to ensure every emulation detail is as faithful and accurate as possible to the original classic equipment.”

www.uaudio.com

Discuss Universal Audio UAD-2 in our Hardware forum.