PLGNS & UAD - The Musical Empire.
Universal Audio, known on the streets as UAD, is the name of the manufacturer that is a benchmark in the production of plug-ins with the most refined and up-to-date technology, providing its customers with quality and technology. In the current scenario, it is impossible to talk about plug-ins or audio production in general without mentioning the infamous UAD.
Created in mid-1958 by legendary audio engineer Bill Putnam Sr. Initially focused on manufacturing his newest masterpiece; tube-based studio hardware, including the 610 preamplifier and custom consoles. Putnam is considered by many to be the “father of modern recording” — he was an engineer for names such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, and played a key role in developing techniques that shaped the industry.
With the passing of Bill Putnam Sr. in 1989, the original company eventually ceased operations. But as you well know, the story of Universal Audio was far from over. The company was later revived by his sons, Jim and Bill Putnam Jr., ceasing to be just a company and entering the world of digital audio processing and software, paving the way for what we know today as one of the largest corporations in the digital audio era.
The turn of the millennium marked the beginning of a new era for UA with the launch of the UAD (Universal Audio Digital) platform. The idea was extremely revolutionary for the time: to use cards with dedicated DSPs to process plug-ins with absurd fidelity, recreating in software the classic analog equipment of the golden age of studios. These recreations — many of them made with official licenses from brands such as Neve, SSL, API, Manley, and Lexicon — quickly won over engineers and producers of all levels with their sound quality and precision.
Now you ask me: What does UAD have to offer you, as a customer, today?
Audio interfaces such as Apollo, Volt
UAD plug-ins Plug-ins (with DSP) and UAD Spark (native)
Analog hardware 1176LN, LA-2A, 610 Tube Preamp
External DSP UAD-2 Satellite
DAW and LUNA Recording System, Console, Console Recall software
For creators Volt series, software included, plug-and-play solutions
...And much more!
We decided to separate the 10 UAD plug-ins that cannot be left out of your mix!
Updated 2025 selection; The pillars of contemporary audio.
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
The original 1176 was designed by UA founder Bill Putnam Sr. and represented a major advance in limiter technology with its ultra-fast FET gain reduction. The UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection offers the same classic compression heard on some of the greatest recordings in history.
A triple threat
The 1176 Classic Limiter plug-in collection offers three distinct revisions of the 1176, representing over 40 years of design iterations of the original 1176. Rev A “Bluestripe” represents the original Putnam FET limiter design, complete with its higher distortion and unique FET gain amplifier characteristics.
Rev E “Blackface” covers the Brad Plunkett “LN” (Low Noise) era of the early 1970s, with variations that include a more linear compression response, transistor gain amplification, and a change in program dependency. The 1176AE offers the rare 40th anniversary edition of UA's 1176, complete with unique mods—including its lower 2:1 compression ratio.
UA Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
The Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection offers the smooth, warm compression found on hundreds of hit records, from the Beatles and Pink Floyd to countless Motown classics. It's perfect for adding that warm analog “shine” to your vocals, drums, or entire mix.
Versatile Compression for Multiple Instruments - The UA Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection isn't just for vocals. Its versatile compression characteristics make it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications.
The aggressive nature of the Fairchild 660 is ideal for adding impact and power to drum, bass, and guitar tracks. On the other hand, the Fairchild 670 excels as a full-fledged stereo compressor, adding subtle compression, warmth, and analog “glue” to entire mixes and even master buses.
API Vision Channel Strip Collection
Embrace the famous API sound with the API Vision Channel Strip Collection, featuring the exclusive 212L preamp and 225L compressor that have been accompanying hits for over five decades — from Stevie Wonder's Innervisions to Radiohead's In Rainbows.
Expanded Sound Palette: The updated API Vision Channel Strip Collection offers an even broader sonic experience. It features switchable EQ modules, allowing you to choose between the revered 550L parametric EQs and the newly introduced 10-band graphic EQ from the 560L series. This expanded selection allows you to sculpt your sounds with exceptional precision and flexibility. In addition, the meticulously modeled output section adds even more authenticity to the emulation.
UA Pultec Passive EQ Collection
The Pultec Passive EQ Collection is a faithful emulation of the legendary tube-based equalizers used in over 70 years of popular music. Now a classic in its own right, the UAD plug-in collection offers incredibly accurate emulations, all used daily by the world's top producers and engineers.
3 Iconic EQs in 1!!!
The Pultec Passive EQ Collection gives you access to three distinct Pultec models — the EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C. This versatility allows you to meet a wide range of sonic needs in your productions.
Shape Powerful Bass: The EQP-1A is renowned for its ability to sculpt fat, powerful bass on instruments such as bass, drums, and synthesizers. With just a few knobs, you can achieve a tight, focused low-frequency response that enhances the power and clarity of your mix.
UA Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
Renowned for its versatility and vibrant tone, the EL8 is a favorite among producers worldwide. Experience its vibrant character with the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, the only plug-in emulation fully approved by the original manufacturer.
The UA Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor offers a wide range of compression ratios, from subtle 1:1 settings to explosive “Nuke” mode for radical control and creative effects. This comprehensive selection allows you to tailor the compression behavior to any instrument or application.
Produce music in one of the most famous recording studios in history with UAD Sound City Studios. This unprecedented room emulation plug-in offers everything from outboard microphones to the recording console used on classic albums by Nirvana, Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, and more.
UA's innovative Dynamic Room Modeling technology lets you virtually move these classic microphones within the space, allowing you to explore sonic possibilities beyond the original configurations.
This lush digital reverb single-handedly defined the sound of an entire era of popular music. With the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb plug-in, you can track and mix with its eight classic reverb programs and additional chorus.
Eight Classic Reverb Programs: Explore the palette of eight legendary reverb programs that made the Lexicon 224 famous. From lush plates to immersive rooms, these programs offer a wide range of sonic possibilities for your creative endeavors.
The Lexicon 224 plugin faithfully recreates the signature sound of the original hardware, including the input transformers and characteristic 12-bit AD/DA conversion. This meticulous attention to detail results in a truly vintage reverb experience.
Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder
A Legacy of Analog Magic: For over 30 years, the Studer A800 has been a mainstay of professional recording studios, renowned for its ability to add warmth, presence, and a characteristic punch in the low end to recordings.
Famously used on classic albums by Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, and Metallica, the Studer A800 stands out for its ability to bring tracks together. The Studer A800 Multichannel Recorder is the only authentic emulation of the famous A800 recorder located at Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles.
The dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter is a faithful emulation of the first solid-state VCA compressor ever manufactured. Capturing all the speed and quirkiness of this classic studio tool, with additional controls for modern workflows, the dbx 160 is the perfect choice for adding impact and attitude to virtually any source.
Versatile Compression for Modern Productions: The dbx 160 plugin goes beyond simple vintage emulation. It offers a comprehensive set of controls to apply its unique compression character to a wide variety of instruments. From fattening up bass and drums to adding punch to acoustic guitars and snare drums, the dbx 160 excels at injecting energy and vintage mojo into your tracks.
Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor
The Teletronix LA-2A is undoubtedly one of the most iconic optical compressors in music history — and Universal Audio has managed to accurately capture all the analog soul of this legend in plug-in form. Whether in its UAD-2 (DSP) or UAD Spark (native) version, this compressor shines with its simplicity and extremely musical sound.
Universal Audio's version emulates not only the electronic circuitry, but also the behavior of the T4 Optical Cell and tube transformers, resulting in a sound response that will convince even the most demanding engineers.
The great charm of the LA-2A lies in its extreme simplicity:
Peak Reduction: controls how much the signal is compressed.
Gain: post-compression volume compensation.
Limit/Compress: switches between two modes of operation, with Limit being more aggressive.
The graphical interface is faithful to the original hardware, reinforcing the plug-and-play concept. You literally just put it on the track and turn two knobs until it sounds good.
And be smart! Because PLGNS has a habit of discounting everything! So it's quite possible that some of these products are EVEN CHEAPER!!!
Don't worry, we still have many UAD products to show you. Just click on the link and you'll find a multitude of plug-ins waiting to be discovered! Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!