Universal Audio Announces UAD Software v6.0, Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In, More
Universal Audio has today launched a major software update – UAD v6.0 – and a brand-new plug-in…
UAD Ampex ATR-102
The Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder – considered by many engineers to be the best-sounding tape machine for final mixdown – is now available as a faithful plug-in emulation on the UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform.
Considered a perfect complement to the workhorse Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In, the officially sanctioned Ampex ATR-102 plug-in provides the final, cohesive analog polish and punch for any in-the-box mastering session, without the ongoing maintenance and calibration of a physical tape machine. According to the product announcement:
“Impeccably developed over a nine-month period in the renowned UAD engineering tradition – and incorporating presets from noted ATR-102 users Chuck Ainlay, Richard Dodd, Buddy Miller, and Mike Poole – the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In faithfully replicates the unique dynamics, frequency response, and saturation characteristics of the original hardware.
“Scrutinized and fully authenticated by Ampex Corporation, the sound of the ATR-102 plug-in for UAD-2 is virtually indistinguishable from its analog cousin.”
Available for purchase via UA’s Online Store, the Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder Plug-In sells for $349. Click for more information on the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In.
The Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder Plug-In is available as part of the new UAD Software v6.0 release (free to download HERE), which also includes the new Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ and SPL Vitalizer MK2-T direct developer plug-ins, as well as Pro Tools compatibility enhancements and Mac OS X Lion support.
First, for Pro Tools users, UAD software v6.0 adds many new features to streamline integration of their UAD plug-ins into their DAW experience, including:
• UA-developed RTAS plug-ins, replacing current VST-to-RTAS Adapter
• Full support of all Pro Tools control surfaces, including customized control layouts
• Fully automatable plug-in parameters, with values and ranges displayed in automation lanes and on control surfaces
• Plug-in names clearly displayed in the Pro Tools Mix and Edit windows
• Plug-ins sorted by category in the Pro Tools plug-ins menu
• Quick installation process
• Many other workflow improvements
And, the Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ plug-in and the SPL Vitalizer MK2-T plug-in – now available with UAD v6.0 – are significant not only in their sonics but also as the first UAD plug-ins to be developed in their entirety by outside software engineers (in this case SPL and Brainworx) as part of a new UAD-2 SDK (software development kit). According to UA:
“The bx_digital V2 EQ offers three modes – M/S Mastering, M/S Recording, and L/R Stereo – with a unique “SixPack” Master Section, 11-band EQ with Shifter EQs to 22 kHz, and built-in M/S De-Esser, Dynamic EQ, and extensive metering options. An included bx_digital V2 Mono plug-in provides the same Mastering EQ-quality sound for mixing applications. For many engineers, this incredibly smooth-sounding processor is simply the ultimate software equalizer.
Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ Plug-In
“The SPL Vitalizer MK2-T is an authentic emulation of the popular tube-based Vitalizer hardware unit, a longtime staple of top mixing and post-production engineers. Offering a patented technology for greater perceived loudness and clarity without unnatural artifacts, the Vitalizer provides independent Bass and Mid-Hi processing that works in both the time and frequency domains to effectively unmask overlapping sounds. As both a fixative and an enhancement tool, the Vitalizer MK2-T is a mixing must-have.”
Available for purchase via UA’s Online Store, the Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ sells for $329, and the SPL Vitalizer MK2-T sells for $249.
UAD Software v6.0 is available as a FREE download for Mac and PC users worldwide. Click to download.