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Universal Audio

  1. 10 Modern LA-2A Compressor / Limiter Reproductions For Your Studio

    Posted by Eric Allen

    10 Modern LA-2A Compressor / Limiter Reproductions For Your Studio
    Since Teletronix introduced the LA-2A in the early 1960s, the studio world has gone wild for the legendary opto compressor. And why wouldn't we? The LA-2A features a streamlined design with only three knobs (Gain, Peak Reduction, and Gain Reduction), but everything that passes through it gets a gigantic dose of warmth and fatness. Universal Audio founder Bill Putnam purchased Teletronix in 1967 and began making the LA-2A under the Studio Electronics name (later UREI). When the Putnam family rebooted UA in 1999, they reissued the LA-2A, which gave way to several more incarnations, including plug-ins and guitar pedals. Continue reading →
  2. Buyer's Guide: Universal Audio Microphones

    Posted by Dante Fumo

    Buyer's Guide: Universal Audio Microphones
    Universal Audio and its affiliated brands have a longstanding reputation for producing top-tier studio hardware that has become highly sought after by engineers, even decades later. From Bill Putnam’s innovative early preamp and console designs to the famous Teletronix LA-2A and UREI 1176 compressors, these products have achieved almost mythical status, inspiring many reissues and copies. Today, Universal Audio is known for its popular interfaces, advanced DSP systems, and convincing analog emulation plugins. Continue reading →
  3. 10 Modern Fairchild Compressor Reproductions For Your Studio

    Posted by Eric Allen

    10 Modern Fairchild Compressor Reproductions For Your Studio
    Much has been made of the Fairchild 660 and 670 since the release of the former in 1959. Both compressor/limiters have a reputation for sonic superiority and rarity, which has pushed the asking price of some vintage units into the six-figure territory. These high prices have left many engineers scratching their heads, wondering how to get those classic sounds. Thankfully, several impressive reproductions can help you capture the essence without breaking the bank. Continue reading →
  4. Quick Hits: Universal Audio Lion '68 Super Lead Amp, Brigade, Flow, & Teletronix LA-2A

    Posted by Eric Allen

    Quick Hits: Universal Audio Lion '68 Super Lead Amp, Brigade, Flow, & Teletronix LA-2A
    Universal Audio has been busy expanding its UAFX lineup throughout 2023, and today brings news of four more additions to the pedal series. These releases include an amp emulation stompbox called the Lion '68 Super Lead Amp, and three compact pedals, including the Brigade, Teletronix LA-2A, and Flow. Continue reading →
  5. UAFX OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker Emulator

    Posted by Robert Steiner

    UAFX OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker Emulator
    Hot off the heels of the 1176, Evermore, Heavenly, and Orion pedal releases, Universal Audio is back again with the UAFX OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker Emulator. This pedal is a powerful cab modeler that brings a pro studio’s worth of setup and tone options to your pedalboard—all without needing a whole pedalboard’s worth of space. ​​ Continue reading to learn more about the OX Stomp’s features, how it’s different from the original OX Top Box, and why it might be the best (and most board-friendly) cab modeler out there. Continue reading →
  6. Quick Hits: Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape Echo, Heavenly Plate Reverb, 1176 Studio Compressor, And Evermore Studio Reverb Pedals

    Posted by Eric Allen

    Quick Hits: Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape Echo, Heavenly Plate Reverb, 1176 Studio Compressor, And Evermore Studio Reverb Pedals
    Universal Audio has been busy building its UAFX lineup with choice amp simulations and thoughtful combinations of classic effects. The brand's initial nine releases have used the same two-footswitch enclosure,  but now they are back with four new pedals that break that mold.  Meet the Orion Tape Echo, Heavenly Plate Reverb, 1176 Studio Compressor, and Evermore Studio Reverb. This expansion...
  7. The Hottest Plug-Ins of 2023 (So Far)

    Posted by Eric Allen

    The Hottest Plug-Ins of 2023 (So Far)
    There's been a lot going on in the pro audio world, but one thing that can't go overlooked is the sheer amount of incredible software that has been released this year. From meticulously emulated analog classics to mind-bending immersive instruments, our favorite brands have come correct with loads of new tools for us to use. So how do we celebrate all of these releases? It's become somewhat of a tradition around these parts to round up the best new software halfway through the year. Check out some blasts from the past here (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022), and continue on below to learn more about the hottest plug-ins of 2023 (so far). Continue reading →
  8. The Hottest Pedals And Effects Of 2023 (So Far)

    Posted by Eric Allen

    The Hottest Pedals And Effects Of 2023 (So Far)
    Imagine it. You are standing around your kitchen with your closest tone confidants. You're in so deep that you don't know what's up and what's down. You lean back on the sink and say in exasperation, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." Any proper pedal head or effect freak knows THAT feeling. The search to find the perfect pedal for your board remains endless because brands like Strymon, Universal Audio, and Boss continue to create new innovative takes on delays, reverbs, and overdrives. We want to seek out the best, and the best keep on coming. In this blog, we'll break down the hottest pedals and effects of 2023 (so far). Let's hit it! Continue reading →
  9. First Listen: Universal Audio Bock 167, 187, And 251 Microphones

    Posted by Eric Allen

    First Listen: Universal Audio Bock 167, 187, And 251 Microphones
    Universal Audio's entry into the world of microphones has been a huge success, thanks to releases like the SD-1, SP-1, Sphere DLX, and Sphere LX. Around the same time as the launch of these mics, the storied brand also announced several large-diaphragm condensers via its UA Bock line. Continue reading →
  10. Around The Shop: Epic Vintage Gear Haul

    Posted by Eric Allen

    Around The Shop: Epic Vintage Gear Haul
    A few months back, we went into the Vintage King Tech Shop to document one of the largest vintage and used gear purchases in VK history. The story goes like this... Longtime Vintage King customer Fred Baker has been buying gear from co-founders Mike and Andrew Nehra since the company started in 1993. When Fred recently decided to retire, Vintage King bought the entire collection back and has been busy preparing it for a new generation of engineers and producers. Continue reading →
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