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.

Let's start with the Lion '68 Super Lead Amp. Following in the footsteps of previous UAFX amp emulations, this pedal channels the classic Marshall Super Lead used by all-timers like Hendrix and Van Halen. This pedal will be an easy way to capture these iconic tones with a small footprint and take advantage of Universal Audio's Dynamic Speaker Modeling technology.

When it comes to the new UAFX compact pedals, musicians are blessed with yet another bountiful array of effects. The Brigade delivers chorus and vibrato based on the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, while the Flow offers up tube-based tremolo from three different sources. Universal Audio pulls from its own lineage for the LA-2A by bringing the essential compressor down to a single stompbox-size enclosure.

In our new Quick Hits video, Dustin McLaughlin is showing off some sounds from the Lion '68, Brigade, Flow, Teletronix LA-2A. Dustin's plugging straight into the Apollo x8p for the Lion portion of the demo, but for the other UAFX pedals, he's using the new UA SC-1 Standard Condenser Microphone.

Let's take a closer look at each of the new UAFX pedal releases:

Universal Audio Lion '68 Super Lead Amp Pedal

Universal Audio's UAFX amp simulation pedals are the perfect solution for going ampless during live performances or in the studio, and the Lion '68 is no different. You'll be able to nail those classic Marshall tones via three different emulations, including Super Lead, Super Bass, and "Brown," and six cab simulations. You can also just bypass these cabinet options and use the pedal in front of your amp to get impeccable overdrive sounds. If you need an additional boost, you can get it via three different boost options, including a Maestro EP-III pre, Boss GE-10 ten-band EQ, and Variac.

Universal Audio Brigade Chorus & Vibrato Pedal

Borrowing the Brigade emulation from the Astra Modulation Machine, Universal Audio has once again captured the warm analog modulation of the Boss CE-1. This covers all the bases from subtle and glassy sheen to thick and wobbly. The compact Brigade features three knobs for dialing in your sound, including Rate, Depth, and Level, and a flip switch that lets you choose between vibrato and chorus. The top of the pedal has two switches, one for Bypass (Buffer or True), and one for Preamp, which adds volume and texture courtesy of the CE-1's preamp.

Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Studio Compressor Pedal

Who could possibly be more adept at reproducing the LA-2A than the team at Universal Audio? The legendary brand's iconic compressor and limiter has made a return in yet another form factor, this time as a standalone UAFX compact pedal. Elevate your tone or squash things down by using the pedal's three knobs (Peak, Gain, Mix) and selectable switch for choosing between the compressor and limiter. In addition, LA-2A users can select between two different release times (Stock and Fast) via a switch on top of the pedal. There is also a Bypass switch like on the Brigade.

Universal Audio Flow Vintage Tremolo Pedal

Last but not least is the Flow, another offshoot of the Astra Modulation Machine. This pedal puts three different options at your feet, including an early 60s harmonic tremolo, a mid-60s rounded sine wave version, and a classic opto trem with square waveforms. There's onboard tap tempo for syncing trem effects, which can be switched on and off, and there is also a Bypass switch on top of the pedal.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of these new UAFX pedals or have questions about gear from Universal Audio, contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.