Universal Audio Plugins: A Comprehensive Guide

Universal Audio (UA) has long been revered for its exceptional analog emulation plugins, complementing its impressive line of interfaces like the Apollo x8, Apollo Quad, Twin, Solo, and the newer Volt. These plugins have become staples in countless studios, offering the sound quality and flexibility needed for recording, production, and mixing. While some users have expressed frustration with UA's ecosystem and have explored alternatives like Waves, the quality and unique character of UA plugins remain highly sought after. This article delves into a curated list of some of the most popular and versatile Universal Audio plugins, offering insights and tips for maximizing their potential.

Classic Compressors and Limiters

1. Fairchild 670 Compressor

If you don’t have $50,000 to spare on one of these famed hardware compressors, I strongly recommend this wonderful plugin emulation of the classic unit used by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Motown artists and many more.

Mix Tip: Understand the time constant knob. This feature, a unique control found on the original hardware, allows the user to alter both the attack and release times of the compressor. The thing to know about the Fairchild is that it’s got a pretty fast attack, and the release time can be incredibly slow (up to a whopping 25 seconds in position 6).

2. Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

I remember the hype surrounding the release of this plugin - which was entirely understandable because it was the first faithful emulation of the legendary compressor from Dave Derr’s New Jersey-based company Empirical Labs. Did it live up to the lofty expectations? Of course it did.

Mix Tip: It’s a bit hard to pick just one, because the Distressor does so many things so well. It’s ultra-fast attack and “nuke” limiter setting can be used to obliterate drum rooms, or it can be used more subtly at a lower ratio to warm up vocals. Pretty much everything you throw at this plugin can be enhanced if you take the time to learn it’s features.

3. Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler

Despite having minimal controls, this emulation of the classic hardware compressor is extremely versatile.

Tip: These compressors have their own unique tonal characteristics in addition to being adept at managing dynamic range.

4. Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor

Silky smooth and easy to use, the original CL 1B Optical Compressor has been a mainstay on lead vocals.Mix Tip: In addition to using the CL 1B on individual vocal tracks, I’ll sometimes place an instance on my vocal buss, through which all lead and backup vocals run. I’ll use pretty conservative settings - usually a 4:1 ratio, medium attack and release, and set the threshold so that only about 1.5 dB of gain reduction is being done.

5. Empirical Labs Fatso Jr./Sr.

Another plugin based off analog hardware by Empirical Labs is the Fatso. Granted, this is an entirely different beast than the EL8 Distressor. The Fatso gives users access to the sonic characteristics of tape, tubes and transformers. Fatso Jr. and Sr. versions are packaged together, with the latter featuring additional controls for the compressor, “tranny” saturation and side-chain filter.Mix Tip: These plugins excel on warming up any sound source that suffers from digital “chilliness,” whether it be a VSTi, a sample imported from an obscure library or audio captured with a mediocre preamp. While I love the Fatso on everything from drums, bass and synthesizers, my favorite application is on lead vocals.

Equalizers

6. Neve 1073 EQ

Depth, clarity, bite, mayhem - normally I choose a specialty EQ to add one of these qualities to my audio. The 1073 can achieve all of it and more.

Tip: Use this in Unison in conjunction with an Apollo interface, and set it to mic level when recording electric guitar for the most absurd, fuzzy, 70’s lead guitar tone I’ve ever achieved in the box.

7. Pultec EQP-1A Legacy

The original hardware unit is one of the most widely used equalizers in mastering.

Tip: Run this in parallel on lead vocals or a vocal aux, and add a substantial amount of gain (anywhere from 1 kHz to 27 kHz) to add whatever the vocal might be missing - whether it’s bite, clarity or air. Be mindful not to push the volume of that aux track too much.

8. Avalon VT-737sp Channel Strip

A great Swiss Army Knife equalizer.Tip: Whereas the upper midrange of most plugin equalizers can be harsh and brittle, this EQ is really pleasing in that range.

9. API Vision Channel Strip

Automated Processes Incorporated, API for short, is responsible for having created some of the finest studio equipment ever made. Their consoles, compressors, equalizers and preamps have been used during the production of countless hit records.Mix Tip: Understand API’s unique Proportional Q.

Reverbs and Delays

10. Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb

Tip: Between the different plates, input filter and EQ settings, you’ve got a ton of options. Try doing something drastic like adding 12 dB somewhere between 1-6 kHz with the plugin’s EQ engaged for any track you want to really stand out.

11. Galaxy Tape Echo

Modeled after the celebrated Roland RE-201 tape delay/spring reverb unit, which still sell for well over $1,000, I use the UAD Galaxy Tape Echo for anything that is in need of murky, warbly, character-rich reverb and delay tails. Vocals, guitars and even drums and percussion can benefit from the harmonically-complex timbre of this plugin. Drive the input to add saturation, and tweak the treble and bass to refine the sound even further.

Mix Tip: Let it howl. Turn the feedback up to where the plugin begins to self-oscillate and tweak other parameters as you see fit.

12. Eventide H910 Harmonizer

Yesterday I bought a bundle that included the Eventide H910 Harmonizer, however, I can't find it in the app to install it. All DSP plug-ins are installed when you install the UAD driver. Now that you mention it, I used an app to wipe the ones I haven't purchased, maybe that's why they're not showing up.

Tape Emulation

13. Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder

This tape emulation plugin is perhaps even more versatile than the Studer A800 given that it has a built in delay and additional tape characteristics. For warmth and midrange vibe, I’ll reach for the A800.

Guitar Amplifiers

14. Diezel VH4 Amplifier

I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to electric guitars, so it took me a while to get on board with the idea of using amp simulator software. But I continue to be shocked at the range and quality of tones available within plugins, all at a fraction of the cost of the actual amplifiers. Amp designer Peter Diezel signed off on this emulation of the 100-watt high gain monster that originally debuted in 1994. On a recent project, I needed a chugging, Metallica-esque tone, and neither my Vox AC30 nor Fender Princeton were designed for that kind of sound. I loaded up the VH4, tuned my guitar to dropped-D, and was almost instantly there.

Mix Tip: Obviously this plugin excels at high-gain guitar sounds, but who’s stopping you from applying it to vocals for a special, megaphone-like effect? No one, that’s who.

15. Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe

Universal Audio spent over two years collaborating with Fender Musical Instruments in developing the ‘55 Tweed Deluxe, which many consider to be the holy grail of guitar amplifiers. You can cover so much sonic territory with this plugin, from the classic clean Fender chime, to slightly gritty overdriven tones, to raw and raucous saturation.

Mix Tip: There’s a lot under the hood here. Between 3 different speakers, microphone configurations and different input mic/line options, it might take some tweaking to achieve exactly the tone your after.

Creative Tools

16. OTO Biscuit 8-bit Effects

This thing is serious fun. Modeled after the iconic French-made hardware unit, the Oto Biscuit is great for distorting, pitch-shifting, wave-shaping and generally mangling whatever you run through it.

Mix Tip: While great for transforming recorded tracks during mixing, I find myself enjoying this plugin the most when tracking.

17. Brainworx bx_masterdesk Classic

Developed by German plugin designers Brainworx, the bx_masterdesk adds both mojo and polish during mixing or mastering.

Mix Tip: On one hand, bx_masterdesk is a great “finishing touch” utility for a nearly finished mix. If your production is already sounding excellent, this plugin will make it that much better if used properly. On the other hand, you may want to consider “mixing into” masterdesk.

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