In this article
- Keyboard and mouse shortcuts and modifiers
- Plug-in and preference file locations
- Plug-in types, names, and categories
- Uninstalling Sphere plug-ins
- Automation parameters
Keyboard and mouse shortcuts and modifiers
Use the following keyboard and mouse shortcuts in Sphere plug-ins.
- Double-click a parameter to reset its default value.
- On macOS, Command+click a parameter to reset to its default value.
- On Windows, Alt+click a parameter to reset to its default value.
Plug-in and preference file locations
During installation, the Sphere plug-ins and preferences are installed in these locations on the hard drive.
Plug-in install locations
OS |
Plug-in format |
Location |
Windows |
VST2 |
C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugins\ |
VST3 |
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\ |
|
AAX |
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\ |
|
UAD |
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Audio\Plug-Ins\Universal Audio\ |
|
macOS |
VST2 |
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/ |
VST3 |
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ |
|
AAX |
/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/ |
|
Audio Units |
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ |
Plug-in preference file locations
Preferences for your Sphere plug-ins are stored in the following locations. Preference files are named [plugin_name].txt.
- macOS: /Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Universal Audio/workspace/preferences/
- Windows: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Universal Audio\
Plug-in types, names, and categories
DSP and native plug-ins
If you have an Apollo or Pro Tools HDX system, you will get the best performance by using the DSP-powered plug-ins.
Using UAD DSP plug-ins in Apollo Console
In Apollo Console, UAD DSP plug-ins are automatically loaded.
Using UAD DSP plug-ins in LUNA and other DAWs
In LUNA and other DAWs, Sphere DSP plug-ins are named differently from the native versions, so you can load the correct plug-in. To use the DSP version of your Sphere plug-in, observe the naming conventions to load the correct plug-in:
- A UAD plug-in name begins with the prefix UAD; for example UAD Sphere Mic Collection
- A native plug-in name does not begin with a prefix; for example Sphere Mic Collection
Using AAX DSP plug-ins in Pro Tools HDX
In Pro Tools HDX with a DSP accelerator, switch the channel to DSP mode to use the AAX DSP version of the Sphere plug-in you want to use.
Sphere plug-in categories
In Apollo Console and LUNA, plug-ins appear in the Microphone category.
In other DAWs, Sphere plug-ins are sorted into different categories, which may vary depending on your selected DAW preferences and the type of plug-ins your DAW uses.
When plug-ins are sorted by manufacturer
If your DAW is configured to sort plug-ins by manufacturer:
- UAD DSP plug-ins appear in the Universal Audio folder
- Native plug-ins appear in the Universal Audio Sphere folder
When plug-ins are sorted by category or tags
If your DAW sorts plug-ins by category or tags:
- In Pro Tools, AAX plug-ins appear in the Sound Field category
- VST2 and VST3 plug-ins appear in the Spatial or FX | Spatial categories
- Audio Units plug-ins appear in the Specialized category
An example of Sphere plug-in sorting in a DAW
Uninstalling Sphere plug-ins
Native
To remove the native Sphere plug-ins from your macOS system
- Delete the plug-in files from their installed locations by dragging them to the Trash. See Plug-in install locations.
Windows
To remove the native Sphere plug-ins from a Windows computer
- Navigate to Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features.
- Select Universal Audio Sphere.
- Double-click to uninstall.
UAD
To remove UAD software, please visit these articles.
Automation parameters
The following automation parameters are available for Sphere plug-ins.
Parameter |
Name |
Axis |
Mic1 Axis Shift / Mic2 Axis Shift |
Filter |
Mic1 Filter / Mic2 Filter |
Pattern |
Mic1 Pattern / Mic2 Pattern |
Type |
Mic1 Type / Mic2 Type |