This article compares UAD native plug-ins, UAD DSP/Apollo plug-ins, and our UAD Spark subscription service, and answers some commonly asked questions to help you determine the best option for your specific needs.
What are UAD DSP/Apollo plug-ins?
UAD DSP plug-ins, also known as Apollo plug-ins, are DSP-accelerated and require UAD-2 hardware, like an Apollo interface, UAD-2 Satellite, or UAD-2 PCIe hardware to run. These UAD-2 devices feature dedicated DSP processing chips that offload the audio processing of UAD plug-ins from your CPU directly onto the device itself. This technology enables low-latency monitoring and recording through UAD plug-ins and helps to reduce the overall CPU load of your mix sessions.
UAD DSP plug-ins are offered in VST3, VST2, AU, and AAX formats and are listed in your DAW as “UAD” plug-ins.
What are the benefits of using UAD DSP plug-ins?
- Monitor and record plug-ins in real-time using an Apollo interface with UAD Console and your DAW of choice – or use Apollo with LUNA.
- UAD DSP plug-ins run on Apollo and UAD-2 hardware, so your computer’s CPU is free for other tasks.
- Copy and paste settings between UAD native and UAD DSP versions.
How do I get UAD DSP plug-ins?
You can purchase them directly from the UAD Store and other participating retailers. If you are using the UAD store, just look for the "Apollo" badge next to a title to see if the product is available for use with UAD-2 devices.
What are UAD native plug-ins?
UAD native plug-in titles include audio effects and instruments that can be run on your computer’s CPU without the need for additional hardware such as an Apollo, UAD-2 Satellite, or UAD-2 PCIe card, while providing the same authentic sound quality of their hardware-accelerated counterparts. This makes them ideal for mixing, production, and mobile use.
UAD native plug-ins are offered in VST3, AU, and AAX formats and are listed in your DAW as “UADx” plug-ins.
What are the benefits of using UAD native plug-ins?
- Use UAD Native plug-ins anywhere without needing an Apollo or UAD-2 accelerator connected.
- The ability to load as many instances of UAD plug-ins as your CPU can handle.
- Copy and paste settings between UAD native and UAD DSP versions.
- Each UAD native plug-in can be individually downloaded using UA Connect.
How do I get UAD native plug-ins?
You can purchase them directly from the UAD Store and other participating retailers. If you are using the UAD Store, just look for the "Native" badge next to a title to see if the product is available as a UAD native plug-in.
You can also sign up for a UAD Spark Studio subscription, which gives you instant access to a large collection of high-quality native audio effect and instrument plug-ins for one low monthly or annual price, along LUNA Studio.
Note: UAD Spark Studio subscribers only get access to native versions of included UAD plug-ins. Access to DSP plug-ins is not included in UAD Spark Studio.
What is UAD Spark Studio?
UAD Spark Studio is our subscription service that provides access to a growing collection of high-quality UAD native audio effects and UAD instruments, without the need for dedicated UA hardware. LUNA Studio is also included with all UAD Spark Studio subscriptions.
What are the benefits of UAD Spark Studio?
- Instant access to a large and ever-growing collection of high-quality native audio effect and instrument plug-ins for one low monthly or annual price.
- Full access to LUNA Studio.
- Plus all of the benefits of UAD native plug-ins listed above!
How do I get UAD Spark Studio?
You can start a UAD Spark Studio subscription or trial directly from the UAD Spark Studio product page.
FAQ: UAD Plug-Ins
If I purchase a UAD plug-in, do I get a license for both the UAD native and UAD DSP versions?
Yes, for every UAD plug-in that supports native and DSP versions, your purchase includes a license for both versions. Whether you are buying for UAD native, UAD DSP, or both, one purchase is all you need.
If I own the UAD DSP version of a plug-in, and UA releases a UAD native version later on, do I get the native version for free?
If you own a UAD DSP plug-in that has been ported to native, you may be eligible for a free license for the UAD native version.
Note: Not all natively ported plug-ins are eligible, and some exceptions may apply. The current exceptions are listed below:
- Helios® Type 69 Preamp & EQ
- Manley® Variable Mu Limiter Compressor
- SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
- SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor
- Little Labs Voice Of God Bass Resonance
Do UAD native plug-ins sound the same as UAD DSP plug-ins?
Yes, UAD native plug-ins sound identical to UAD DSP plug-ins.
Do settings and presets translate from UAD DSP to UAD native, and vice versa?
Yes, all UAD plug-ins support copy & paste of settings between UAD native and UAD DSP versions.
Also, with LUNA v1.4 and higher, switching between UAD native and UAD DSP plug-in versions, along with their settings, can be done automatically with a simple click of your mouse.
Are all UAD plug-ins available natively?
No, all UAD plug-ins are not available natively. To find out which UAD plug-ins are available natively, visit this page.
Will UA continue to release native plug-ins?
Yes, Universal Audio is dedicated to continuing to expand our collection of native plug-ins.
With the growing popularity of native plug-ins, does UA still plan to continue to release DSP plug-ins?
One hundred percent! Universal Audio remains dedicated to continuing to expand our collection of DSP plug-ins.
Is DSP processing still worth it these days?
Absolutely! While CPUs in modern computers keep getting faster and can handle more complex processing than ever before, a DSP workflow really excels at using your favorite UAD plug-ins latency-free while recording and monitoring with UAD Console. There's also still a lot to be said about utilizing DSP for heavy mix sessions where every bit of processing power gets you closer to the finish line.