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 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.
Note: UAD Spark subscribers only get access to native versions of included UAD plug-ins. Access to DSP plug-ins is not included in UAD Spark.
What is UAD Spark?
UAD Spark is simply 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.
What are the benefits of UAD Spark?
- 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.
- Plus all of the benefits of UAD native plug-ins listed above!
How do I get UAD Spark?
You can start a UAD Spark subscription or trial directly from the UAD Spark 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
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.