This article answers the most commonly asked questions regarding native plug-ins.
iLok Questions
UAD Native plug-ins require an iLok account for activation. Please read below for common questions about iLok activations.
What do I need for iLok activation?
UA Connect will guide you through the process of creating a free iLok account or linking to an existing iLok account. iLok Cloud is used for UAD Spark Studio, while local host (computer) authorization is used for permanent licenses – meaning no iLok USB is required.
How many iLok activations do I get for each purchase?
Three activations are available for each UAD Nativex permanent license. UAD Nativex plug-ins and LUNA licenses can be activated to local host (machine) locations – on up to three (3) locations such as your computers or iLok USBs.
How many computers can I activate my UAD Native plug-ins on?
Three (3) activations are supported for permanent licenses of UAD Native products These activations can be authorized to a local host (i.e. a computer) and/or a physical iLok dongle. iLok Cloud only supports one computer connection at a time and is still used to authorize UAD Spark Studio subscriptions.
Can I run UAD Native plug-ins offline?
Yes! You can now authorize your permanent plug-in licenses directly to your computer or to a physical iLok USB (2nd generation or higher) to authorize and run Native UAD plug-ins offline.
Note: UAD Spark Studio licenses can only be authorized to the iLok Cloud or to an iLok USB.
Purchasing UAD Plugins
Where can I purchase UAD Native plug-ins?
Visit the UA Store or participating and authorized UA Dealers.
Can I try UAD Native plug-ins before I buy?
Yes, 14-day plug-in demos are available. Find eligible plug-ins on this page.
Important Note: Users can benefit only from one (1) demo period per plug-in. Demo resets are not possible for native plug-ins.
How do I get my UAD Native plug-ins?
After purchasing a plug-in, you will be guided to download and install UA Connect to get your plug-in(s). To learn more about UA Connect, click here.
If you already have UA Connect installed, open the application to install your plug-in(s).
What about returns and refunds?
We do not offer returns or refunds for software.
Native vs UAD DSP Questions
If I purchase a UAD plug-in, do I get a license for native and UAD DSP versions?
Yes – for every UAD plug-in that has both UAD Native and UAD DSP versions available at the time of purchase, you will get a license for both versions. To browse the collection of UAD Native plug-ins, visit this page.
What are the advantages of using UAD DSP plug-ins versus UAD Native plug-ins?
- UAD DSP plug-ins allow you to record and monitor through UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency, regardless of your DAW buffer size.
- You get all the benefits of Unison technology.
- UAD DSP uses your UAD hardware’s DSP to process audio, easing the load on your computer’s CPU.
What are the advantages of using UAD Native plug-ins versus UAD DSP versions?
- You can mix on-the-go with UAD plug-ins without having UA hardware attached.
- UAD Native plug-ins allow you to run as many instances of a plug-in as your computer can handle.
Are UAD Native plug-ins priced the same as UAD DSP plug-ins?
Yes, for every UAD Plug-In that supports native and UAD DSP versions, your purchase includes a license for both. Whether you are buying for Native or Apollo (or both), one purchase is all you need. UAD DSP exclusive titles still require Apollo/UAD hardware to operate.
Do UAD Native plug-ins sound the same as UAD DSP plug-ins?
Yes, native plug-ins sound identical to the UAD DSP plug-ins.
Do settings and/or presets translate from UAD DSP to UAD Native?
Yes, all plug-ins support copy/paste of settings between the two plug-in formats. With LUNA v1.4 (and higher), switching between native and DSP plug-in versions, along with their settings, can be done automatically.
Are all UAD plug-ins available natively?
Not all plug-ins are available natively. To find which plug-ins are available natively, visit this page.
Will there be more UAD plug-ins that run natively in the future?
Yes, and they will be added to UAD Spark Studio as they become available.
What’s the advantage of UAD Spark Studio?
Subscribe for access to a growing collection of UAD Native plug-ins for one low price. LUNA Studio is also included with all UAD Spark Studio subscriptions.
Transfers
Will I be able to sell or transfer my UAD Native plug-ins to another UA account?
No, transfers of UAD Native plug-ins alone are not supported.
If I sell my Apollo, can I transfer the native versions of my UAD DSP license(s) to the new owner?
Yes. If you sell an Apollo and transfer all of your plug-ins to the new owner, the native versions are transferred along with the UAD DSP licenses. For more information about transferring hardware, read this article.
Note: Plug-ins cannot be transferred individually, or without transferring a DSP-enabled device such as Apollo, Satellite or Arrow.