This article answers the most commonly asked questions regarding native plug-ins.
Native vs UAD-2 DSP/Apollo Questions
If I purchase a UAD plug-in, do I get a license for native and Apollo/UAD-2 versions?
Yes – for every UAD plug-in that supports both native and Apollo/UAD-2 versions, you get a license for both. To browse the collection of native UAD plug-ins, visit this page.
What are the advantages of using Apollo Realtime plug-ins versus native UAD plug-ins?
- Apollo Realtime 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.
- Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 uses your UAD hardware’s DSP to process audio, easing the load on your computer’s CPU.
What are the advantages of using native UAD plug-ins versus Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions?
- You can mix on-the-go with UAD plug-ins without having UA hardware attached.
- Native UAD plug-ins allow you to run as many instances of a plug-in as your computer can handle.
Are native UAD plug-ins priced the same as UAD-2 plug-ins?
Yes, for every UAD Plug-In that supports native and Apollo/UAD-2 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-2 exclusive titles still require Apollo/UAD hardware to operate.
Do UAD Native plug-ins sound the same as UAD-2 plug-ins?
Yes, native plug-ins sound identical to the UAD-2 plug-ins.
Do settings and/or presets translate from DSP to 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 as they become available.
What’s the advantage of UAD Spark?
Subscribe for access to a growing collection of native UAD plug-ins for one low price.
iLok Questions
Native UAD 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, 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 native UADx permanent license. Native UADx 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 native UAD 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 subscriptions.
Can I run Native UAD 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 licenses can only be authorized to the iLok Cloud or to an iLok USB.
Purchasing UAD Plugins
Where can I purchase native UAD plug-ins?
Visit the UA Store or participating and authorized UA Dealers.
Can I try native UAD 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 native UAD 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.
Transfers
Will I be able to sell or transfer my native UAD plug-ins to another UA account?
No, transfers of native UAD plug-ins alone are not supported.
If I sell my Apollo, can I transfer the native versions of my UAD-2 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 Apollo/UAD-2 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.