Starting April 15, 2026, Universal Audio offers a brand new bundle called UAD Explore FREE.
What Is UAD Explore FREE?
UAD Explore FREE is a free bundle that gives you all the software you need to create music that sounds like the records you love. With UAD plug-ins and software like the 1176 Classic FET Compressor, Vibe Analog Machines Essentials, Showtime ’64 Tube Amp, and our award-winning LUNA DAW — you can enjoy some of UA’s best classic sounds in your modern recording workflow.
How do I get UAD Explore FREE?
First, log in to your Universal Audio account on our website, or sign up to create a new one.
Then, on the UAD Explore FREE product page, click the Download button and sign in or create a free Universal Audio account. After completing a short questionnaire, your UAD Explore FREE plug-ins will be available to install via the UA Connect app — Universal Audio's free license and download manager. You can also watch our Getting Started video for a step-by-step walkthrough.
How long do I have to redeem UAD Explore FREE after I sign up?
You will have 90 days to download UAD Explore FREE after signing up.
What products are included in UAD Explore FREE?
The following products are included:
- 1176 Classic FET Compressor
- Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor
- UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection
- Pure Plate Reverb
- Vibe Analog Machines Essentials
- Showtime ’64 Tube Amp
- Century Tube Channel Strip
- PolyMAX
- LUNA
Do I need an Apollo or UAD hardware to use these plug-ins?
No, Apollo or UAD hardware is not required. UAD Explore FREE plug-ins are all UAD Native plug-ins, meaning they run entirely on your Mac or PC using your computer's own processing power, just like any standard VST3, AU, or AAX plug-in.
If you do have an Apollo audio interface, select plug-ins can also run on its onboard DSP for an ultra-low-latency, real-time recording experience.
What are the system requirements?
UAD Native plug-ins and LUNA DAW are supported on the following operating systems
- macOS Big Sur 11 or newer
- Windows 10 or newer
Visit our dedicated System Requirements article in the Knowledge Base for complete system requirements, including CPU and RAM specifications.
How does licensing and activation work?
A free iLok account is required to activate the licenses to your computer. iLok is a license management service by Pace Anti-Piracy. No physical iLok USB dongle is needed; a free software-only account at ilok.com is sufficient.
If you don't already have an iLok account, one will be created for you during sign-up.
How many times can I activate the products included in UAD Explore FREE?
UAD Native plug-in and LUNA licenses can be activated on up to three locations, such as your computer or an iLok USB. This allows you to use them anywhere after activation without requiring an internet connection. An iLok USB is not required.
For more information about iLok license activation, read this article.
Which DAWs are compatible with UAD Explore FREE plug-ins?
UAD Explore FREE plug-ins work in any DAW that supports VST3, AU, or AAX plug-in formats — including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Cubase, Fender Studio ProStudio One, Reaper, and more. The LUNA DAW is also included free of charge.
For more information about DAW compatibility, read this article.
Is UAD Explore FREE really free of charge?
Yes! UAD Explore FREE is completely free of charge. There is no purchase cost, no trial period, no subscription, and no credit card required. All included plug-ins are full, unrestricted versions — not lite editions or time-limited demos.
What if I already own some of these plug-ins?
If you already own any of the included plug-ins, you keep them. The bundle will add only the titles you don't yet have to your account. Plug-in substitutions are not available.
What Terms and Conditions Apply to the UAD Explore FREE Bundle Program?
The UAD Explore FREE Bundle Program is an incentive program designed to welcome customers and better understand customer preferences. Under the Program, customers: (A) provide their names and email addresses and (B) complete a brief survey about their music making process. In exchange for providing such information, the customer receives a perpetual license to a bundle of software.
The UAD Explore FREE Bundle Program is “FREE” in the sense that you don’t have to pay us any money in order to receive your perpetual license. But, since your right to receive the license is contingent upon your providing your name and address and answering the survey, your participation in the Program does represent a bargained-for exchange. If you don’t like the terms of that bargain, simply choose not to click the button to download. Your participation in the Program is entirely optional. After you click the button, you have ninety (90) days to download the UAD Explore FREE Bundle. If you don’t download by such time, the license will expire.
The Program is governed by the terms contained herein, as well our User Privacy Statement and End User License Agreement found here. You should read all of these documents carefully, as they set forth important obligations on UA’s part and on your part. For example, Section 12 of the End User Privacy Statement process sets forth a process by which you can ask UA to access, correct or delete Personal Information, under certain circumstances.
As to the Program, as a whole, UA reserves the right to run the Program for as long or as short as it chooses, in its sole discretion. We won’t notify you when we’ve terminated the Program. Termination will be effective at the date/time the Program’s landing page becomes inaccessible to the public.”