Universal Audio Launches Dangerous BAX EQ, 610 Tube Preamp & EQ, UAD Software v7.5

It’s a triple shot from Universal Audio.

Two major additions have just been launched for the UAD powered plugins platform. One is a surprise, and the other is an expected development – both will be welcomed by producers, engineers and artist who track, mix and master. Both come reinforced by fresh enhancements to the UAD platform, via the release of UAD Powered Plug-ins Software v7.5.

The Dangerous BAX EQ for UAD and Apollo has debuted. (click to enlarge)

The goodies begin with the Dangerous BAX EQ Plug-In Collection, a “finishing EQ,” that stands as first and only authentic plugin emulation of this highly desirable hardware studio staple. It’s available now, exclusively for UAD-2 DSP Accelerators and Apollo-equipped workstations, for $249. Many more juicy details follow below.

Next comes the 610 Tube Preamp and & EQ plugin collection, which debuted last month as a key feature of the Apollo Twin, and is now available for $299 for the UAD powered plugins platform and Apollo audio interfaces (owners of the UA 610-B Tube Preamp Plugin can upgrade to the full 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection for $149).

The 610 plug-in collection includes both the classic 610-A model – based on UA founder Bill Putnam’s milestone unit — and modern 610-B hardware. It represents the first comprehensive modeling of this preamp design, including its tube and transformer components and unique distortion characteristics.

Note that For Apollo Twin and Apollo DUO/QUAD users, the 610 collection works in conjunction UA’s new Unison technology, an exclusive analog/digital integration system that enables continuous, realtime, bi-directional control and interplay between Apollo’s physical hardware and UAD software mic preamp models. Via Unison, the Apollo mic preamp’s analog impedance, gain stage sweet spots, and component-level circuit behaviors are adjusted in real time to accurately emulate the target mic preamp model – yes, this plugin converges with true moving parts. See more details on the 610 collection below.

The arrival of these plugins coincides with UA’s release of UAD Powered Plug-Ins Software v7.5, which makes Unison available to users of Apollo QUAD and Apollo DUO interfaces and adds several key features for Mac users.

Unison also influences the the now-updated API Vision Channel Strip Plug-In and Universal Audio 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, as noted above. With UAD Software v7.5, Apollo DUO and QUAD users can immediately take advantage of Unison with a free 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ plug-in provided on install.

In addition, UA has announced full compatibility with Apple’s latest operating system, Mavericks, as well as full AAX 64 support for Mac users. AAX 64 support is coming for Windows 7 users this spring.

Here are more details on the Dangerous BAX EQ and 610 Tube Preamp and EQ plugins, as supplied by UA:

Created by UA direct development partner Brainworx and in conjunction with Dangerous Music Digital, the Dangerous BAX EQ Plug-In Collection is a powerful tool for shaping and enhancing the tonality and character of your music. The inspiration behind the Dangerous BAX EQ is Peter Baxandall’s legendary 1950s EQ — a tone control that has graced hi-fi systems around the world. Baxandall’s simple yet-effective EQ sweetened up program material by simultaneously employing broad, open curves and gently sloping cuts.

The BAX EQ Collection contains two distinct plug-ins: the Dangerous BAX EQ Mix and the Dangerous BAX EQ Master — a stereo version with Mid/Side processing capabilities not found on the original hardware.

Dangerous BAX EQ Plug-In Collection Features — $249

• Based on Peter Baxandall’s legendary 1950s EQ circuitry
• Modeled exactly after the original Dangerous design, schematics, and hardware
• Low Frequency cut filters dial-out unwanted subsonic frequencies, cleaning up low-end rumble and increasing headroom
• High frequency filters tame high-end harshness
• Broad Q Shelving for a natural, open character
• New Mid/Side function on stereo EQ Master version — not found on the original hardware
• Linked controls mode on EQ Master version
• Requires UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card or Apollo Interface, available from authorized dealers worldwide.

610 Tube Preamp and EQ Collection

The 610 Tube Preamp is a plugin that connects directly to the outside world.

When Universal Audio founder Bill Putnam Sr. introduced the 610 Modular Amplifier preamp in 1958 it was a milestone in audio history. The 610 is famous among record producers for its harmonic detail, clipping characteristics, and ability to overdrive in a warm, musical fashion. The original 610 preamp was integral to countless legendary recordings — from the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds to Johnny Cash’s landmark At Folsom Prison. Its modern variant, the 610-B, helped create new classics by Adele and Cold War Kids.

Now, Universal Audio has fully captured the 610’s revered tube character and tone with the UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Plug-In Collection. for the UAD Powered Plug-Ins platform and Apollo audio interfaces.

The 610 plug-in collection includes both the classic 610-A model and modern 610-B hardware, and represents the first comprehensive modeling of this hallowed preamp design — including its tube and transformer components and unique distortion characteristics.

For Apollo Twin and Apollo DUO/QUAD users, the 610 collection works in conjunction UA’s new Unison technology, an exclusive analog/digital integration system that enables continuous, realtime, bi-directional control and interplay between Apollo’s physical hardware and UAD software mic preamp models. With Unison, the Apollo mic preamp’s analog impedance, gain stage sweet spots, and component-level circuit behaviors are adjusted in real time to accurately emulate the target mic preamp model.

Universal Audio’s API Vision Channel Strip Plug-In is now also Unison-enabled via a free firmware update in UAD Software v7.5, allowing Apollo users to capture the authentic circuit behaviors of the Vision’s timeless 212L preamp.

Key Features: UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection

• Includes the 610-A and 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ plug-ins, each with their own sonic attributes and feature sets
• Models 610-A and 610-B’s entire electronic path — including tube amplifiers and transformers, complete with circuit nonlinearities and dependencies
• Physical analog input impedance switching and front panel control of Gain staging and other preamp parameters via Unison technology for Apollo Twin and Apollo DUO/QUAD owners
• Requires UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card or Apollo Interface, available from authorized dealers worldwide

Key Features: Unison Technology

• An exclusive analog/digital integration system already built into every Apollo mic preamp
• Enables Apollo mic preamps to sound and behave like the world’s most sought-after tube and solid state preamps — including their all-important impedance, gain stage “sweet spots,” and component-level circuit behaviors
• Continuous, realtime, bi-directional control and interplay between Apollo’s physical hardware and UAD software preamp model

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