Review: Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO
Plugins: They are commonplace and nearly mandatory in today’s studios and workspaces, and for some, have entirely replaced hardware processors. There is now even an entire generation of audio fiends that have never worked outside the box. For some, analog processing is still considered the holy grail—at least for certain genres of music. Regardless, most modern producers and engineers don’t always have the space, time, budget or interest to work in luxurious full-scale analog studios.
Universal Audio aims to provide a legendary studio’s worth of processing power in a small package with the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt QUAD and OCTO (the latter reviewed here). These portable powerhouses of processing come with 4 and 8 SHARC processors respectively, both with the purpose of providing improved performance and reduced plug-in latency versus FireWire. In addition to serving as a solution for UAD plug-ins, the Satellite is also a DSP expander for Apollo audio interfaces.
The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt comes in QUAD and OCTO versions.
Setup and Unboxing
As is the norm with Universal Audio’s gear, the packaging itself is designed to maximize both anticipation and protection for your new hardware. Opening the box feels akin to unearthing a buried treasure, and short of run-ins with wild animals or angry postal workers, the device should arrive in mint condition.
Inside the box you’ll find only the OCTO, power supply, and a cardboard insert with a link to setup and registration (the UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt is Mac only). It is worth noting that a Thunderbolt cable is mandatory but not included. This is not necessarily a negative factor, but it is something that must be considered in your overall budget, as Thunderbolt cables are still relatively expensive compared to other forms of connection.
UA does not include a paper setup manual and relies solely on a link to video instructions for initial setup. I’m not a fan of this, but it seems to be standard operating procedure for many companies as of recently. However, I found that if I followed instructions to the letter (picture?), everything quickly and easily fell into place and has been rock solid ever since with no issues.
The Hardware
The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO is compact and exceedingly easy to use. Billed as a DSP accelerator, the OCTO is not an interface, but merely a dedicated set of processing chips for plugins.
Two Thunderbolt ports on the rear of the device allow connection to your computer (Mac only) and other UA Audio interfaces. The only other connection is for the power supply: a beefy, four-pin XLR connection that feels solid, yet takes up very little space. The front display is clean and classy. Only a lighted logo, and a “HOST” display are there to indicate power and successful connectivity.
Streamlined in the back.
All in
And that’s pretty much all there is to getting working with the Satellite. The hardware itself is really that simple, and the OCTO, while working extremely well, is fairly limited in scope. It has only one job and it does it effectively and without fuss. The OCTO and QUAD only work with Universal Audio plugins, the cost of which must be factored into your final decision.
For producers and mixers on-the-go, the OCTO could be extremely useful, offering a level of performance that still cannot be supplied natively on a portable computer. One could accomplish quite a bit with only a laptop and the OCTO. I used the OCTO primarily at my studio, but also brought it to use at another studio as well. It’s diminutive size make traveling with easy as can be. I like knowing that I can travel with this box and be guaranteed a certain amount of processing.
In mixes, I ended up using UA plugs on the most important tracks until the unit maxed out, and then relied on other plug-ins to further tweak the mix. This box does not give you unlimited processing capabilities and the best UA plugins can be VERY DSP intensive. However, if one Satellite is not enough for you, it can be combined with additional units, or even with any of the Apollo series interfaces. When faced with an impending DSP shortage. I printed certain effects in place (Like our ancestors did!)
On the upcoming album from the Living Kills (a great Brooklyn Psych/Garage band)I really enjoyed using the API Vision channel strip on all the important instruments and vocals to emulate mixing on an actual console. That and a Fairchild or a Neve 33609 on the master bus to the ATR 102 gave the mixes a sense of depth and cohesion to nail the vibe we were looking for.
For those whom already have UA plugins and hardware, this device offers an extra reserve or processing power and integration using UA’s newly upgraded Console application.
For those who DON’T already have UA plugins, the Satellite is a nice start. It comes with UA’s Analog Classics Plus bundle, featuring Legacy editions of LA-2A Classic Audio Leveler, 1176 Classic Limiting Amplifiers, Pultec EQP-1A, Pultec Pro, and Fairchild 670 plug-ins, 610-B Tube Preamp, and more.
The Final Decision
The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO is singular in purpose and only exists to allow users to utilize the Universal Audio collection of plug-ins. UA plug-ins do not run native and the additional cost of plugins must be factored into the final decision. Its primary purpose and usefulness depend solely on whether you like/use UA processors.
Since the OCTO exists only to provide DSP, it’s tough to review the device without mentioning the plugins. A majority of Universal Audio’s plug-in offerings are re-creations of classic recording studio hardware including emulations of beloved compressors, equalizers, tape machines and even entire consoles! To many potential users the question will be: “Do the UA versions sound just like the originals?”
To which I reply, “I couldn’t care less.” I will most likely never own/rarely use an actual Fairchild 670. Likewise for the ATR-102 and the API Vision console. The same is probably true for many of you.
What matters to me on a day-to-day basis is whether or not a tool makes my job easy and fun. Does it clear the way to create a vibe and space that I hear in my head? Can I gently coax, or mangle the hell out of sounds to make the band happy?
On this account, Universal Audio has knocked it out of the park. I already own compressor, EQ and console/tape emulator plugins. The UA doesn’t do anything my current batch of plugins can’t do. It just does all of those things better.
The highest compliment I can give is my hard-earned paycheck. For my money (literally) these plugs are the best I have used. I strongly prefer them to the well-known native bundles that I have been using. UA can send me an invoice or send hired goons…but I’m keeping it.
Rich Crescenti is a freelance engineer, producer, teacher, and drummer who works out of several studios in NYC, helping bands make unique recordings. Rich also hits things with sticks for the Brooklyn-based rock band Bugs in the Dark.
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