Universal Audio New Plug-Ins – API 2500 Bus Compressor, Chandler Limiter, Brainworx Stereo Tapped Delay

With every update, Universal Audio loves including new plug-ins. And so it goes, with the release of UAD Software v9.0, three new plug-ins join the ranks for UAD-2 and Apollo.

The plug-ins accompany Thunderbolt compatibility for Windows 10 users and Console 2 for Apollo FireWire users as part of UAD Software v9.0. As a result, Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo Twin, Apollo 8 (DUO and QUAD), Apollo 8p, Apollo 16, and Apollo FireWire audio interfaces, as well as UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt devices can all be connected to Windows 10 computers that include a Thunderbolt 3 connection (a qualified Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter is required).

Also part and parcel of the UAD Software v9.0 is Console 2 for Apollo and Apollo 16 FireWire interfaces. Featuring improved functionality over the original Console app, Console 2 gives Apollo FireWire users a host of new capabilities which include drag-and-drop plug-in arranging and custom channel strip settings designed by an elite array of producers and engineers including Darrell Thorp (Beck, Radiohead), Dave Isaac (Prince, Eric Clapton), Jeff Balding (Taylor Swift, Megadeth), and more.

Without further ado, discover the trio of new plug-ins:

API 2500 Bus Compressor ($299 MSRP)
The bus compressor is among the most sacred of components in an analog console. That’s why UA paid special attention to emulating this software compressor, capturing its all-discrete signal path with Thrust circuitry — and features detailed modeling of API’s custom transformers and 2510 and 2520 op amps.

A cornerstone of most analog consoles, the API 2500 bus compressor is here.

API 2500 Bus Compressor Plug-In Key Features:

• Painstakingly modeled by Universal Audio’s plug-in design team, licensed and authenticated by Automated Processes, Inc.,
• Provides the entire circuit path and control set of the API hardware including custom API op amps and transformers
• Signature API 2500 features include patented Thrust® sidechain filtering, “New” and “Old” Compressor Types, and Variable Sidechain Link
• Plug-in-only features include Dry/Wet parallel processing and Headroom for user-customizable operating level
• Artist presets from Jeff Balding (Faith Hill, Trace Adkins), Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White), Ryan Hewitt (The Avett Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and more

Chandler Limited Zener Limiter Plug-In ($299 MSRP)
Developed by Softube, the high-end hardware emulation is inspired by the EMI TG limiters and rare RS168 from Abbey Road Studios. The Chandler Limited Zener Limiter is an evolution of the limiters used to track Pink Floyd and The Beatles, now with a more expanded range and modern settings. Softube emulated the Zener Limiter’s circuits end-to-end, including its filter inductors, germanium transistors, transformers, and circuit nonlinearities.

Limiters are usually straight forward…then there is the Chandler Zener Limiter.

Chandler Limited Zener Limiter Plug-In Key Features:

• Exacting emulation of this modern classic limiter for mixing and mastering, fully authenticated by Chandler Limited
• Based on the vintage EMI limiters used to record The Beatles and Pink Floyd
• Models entire Chandler Limited TG12413 Zener Limiter electronic path including transformers and circuit nonlinearities
• Plug-in-only features include Mid/Side functionality and channel linking
• Artist presets from Tony Maserati (Beyonce, Lady Gaga) Howard Willing (Gavin DeGraw, Smashing Pumpkins), Kevin Kadish (Meghan Trainor, Jason Mraz), and more included

A/DA STD-1 Stereo Tapped Delay Plug-In ($199 MSRP)
Developed by Brainworx, the delay emulated a cult classic rack unit. With its array of six bucket-brigade delays, LFO and modulation controls, and flexible panning, the A/DA STD-1 Stereo Tapped Delay is revered by guitarists for its complex modulation, and engineers who use it to widen signals and add unique spatial effects to vocals, drums, synths, and more.

Modulation is the spice of variety.

A/DA STD-1 Stereo Tapped Delay Plug-In Key Features:

• Officially licensed and approved by A/DA Signal Processors
• Exacting circuit emulation of this hard-to-find hardware including bucket-brigade-delay distortion nonlinearities
• Six variable delay taps, each with independent stereo assignment
• Powerful Delay section with internal modulation controls and precise mix parameters
• Independent Dry/Wet mix control for each stereo output
• Plug-in-only controls include internal soft peak limiter option for feedback module and noise floor control

Please note: When you buy products through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.