Universal Audio

Universal Audio are highly regarded for their software emulations of classic and historical audio hardware. Well credentialed audio engineers have stated frequently that the difference between many of Universal Audio’s plug-ins and the original hardware they were modelled from is inaudible. Within the industry, they are regarded as the benchmark to compare audio processing plug-ins too.

In 2012 Universal Audio changed professional computer music with the release of the Apollo rack-mount and more recently the Apollo Twin desktop audio interfaces. Now their 2nd generation, the Apollo rack-mount Thunderbolt interfaces offer elite AD/DA convertors, solid Mac & Windows drivers, and generous I/O across three core models: Apollo 8, Apollo 8P and Apollo 16. Each model includes a Quad core UAD-2 card, allowing you to run UAD plug-ins from the Apollo for mixing AND in the recording path. There is also

Universal Audio also make dedicated PCIe, Firewire and Thunderbolt UAD-2 DSP systems. They continue to manufacture premium outboard gear, modelled off earlier gear designed by the original Universal Audio Recording Corporation formed by Bill Putnam Sr. in Chicago, 1946. In the 1950’s, Putnam relocated to LA, and the company was re-named UREI. It was during this time when Teletronix became a division of the company too. Like his sons, Putnam Sr. was also responsible for significant innovations in audio production, largely to do with the now standardised design and layout of mixing consoles. Universal Audio now manufacture some of these heritage products including the Teletronix LA-2A, 1176LN FET Compressor and Limiting amplifier and three different pre-amp / channel strips modelled of the infamous 610 Console.