DON'T BUY Universal Audio Plugins? Or are they 🔥again?

Is it time to take advantage of Universal Audio's Native UADx and Spark plugin collection? Or maybe just pick a few select ones. Let's discuss the case of Universal Audio and also test some amazing plugins, such as Sound City Studios, Hitsville Chambers, 1176, LA-2A, Distressor and Capital Mastering Compressor. And there is more... Lots to talk about.
www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/pl...
And one error in this video: I said that Spark includes Native and Apollo versions. That's not true. Spark only refers to Native plugins, and is the subscription that includes all Native plugins. Even if same plugin exists in Apollo format, you'd still have to buy it. BUT - This is something that should be corrected in my opinion.

[@massivebeatzz]

Error correction: I said Spark includes Native and Apollo versions. That's not true. Spark only refers to Native plugins, and is the subscription that includes all Native plugins. Sorry about that. Even if same plugin exists in Apollo format, you'd still have to buy it. BUT - This is something that should be corrected in my opinion.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I’ve definitely been taking advantage of their sales on native plug-ins. Picked up Sound City and Capitol Chambers on the 2 for $99. Killer deal! Got the La-2a free as well. Picked up Waterfall B3 on a really good sale when native was first released. Never wanted to spend that much on the interfaces since I have 16 channels, but really enjoying the plug-ins and not being stuck in a subscription.

[@massivebeatzz]

Nice! Did the same - went for SCS and Capitol, 2 for 99 is an extremely fair price.

[@massivebeatzz]

Lots to choose from: www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/plug-in-bundles/uad-signature-edition.html

[@macreviewz7187]

Great review bro - thank you.

[@massivebeatzz]

My pleasure!

[@matt_nyc_audioengineer]

Just FYI, from my understanding, Spark does not include the full lineup available for Apollo. It's only the native versions.

[@massivebeatzz]

Thank you for this correction and catching this! I realized this error shortly after posting this. Going to try to amend this.

[@jameswilkerson8873]

I am of the opinion that ones and zeros are just that. You can not write them in gold, promote them above any others in any way that isnt directly accessible to anyone else. Nothing proprietary. Then UA gave away that 2A. Ive been mixing for about 24 yrs, as a plugin it sounds better than most that Ive used. It doesnt work in every situation but Im kinda impressed. Maybe their capture abilities are proprietary and allow for some amazing emulations. I was fortunate enough to jump into a hybrid lab before the need to purchase from UAD. I understand why you had left. I want to try their sound city reverb for 2Bus duties, I have been utilizing TaiChi from Reverb Foundries for, like forever. Just some casual thoughts. ATM, i dont need to change my methods but im curious about them.

[@massivebeatzz]

Thanks for chiming in! Valid points.

[@aaronthomas7790]

They're still holding some of the best ones to DSP only which is annoying. Ampex 102, ocean way, c-vox, etc. Hopefully they port all over to native soon.

[@massivebeatzz]

slowly slowly! Being strategic - as always.

[@aaronthomas7790]

@@massivebeatzz Definitely strategic. They're a smart company.

[@GrumpyEyeAudio]

Most of this is not true. I have almost all of the UAD plugins, but on native - they gave me just a few "for free". The rest I would have to buy. Which is hilarious.

[@massivebeatzz]

You may want to contact customer service - that is not how they advertise it. If you own a plugin in UAD2, you own both versions (including UADx).

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Softube, Arturia, Sound Toys, Pulsar... so many better companies out there. UAD is over hyped and to boot, you cannot use the plugins you purchased if you aren't online. Seriously? And then they slam your computer with over 650 demos when purchasing only few? Annoying and insulting. The 3 plugins I purchased are good but I can live without them.

[@massivebeatzz]

Ok, you don't need to download 650 anymore with Native. That was with UAD, where all 4GB got downloaded. Still is - but not Native. I use Softube and Pulsar (Audio and Modular). Certain things UAD is unbeatable, some Softube takes the crown, some Fabfilter, and in obscure cases and innovation the likes of Pulsar, Kiive, Tone Projects. That's why I think cherry-picking is the way to go.

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

@@massivebeatzz Well, I got slammed a few weeks ago with 650. And it was 16 gigs not 4. I emailed support and they said to use the downloader/installer. However, It didn’t get rid of everything. I’m still going through my computer… when I have time. It was ridiculous. How could a company do such a stupid stunt? The only other experience I had like that was with IK. Also them. Never again. And regarding my point about being online… I sometimes work with clients up in the seclusion of mountains. How am I supposed to activate my plug-ins with no Internet connection? WHY… Does any company do such a stupid thing? Sonnox is the other culprit. I will never buy from them again. Some companies think of the entire experience and manage it well. Others seem fragmented between the actual product and the experience. Sound City By UAD is a phenomenal product. And a game changer for many people I would imagine. The Pultecs are exceptional as well. But… Pulsar Massive and Mu both Manley outdo UAD. (See Dan Worrall’s review of Massive). Arturia’s Lexicon is not only accurate but warmer and has tons of modern features UAD doesn’t. Lindell’s API (although a different model) is just as spanky. Softube’s Chandler is incredible. Not to mention products they make that UAD doesn’t such as their outstanding WEISS line. Anyway… My point being is that UAD isn’t the only kid on the block. And don’t get me started about LUNA. So much promise with that DAW, and yet they keep dragging their feet and changing their minds about everything. I don’t know who’s in charge over there, but they need stronger leadership and a bolder vision to restructure it once and for all. I just don’t trust UAD. Way too flaky for me.

[@baptistec.4546]

I come from Softube and Soundtoys, I get way more pleasure with UAD plugins. I use only UAD and Goodhertz now and sold everything else. Nothing’s better than something else, just 2 musicians-2 visions ;)

[@bassinblue]

@houdinididiit I completely agree with you. They've got a few good ones, but the rest are just standard overhyped nonsense, which they claim is better than anything else, but if people actually took time to truly analyse their plugins with A/B testing and EQ analysers, you'd find that it's no different. Also, I'd like to add their Distressor is crap and nothing like the real thing (Xtressor wins in that department).

[@drewschempf944]

This resession is killing there business model

[@harpoleon6806]

Uad is worse ecosystem to jump into but they do sound good 😅 just not worth the admission

[@massivebeatzz]

I feel you brother 👍

[@MrEnagee]

Respect goes when i see clickbait titles

[@massivebeatzz]

it's a serious question. Tons of people , including me, left UAD after being a fan for many years. Prices now have dropped and Native is serious - hence the question - don't buy them still, or is it time to come back? I decided the latter, for a few pugins.

[@Allious131]

@@massivebeatzz People will cuck for them ignore those people preach make more people aware how terrible this company is.