UAD-1 vs. TC Powercore

**Veddersound** · 02-09-2004, 04:27 PM

Hi, I want to see some opinions about what do you think about the diferences between the UAD-1 Studiopak and the TC Powercore.

Which one do you think is better, which one can run more plug-ins at the same time, etc.

Thanks!

**michaelhoddy** · 02-10-2004, 12:14 PM

What platform and software are you running, and on what computer? That will factor heavily into my response. I used to have both of them, at the same time.

**Veddersound** · 02-10-2004, 03:18 PM

Ok, I have a dual G4 running Digital performer 3.11 and OS/9.2

I also want to know if I could use TC powercore and the UAD-1 at the same time.

thanks!

**michaelhoddy** · 02-10-2004, 05:29 PM

The UAD-1 does not like dual-processor G4's. That situation may have changed since I had one last year, but when I did have it, it gave me nothing but problems stability-wise.

Neither card is supported for automatic plug-in delay compensation with DP.

As to the sounds, the UAD has the better compressors, and the PowerCore has the better reverbs, with the possible exception of UAD's DreamVerb, which I haven't heard. The stock UAD ChannelStrip is very useful. Nigel is useless. Some of the optional TC plug-ins, expecially the Sony Oxford plug-ins, are absolutely great.

The UAD's dynamic processor allocation is not what I would characterize as a feature. The card is very squirrely and unpredictable at high processor loads.

The TC seems to have more processing overhead, and, at least for me, has been absolutely stable.

**xstatic** · 02-10-2004, 07:34 PM

The new Dreamverb smokes the old realverb and I believe that UA has released many updates since you sold yours Michael. However, being a PC guy I haven't really payed attention to the Mac updates. I am interested to hear the new Fairchild comp on it, and did the demo for Cambridge EQ a while ago. It was pretty cool. I have also used Nigel succesfully several times now, but never on a guitar track

Even though I love the new Dreamverb for the UAD card, I still would trust the TC verbs more (I mean thats what TC does

). I have not really run out of processing power yet on my UAD, but I use it in Nuendo on a PC and may not have used as many plugs as Michael was using. I actually find myself rarely using the channel strip (not sure why because every time I use it I seem to like it).

I think either card is a welcome addition to any setup capable of running it. But, if the UAD has issues with whatever hardware or software you may be using, then it isn't worth it.

**michaelhoddy** · 02-10-2004, 08:01 PM

I should add that the UAD is VERY happy on a PC, and also seems to exhibit no problems with single-processor Macs. And yes, you may want to check out the UAD user's group to see if they've managed to clear up the dual-processor issues since my unfortunate experience.

I'd love to be proven wrong about those issues by a more recent software update, because I found the plugs very useful, and I'd consider getting another one, since the price is so right.

**Veddersound** · 02-10-2004, 09:13 PM

Where can I find the UAD user's group?

I know this is very good and I need better compressors than reverbs, so I think the UAD could be more useful to me, so Is there any forum of UAD users?, where is it?

Thank you!

**michaelhoddy** · 02-10-2004, 09:27 PM

http://www.chrismilne.com/uadforums/default.asp

**xstatic** · 02-11-2004, 09:50 AM

Please keep in mind that my comments on the UAD were not meant to be a vote against the TC Powercore. I have heard nothing but great things about the TC Powercore. Its just that I have not used one so I could only convey my experiences with my UAD. I do however plan to end up with a Powercore card in the future as well as my UAD.

Having said that, based on Michael's comments on both cards, it sounds like the UAD may be the card for you at this point in time. I believe the new UAD studio pack includes Dreamverb, Cambridge EQ, and the new Fairchild compressor.

On a side note, Universal Audio no longer distributes their card through Mackie and is doing it and supproting completely through their own channels. I am not sure if this is good or bad yet, we shall see.

**djmoose** · 02-26-2004, 03:12 AM

I'm seriously considering getting one of these...and right now it seems like there is more development for the tc card. Is this true? Will there be more plug-ins available for uad-1?

Thanks in advance,

**michaelhoddy** · 02-26-2004, 08:21 AM

There is definitely a good bit of third-party development for the TC platform, and the new PowerCore Element drops the price of the same PCI card below that of the UAD-1. It's a very good deal, even with the plugs that aren't included on the Element.

I'm not sure why UA hasn't opened up their card to third-party support, and if they have, why no one is doing anything on it.