Universal Audio UAD Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-in Reviews
In the history of recorded music, few 2-inch tape machines saw as much action as the Studer A800. This iconic multitrack recorder captured hits by legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Nirvana, and Johnny Cash, among others. Thanks to Universal Audio and magnetic recording expert Jay McKnight, you can tap all of the groundbreaking functionality and warm analog sound of the Studer A800 — of course, without any of the 900 backbreaking pounds or maintenance requirements! The Universal Audio team precisely captured every component, from the entire circuit path of Allen Sides’ A800 from his Ocean Way Studios collection. The resulting UAD Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plug-in is arguably one of the most accurate models of any multitrack analog tape machine ever created. In fact, it’s even fully authenticated by Studer! With different tape formulas and speed options, calibration levels, global adjustments, and a Luna extension, it’s never been easier to get the coveted sound of tape.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Lovely and warm saturation
The saturation plugins are a great asset to the Studio, but the Studer brings an elegance of warm and mostly subtle saturation that is quite hard to find on any tape plugin, let alone the entire saturation plugins everywhere. This is a mastering level plugin, and it works amazingly on that. I also use it in producing and mixing for adding tonality and warmth to a track. This has quickly become my favorite tape recorder plugin, and I own most of the best. It brings a high quality touch to everything I put it on.
Studer A800 multichannel Tape recorder plug-in
This is a product I bought on the recommendation of my Logic-Pro Tutor when I asked him about it. He replied to my query that he used it in the mix to enhance the sound of the track. When I asked him why not earlier in the recording, his answer was that it affected the latency of the track too early, and would create a problem downstream. I haven't been in the position of applying it yet, but I trust my tutor, he's a professional in the field.
UA studer 800
Awesome tape! Really glues the mix together. I usually use this on my stereo out so it's the last thing my mix hits before mastering.
It sounds like real reel-to-reel
I owned a reel-to-reel or two "back in the day". I used the same tapes as the ones available in this plugin and, man it sounds like how I remember! For me, it's been rock solid (loads and plays really well). I use it in Reaper on Windows 10 and 11.
Given that it's customizable as well - fantastic.
Analog sound in the digital domain
If you insert this plugin on the master bus of your mix you can get that fat warm vibe of recording to tape.
Constant crashes in Digital Performer. Zero tech support for UA
This sounds great when it works, but all of the UADx plugins I have bought crash DP constantly. Probably 1 out of 100 times it will load and then back to crashing. No response from tech support at all. No mention of this problem on their website. Waiting and hoping for an update that will fix this and mean that I didn't waste my money on this non-returnable product.
Not worth the mony
Couldn't get it to work properly. Takes too many add ons. Recording is best done with an analog recorder.
I will never waste my money on worthless software ever again. I bought a used Studer reel to reel recorder and am not having any issues whatsoever. Old school is a better choice.
