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Universal Audio Max Preamp and Dual Compressor Pedal

Stereo Dual Compressor Pedal with 3 Compressor Models, 610-style Preamp, Buffered Bypass, UAFX Control App, and USB MIDI Control

Item ID: UAMax

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Dual Compression Flexibility with Maximum Tonal Authenticity

Boasting three classic compressor models and a spot-on tube preamp emulation, the Universal Audio Max Preamp & Dual Compressor pedal contains the power of a small studio setup in a standard stompbox form factor. From a classic guitar pedal compressor to a smooth optical tube model to UA’s own 1176, the Max’s dual-compressor design allows for a single instance of compression or the first instance stacked into the second for maximum squash and density. A versatile control section including Attack, Ratio, Release, and Comp adjusts each compressor individually depending on where the 2-way Comp Select switch is selected — a knob tweaker's dream, and that’s before you throw the harmonic warmth of the 610-style Preamp into the mix! Lastly, if you’re seeking greater adjustability, pair your Max with Universal Audio’s UAFX Control software using USB MIDI and Bluetooth compatibility for improved equalization options, series/parallel switching, and even a sidechain bass filter for an endless array of tonal choices and presets.

Three iconic compressors to choose from

The Max has three different compressors to squash your sound, from a stompbox classic to two legendary studio units. The control scheme for the Max will drastically change depending on which model you choose, retaining the workflow and feel of the original model.

Dyna: This setting is modeled after one of the most revered guitar compressor pedals, producing a somewhat lo-fi and attitude-filled compression tone. When testing the Max out at Sweetwater, we loved this setting for vibing up a funky rhythm tone or adding a touch of snarl to a crushed country lick.
FET 1176: Considering Universal Audio invented the 1176-style compressor way back when, this one’s inclusion is no surprise. However, what is a surprise is how perfectly UA has captured the original’s warm, soulful feel on this compact little pedal. This setting is ideal for giving any source an old-school feel and studio-ready sheen.
OPTO LA-2A: If you’re after a soft, warm, and dynamic feel, the OPTO LA-2A setting will surely be your first choice. This mode is based on a classic vintage tube optical compressor, with the addition of Ratio adjustment for enhanced control over the original.

True tube-style preamp tones

Truly a studio-ready setup in a box, the Max’s three compressor models are augmented by a preamp emulation of another Universal Audio classic: the 610 tube preamp. A quick swipe of the Max’s red Preamp knob injects your sound with the rich, lush character of UA’s legendary tube preamp and EQ unit, with a healthy dose of harmonic warmth. It’s an ideal sonic complement to the Max’s trio of retro compressor tones, allowing you to effortlessly call up sought-after studio sounds in history from the comfort of your pedalboard.

One compressor is good — two are better

A light hand goes a long way when dialing in a bit of subtle compression, but sometimes you need to really crush a signal for maximum aggression and attitude. After all, this pedal is a “Dual Compressor,” boasting two 3-way switches to rig up any wild combination of the Max’s three compressors that you could dream up. A 2-way Comp Select switch allows you to easily choose which of the two compressors the pedal’s knobs control (Attack, Ratio, and Release). Plus, a dual-footswitch design essentially gives you three channels of crisp compression tone to choose between instantly.

Get the most out of your UAFX gear

UAFX 2.0 is here, designed to give you the greatest control over your tone and your live setup. With this latest update, the Max Preamp and Dual Compressor boasts improved Bluetooth and USB-C controls for enhanced connection with Universal Audio's powerful UAFX app and USB MIDI control, opening a world of vast performance capabilities. Whether you engage the UAFX app to unlock deeper tone shaping and access artist-curated presets and effects, or connect with your programmable MIDI rig for access to 128 recallable presets and enhanced real-time expression, UAFX 2.0 is primed to elevate every dimension of your playing experience.

Universal Audio Max Preamp and Dual Compressor Pedal Features:

Stereo dual compressor and preamp pedal with 3 classic compressor emulations and a preamp modeled after the UA 610 tube preamp
UAFX dual-engine processing delivers the highest level of sonic authenticity
3 classic compressor models to choose from, including a staple compressor guitar pedal, UA’s own 1176 FET compressor, and an iconic optical tube compressor
Preamp knob captures the tube-style warmth and harmonic grit of the UA 610 preamp
Dual compressor design, with 2 x 3-way switches to pick any combination of the Max’s 3 compressors to combine
Attack, Ratio, Release, and Comp controls, in addition to a 2-way Comp Select switch that allows you to dial in both compressors with a single set of knobs
UAFX Control app offers enhanced equalization options, series/parallel operation, sidechain bass filter, and much more
Utility features include silent switching and buffered bypass
USB MIDI compatibility for expanded control

Resources

What Does a Compressor Pedal Do?

Apr 20, 2025

Steve Vai | What's on Your Pedalboard, Beat Edition

Feb 25, 2025

Play The Guitar Pedal Game & Giveaway

Sep 20, 2024

Best Compressor Pedals for Guitar

Jul 31, 2023

Best Bass Compressor Pedals

Jul 27, 2023

First Look: New UAD Pedals with Tim Pierce and Eric Krasno

Apr 11, 2023

More Than Twice the Tone? Why You Should Be Using Dual Compression

Apr 11, 2023

Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

Pedal Type: Compressor
Analog/Digital: Digital
Inputs: 2 x 1/4" TS
Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TS
Bypass Switching: Buffered
Features: UAFX Control app
Power Source: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage: 400mA
Height: 2.56"
Width: 3.62"
Depth: 5.55"
Weight: 1.24 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number: GPM-MAX

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Reviews

4.1

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I love this compressor!

First, I have often stacked compressors in my signal chain with variable success but this pedal, with two independent channels, can provide two separate "flavors" as well as allowing combining the two channels in several different ways, with the combination pathway easily changeable in the app. The app also allows for some minimal tweaking of the bass and treble response on each channel.
Even though it's a slightly oversized pedal it gave me extra real estate on my board because it replaced two other units.

Each channel has 3 compressor options - that feature, plus the "preamp" function allows for an amazing variety. You can achieve anything from almost fully transparent compression to smooth saturated compression and enhanced sustain. (I have seen more powerful sustain capability in other pedals but this one has plenty for my needs.)

Any compressor can add noise if used carelessly but this is one of the quietest I have used.

Also, I appreciate the 3 color led display on each channel, which shows roughly how much compression is applied, and shows how it changes during the release. This feature also facilitates fine tuning of the effect when changing between guitars with different output signal strengths.

I give this pedal an A+!

Long story on compressor pedals: I got one when I was far too inexperienced to know how to use one. I never liked the Dyna-comp cheap guitar comps for one main reason I think most non country players hate them because we set tham way too high and all you could adjust was one knob, that is rather useless. (Hint on attack and release settings, for the models that use both, they are usually set opposite one another, fast attack up, release down slow or vise versa. Start at noon and tweak a little.)
Once you understand compression and how it is used rather transparently natural to just about every recording you have ever heard and you learn what attack and release are. And the art of compression is a subtle thing, less is the goal not more, unless you are going for that overt clamped country thing on a Dyna-comp.
Understand what a limiting compressor is as well. I had my Keeley Compressor pro for a long time and I really liked that unit. Needing a new one after my recent board changes using UA. I saw this Max unit and it seemed like an amazing versatile design. Plus it has the best studio grade compressors on tap. I run the 1176 FET type up front of my chain to give me that thickening and enhanced fullness a comp can do. I had this problem using my new UAFX Lion and Anti amp modelers in that switching preset to live aka clean and heavy gain the levels would jump so much it would send my KMA Endgame into bad clipping, so using the dual split option I ran the Comp 2 end of chain right before my Endgame as a limiter LA2A studio type to hold down the spike clipping and it works perfectly! Getting the settings just right takes a bit of time as it is a new unit for me. You have to get them more subtle and more natural sounding and man it is like being in a studio with an Engineer fine tuning and refining your complete sound. This is the best compressor I have ever seen much less you have dual sides and the options are just crazy. You can stack them, run as separate units, whatever you need to do. In my case with the 1176 in front and the LA2A after the amps just works better than I had hoped. I even like the Dyna comp mode if you want a nice boost but keep the comp (and ratio down) and get it sounding like it is not there. Wonderful stuff UA is doing. I just love the entire line of new pedals. Really brought my sound into a new level. These UAFX pedals are as good as it gets and better than most, if fact I cannot think of anything better.

This is a total needle in the haystack scenario. This pedal does so many things well I think you could justify having 2 on your board. Using the preamp to add thickness to your sound helps tremendously with great clean tones. Dial it to edge of breakup, then back it up a hair and it makes you sound doubled.
It handles heavily compressed funk/chicken picken tones better than any guitar pedal I've ever come across. If you dime the release time and just use it as a sustainer for distorted tones it's slash and SRV in a box. This may be the most versatile and high quality pedal I've ever bought. Being able to program 2 independent settings that can be stacked gives you nearly limitless possibilities to cover all sorts of stylistic ground. Regardless of style, this bad boy will improve your tone.

If ever there were an "always on" pedal, this is it. I'd been wanting a compressor pedal for some time, but I never could decide between optical or FET style compression. Then the Max appeared, and I snapped it right up. It makes everything sound better. The question is always, "How much of the improvement is simply due to volume boost vs. tone?" It's a little of both. Best example is how a thin Tele suddenly becomes rich and luscious, with plenty of sustain, and a little preamp grit (I generally keep the preamp knob below 12:00 because the distortion becomes unpleasant if you go too high). Sonically, this pedal is top-notch (as usual for UA). And it's so tweakable, with two compressors available at any one time. Which brings me to my only complaint: I wish I could save a favorite setting. That would be useful because it's easy to mess things up given that the knobs don't necessarily show you the current state of a given compressor. Hint to buyers: be sure to install the latest firmware in order for the LEDs to work properly and show compression.

I can plug two instruments in and each has its own compressor and preamp! I use the LA-2A on acoustic guitar and just a touch of 1176 on bass. The LA-2A really adds sparkle and tightness to the guitar and the bass is nice and punchy using the 1176. Very intuitive interface, if a knob is not used for a particular compressor type the LED flashes green, so easy to tell which knobs apply to which compressors without consulting the manual. Minus one star just because it requires a phone to do the channel configuration, it would be nice to have hidden functions in the knobs to do that.