UAD plugins

[Boom city]

How do the UAD plugins compare to the Voxengo plugins (not the freeware). Also is there really a huge significant difference between the UAD plugin effects or Voxeng effects and the regular old DAW effects or freeware? Or is like one of those things where you have to pay a large amount to see a small difference?

[wlouch]

I am currently perving on UAD plug-ins myself. As far as i understand it, they are the best collection of plug-ins, period. Cost is relatively cheap considering the sound quality of them. I have heard them in action, they really are superb. Hardware and UAD (software) have been compared many times, and not a HUGE difference is present in terms of sonic quality. I am aiming to get a 'pak' as soon as i have re-cased my audio PC.

Anyone actually with them in use by themselves got anything to add?

cheers

Will

[MASSIVE Mastering]

Other than "they're the best plugs I've ever used," no.

I don't like most plugs. I don't use plugs often. I like my hardware better. But if you're looking for flexible, quality plugs with some character, then you really can't beat the UAD stuff.

[Boom city]

How about any comparisons between Voxengo and UAD? Anywhere close to the ballpark or no?

[wlouch]

UAD are streets above any other plugs as far as i know

[Bezo]

...But if you're looking for flexible, quality plugs with some character, then you really can't beat the UAD stuff.

How would you compare UAD-1 to McDSP in terms of quality & character?

I've held off on these for some time, not wanting to use a wrapper(I'm on Pro Tools) and not knowing how many cards I would need.

If someone could help me figure out how many cards I would need, I'd appreciate it. I'm running Pro Tools 7 on a 1.25 dual processor G4 w/2 GB of RAM. My sessions are usually 20 tracks or so with compressors & EQs everywhere with 2-3 verbs and 2-3 delays. I'd get the Ultra Pak, but I have a feeling I'd need more than one card.

Still being on a G4, how much processing is actually done on the DSP cards is critical. How much work is done by the cards versus my CPU?

[wlouch]

All of the algorithms for the tool used is done 100% on the card, of course the program on your DAW will have to have drivers and other smaller background processes running to communicate with the card(s) to work. However, this is minimal.

Depending on how much processing you use on each track of those 20 or so, depends on how many cards you get. Getting an Ultra Pack gets you the same DSP card + processor, but, more liscence options. Personally, I would go for one of the project or studio packs and add any specific plug-ins your work requires most frequently. If need be, two of the same card and upgrade liscences where necessary. Two+ IF your production requires that much processing power.

[Bezo]

All of the algorithms for the tool used is done 100% on the card, of course the program on your DAW will have to have drivers and other smaller background processes running to communicate with the card(s) to work. However, this is minimal.

Good to know. Thanks!

One more thing about the cards. Can you give me an idea how easy/hard they are to install?

Depending on how much processing you use on each track of those 20 or so, depends on how many cards you get. Getting an Ultra Pack gets you the same DSP card + processor, but, more liscence options. Personally, I would go for one of the project or studio packs and add any specific plug-ins your work requires most frequently. If need be, two of the same card and upgrade liscences where necessary. Two+ IF your production requires that much processing power.

This is where I get a bit confused.

Edit: Now that I think about it, there's relatively few plugs I want. All but a few come with the Flex Pak. Percision EQ, Percision Multiband Comp, a 2nd EQ with some character, a 2nd comp with some character, their best verb and Nigel.

Not knowing how many cards I really need hampers my planning. I wish they offered cards separately.

[irthwirm]

I have to throw waves into the mix cause they're customer service is going down the tubes and the prices are huge. I mean i can go to guitar center and get like almost 50% of most bundles though. As far as quality plugins does the UAD as good if not better then waves in most cases. What about the new ssl 4000 series and the API bundle. How does that hold up to the NEVE on the UAD and any of the analoge stuff. I want to invest in more plugins but is waves really the way to go anymore. I've heard nothing but positive feedback from the UAD's.

[wlouch]

UAD-1 cough. I dont work for them by the way, i just think i have fallen in love.

Bezo if you have ever installed a new graphics card or sound card, it is much like that, but easier. As there will be less talking from card to operating system, as the majority of talking goes on between card and DAW application. Simply put, less Microsoft bullsh!t