My new UAD-2 Solo arrived. Should I install it?

Mod Bod


Wondering aloud here;

How is the latency when using these plug-ins in real time monitoring?  Sometimes as I am tracking I might want to hear some verb or compression in my headphone mix as it affects the way the artist might perform.  I am hoping that I would be able to use the UAD plug-ins judaciously while tracking without getting the latency past the 5 - 10 ms range.  (1.5 - 2 ms would be preferred.)

SvenArne

Mod Bod


Wondering aloud here;

How is the latency when using these plug-ins in real time monitoring?  Sometimes as I am tracking I might want to hear some verb or compression in my headphone mix as it affects the way the artist might perform.  I am hoping that I would be able to use the UAD plug-ins judaciously while tracking without getting the latency past the 5 - 10 ms range.  (1.5 - 2 ms would be preferred.)

I find that the latency that UAD-1 plugins add is unacceptable for tracking. So I never apply UAD plugs until I'm certain that all tracking is finished. This is one reason why I love the Cakewalk PC2A leveler, it feels great singing through it in real time, and it sounds like it should IMO. 


I'm upgrading to a UAD-2 solo in a couple of days. Should I expect the latency performance to be any better?

SvenArne



I'm upgrading to a UAD-2 solo in a couple of days. Should I expect the latency performance to be any better?

Billy Buck

The UAD-2 has 1/2 the inherent latency of the old UAD-1 (1x audio buffer size instead of 2x). Also, the UAD-2 has a "Live" mode that eliminates that inherent latency altogether, albeit with much high native CPU usage. In addition, the UAD-2 drivers are not only a different architecture, but are much improved stability wise, in that you can get much lower latencies when tracking (down to 64 samples). Plus, with the UAD-2 you no longer need to use the old " SONAR UAD-1 mode" (if you have been use to using it in the past). It is not just about extra DSP, performance wise the UAD-2 is far superior in every way when compared to the old UAD-1.
 
Cheers,
 
Billy Buck

Billy Buck


UA modeled three distinct 1176 models from the past 45 years. The Rev A "Bluestrip" from '67, the early 70's "Rev E "Blackface" and then UA's own modern version, the hot rod mod "AE" version.  UA modeled these plug-ins "end to end" to make the most realistic 1176 emulations that you will find anywhere. I have been using these babies with my new Apollo QUAD with it's realtime UAD processing and it is almost......dare I say it, like using the actual hardware. In fact, using any of the UAD-2 plug-ins in realtime is quite a thrill indeed!
 
http://www.uaudio.com/store/compressors-limiters/1176-collection.html
 
 
Cheers,
 
Billy Buck

Billy Buck


As a SONAR user, make sure to always install the "optional" mono (m) versions. As using these when appropriate (on mono source tracks) will get you the reduced DSP benefit. You can use the stereo versions (which are always installed by default) on mono source tracks and they will work fine, but they will still use the full stereo DSP load.

 Each new UAD-2 card comes with the standard 1176LN, which makes you eligble to "upgrade" to the 1176 Limiter Collection bundle for $149. Use the $50 plug-in voucher that comes with every new card and it will cost you $99 out of pocket. Pretty good upgrade deal for the 1176 aficionado.
       

SvenArne


Wow, after using the 1176 pack for a couple of days, I really think it's the best compressor plugin in the world. Especially the AE edition with the slow attack setting adds a new dimension of usefulness to the 1176. All of a sudden I don't want the DBX compressor so bad!