As you increase Gain it introduces harmonic distortions, but these are primarily 2nd harmonics and are subtle, so don't expect extreme colouration.Īs for the three-band Passive EQ, two bands (Low Peak and Hi Peak) provide peaking boost only, and collectively deliver 22 stepped frequencies across the full frequency range (20Hz to 20kHz). Even so, for modern upfront vocals or punchy bass, Fast settings for both Attack and Release work incredibly well, while Medium settings are great for subtle glue on overall mixes. UA suggests uses for the Release settings, including Medium Slow for vocals. There's also some interaction between Attack and Release times. The optical compressor has five Attack and five Release options (labelled Fast to Slow), and the Release time slows as gain reduction tails off. Voxbox delivers pristine sonics, but there are some behavioural subtleties worth mentioning. Existing owners will find the plugins added to their account for free, although the originals are still included to provide compatibility with old sessions.
The Galaxy Tape Echo, Studio D Chorus and Brigade Chorus are available to buy individually and as the Classic FX Bundle, and are sonically identical to the Roland/Boss plugins. Following the end of UA's licensing deal with Roland (the plugins have been unavailable to purchase for almost a year), it has re-launched all three with new graphics. One further development incorporated into v8.7 concerns the early Roland and Boss plugins (Dimension D, RE-201 Space Echo and CE-1 Chorus Ensemble).
The latest UAD update includes enhancements to existing plugins alongside two major new fully endorsed plugins: UA's own Manley Voxbox, and from Brainworx (UAD direct development partner), the Ampeg B-15N Bass Amplifier.