Introduction
When you’re just getting started with music production, figuring out which plugins to invest in can feel like a daunting task. If you’re using Universal Audio (UAD) gear, you’ve probably noticed there are tons of plugins available, each promising to take your mixes to the next level. But with so many choices, where do you even begin?
As someone who’s spent years experimenting with almost every UAD plugin out there, I’ve learned which ones are truly worth your time—especially if you’re just starting out. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best UAD plugins for beginner. These plugins are easy to use, versatile, and will help you get great results without making things too complicated.
Whether you’re trying to make your vocals sound richer, add some punch to your drums, or just give your overall mix a more professional feel, these plugins will help you get there. Let’s dive in and check out the UAD plugins that are perfect for anyone new to the game.
The 1176 Bundle
If there’s one plugin bundle you should grab right out of the gate, it’s the 1176 Bundle. This collection is a staple in the world of audio production, and for good reason. The bundle includes three versions of the classic 1176 compressor—Rev E, Rev A, and AE—but the ones you’ll probably find yourself using the most are Rev E and Rev A.
Rev E Compressor
The Rev E, also known as the blackface version, is perfect for maintaining the low-end and natural quality of vocals. If you’re working with a vocal track that you want to keep warm and full, the Rev E is your go-to. It’s great at bringing out the richness in a vocal without losing any of the body, which is crucial for keeping the track feeling authentic and powerful.
Rev A Compressor
On the other hand, the Rev A, often referred to as the “blue stripe,” is your best friend when you need to add some edge to your vocals. This version pushes the mid-range, giving the vocals a bit more bite and presence in the mix. It’s especially useful when you want the vocals to cut through a dense arrangement or if you’re looking to add some extra energy to the performance.
Practical Application
So, when should you use each version? It really depends on what you’re aiming for in your mix. If you need to keep the vocals smooth and grounded, go with the Rev E. But if you want to bring the vocals to the forefront and give them a bit more attitude, the Rev A is the way to go.
To give you a clearer idea, imagine working on a pop track where the chorus needs to really stand out. You might start with the Rev E during the verses to keep the vocals warm and intimate, then switch to the Rev A for the chorus to give it that extra push. The beauty of the 1176 bundle is that it gives you the flexibility to shape your sound exactly how you want it, making it an essential tool for any beginner’s plugin arsenal.
Pultec EQP-1A (Pultec)
Next up on the list is the Pultec EQP-1A, a legendary equalizer that has been a go-to tool for producers and engineers for decades. Even with all the new EQ plugins out there, this one remains a favorite, and for good reason. The Pultec EQP-1A is incredibly versatile and can be used on just about anything, making it a must-have in your UAD plugin collection.
Vocals
When it comes to vocals, the Pultec is a game-changer. One of the most common uses is placing it right after a compressor like the 1176. The Pultec can add the finishing touches to your vocal track, helping it cut through the mix without sounding harsh. A typical setting involves boosting the high frequencies around 10 to 12 kHz to add clarity and presence. The Pultec does this in a way that feels smooth and musical, avoiding the sharpness that some other EQs can introduce.
Drums and Bass
The Pultec isn’t just for vocals—it’s a beast on drums and bass too. A classic trick with the Pultec is the “boost and attenuate” method on the low end, particularly on kick drums and bass guitars. By boosting and cutting the same frequency (usually around 60 Hz), you can achieve a punchy, tight low end that stands out in the mix without becoming muddy. This technique works wonders for adding weight to your kick drum while keeping it controlled, or for giving your bass that deep, solid foundation.
Practical Tips
One of the best things about the Pultec EQP-1A is how simple it is to dial in a great sound. For vocals, you can start by setting the bandwidth to a wide bell and gently boosting the highs until the vocal sits perfectly in the mix. If you find the vocal a bit too bright, just switch to a lower frequency like 10 kHz and adjust until it’s just right.
For drums and bass, experiment with the low-frequency boost and attenuation settings. Don’t be afraid to push the boost to get that deep thump from your kick or the rich warmth in your bass. The attenuation knob can help you fine-tune the low end, removing any unwanted boominess while keeping the punch intact.
ATR-102 Tape Machine
The ATR-102 Tape Machine is another must-have plugin in your UAD collection, especially if you’re looking to add some analog warmth and character to your mixes. Tape machines have a legendary status in the recording world, known for their ability to impart a certain richness and depth to recordings that digital can sometimes lack. The ATR-102 is one of the most respected tape emulation plugins, and it’s been around long enough to prove its worth.
Tape Speed and Type
One of the key features of the ATR-102 is the ability to change tape speed and type, both of which significantly affect the sound. Slower tape speeds, like 15 IPS (inches per second), tend to give you a thicker, more saturated sound, while faster speeds, like 30 IPS, deliver a cleaner, more detailed recording. The type of tape you choose also influences the tone, with some tapes offering a brighter sound and others providing a warmer, more rounded tone.
Auto Gain and Enhanced Features
The ATR-102 also includes a handy Auto Gain feature, which was a welcome addition in the newer DX version. This feature automatically adjusts the output level as you tweak the input, ensuring you maintain a consistent volume level. This makes it much easier to focus on the sound and tone without worrying about sudden jumps in volume that can throw off your mix.
Creative Uses
So, how can you use the ATR-102 in your projects? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas. If you’re working on a mix that feels a bit too sterile or digital, running your tracks through the ATR-102 can add that subtle tape warmth that glues everything together. You can also use the plugin creatively by playing with the tape speed to achieve different effects. For example, slowing the tape down can give your mix a slightly lo-fi, vintage vibe, which can be perfect for certain genres or stylistic choices.
Another great use is on your master bus. Slap the ATR-102 on at the end of your mix, and it can give your track that final polish, making it sound more cohesive and professional. The subtle saturation and harmonic distortion it adds can help everything sit together more naturally, creating a finished product that feels more like a record than just a collection of individual tracks.
Neve 33609 Compressor
The Neve 33609 Compressor is a classic in the world of audio production, known for its smooth, musical compression and warm, vintage tone. Whether you’re looking to glue your mix together or bring out the best in your background vocals and bass guitar, this compressor is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal.
Background Vocals
One of the standout features of the Neve 33609 is its stereo compression capabilities, which makes it particularly effective on background vocals. When you route your background vocals through a stereo bus and apply the 33609, the compressor works independently on each channel. This means that if one side of your stereo image has a louder vocal, the compressor will tame it without affecting the other side. The result is a dynamic yet balanced sound that keeps your background vocals tight and cohesive, enhancing their role in the mix without overwhelming the lead vocal.
Bass Guitar
The 33609 also shines on bass guitar, where its ability to add warmth and control dynamics can really bring the low end to life. By compressing the bass, you can ensure that it stays consistent and punchy throughout the track, locking in with the kick drum to form a solid foundation for your mix. The 33609’s compression is gentle enough to preserve the character of the bass while still providing that extra level of control, making it an ideal choice for bass-heavy tracks.
Mix Bus Compression
While the Neve 33609 is often used on individual tracks, it can also be a powerful tool on your mix bus. When applied to the entire mix, it adds a subtle glue that helps all the elements come together seamlessly. However, because the 33609 works on each channel independently, it can sometimes create an unusual stereo image if overused on a full mix. This is why some engineers prefer to use it on subgroups like background vocals or drums rather than the entire mix. That said, if you’re careful with your settings, it can provide just the right amount of cohesion to your mix without compromising the stereo field.
Pro Tips
When using the Neve 33609 on background vocals, try setting it to a 3:1 ratio with a fast recovery time. This setting allows the compressor to tame peaks quickly while maintaining the natural dynamics of the performance. If you’re using it on the mix bus, consider a 2:1 ratio with a slower recovery time to gently pull the mix together without losing the energy of the individual elements.
Pure Plate Reverb
When it comes to adding depth and space to your mixes, a good reverb plugin is essential. The Pure Plate Reverb by Universal Audio is one of those plugins that delivers excellent results with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for beginners. Despite its simplicity, this reverb is incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide range of sources, but it really shines on vocals.
Vocal Reverb
The Pure Plate Reverb is a go-to for vocals because of its rich, smooth sound that can make any vocal track feel more polished and professional. Plate reverbs are known for their bright, smooth decay, which helps vocals sit perfectly in the mix without getting lost or sounding too distant. The Pure Plate Reverb captures this classic sound beautifully, adding a sense of space and dimension that enhances the vocal’s presence and emotion.
One of the reasons this plugin is so effective is its straightforward controls. You can quickly dial in the perfect amount of reverb by adjusting the decay time and pre-delay, allowing the reverb to complement the vocal without overwhelming it. Whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or a more pronounced reverb effect, the Pure Plate makes it easy to achieve the sound you want.
Ease of Use
What makes the Pure Plate Reverb stand out, especially for beginners, is how easy it is to use. Unlike more complex reverb plugins that come with endless parameters and settings, the Pure Plate keeps things simple. You have all the essential controls—decay, pre-delay, EQ, and blend—right at your fingertips. This simplicity allows you to focus on the sound rather than getting bogged down in technical details.
The plugin’s intuitive interface means you can make quick adjustments as you mix, which is a huge advantage when you’re working under tight deadlines or just trying to keep your creative flow going. The EQ options allow you to fine-tune the reverb to match the tone of the vocal, ensuring that the reverb enhances rather than clashes with the track.
Example Usage
Imagine you’re mixing a pop ballad where the vocal needs to be front and center, but also wrapped in a lush, spacious sound. With the Pure Plate Reverb, you can easily create that effect. Start by setting a medium decay time to give the vocal a nice tail without making it too long or washy. Adjust the pre-delay to allow the initial vocal transients to cut through before the reverb kicks in, adding clarity and definition. Finally, use the EQ to shape the reverb’s tone, perhaps rolling off some low end to keep it from muddying up the mix.
Why It’s a Must-Have
The Pure Plate Reverb might seem simple at first glance, but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use reverb that sounds great on almost anything, particularly vocals. Its simplicity doesn’t sacrifice quality, making it an indispensable tool for both beginners and experienced mixers alike. If you’re looking to invest in your first reverb plugin for UAD, the Pure Plate is a fantastic choice that you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again.
Conclusion
Starting your journey with Universal Audio plugins can be both exciting and overwhelming, but by focusing on the essentials, you can quickly elevate your mixes without getting lost in the endless sea of options. The five plugins we’ve covered—1176 Bundle, Pultec EQP-1A, ATR-102 Tape Machine, Neve 33609 Compressor, and Pure Plate Reverb—offer a solid foundation for any beginner. Each of these plugins is versatile, easy to use, and powerful, making them indispensable tools that you’ll find yourself using in every project.
These plugins not only help you achieve professional-quality sound but also teach you the fundamental concepts of compression, EQ, tape saturation, and reverb. As you become more comfortable with these tools, you’ll gain the confidence to explore other plugins and techniques, further expanding your creative possibilities.
Remember, the key to great mixing isn’t about having the most plugins; it’s about knowing how to use the right ones effectively. By starting with these five UAD plugins, you’re setting yourself up for success, building a strong foundation that will support your growth as a producer or engineer.
So, dive in, experiment, and enjoy the process of making your mixes sound amazing. As you progress, don’t forget to explore and share your favorite plugins and techniques because, in the end, it’s all about finding what works best for you.
If you need help with mixing or mastering, or if you’re looking for preset bundles to get you started, feel free to reach out or check out the resources on my website. Happy mixing!
