Universal Audio Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder – UADx, UAD-2 Plug-ins and LUNA Extension (Mac/Windows)

Artists and engineers alike have been drawn to the warm analog sound, solid low-end and overall presence of the Universal Audio Studer A800 multichannel tape recorder plug-in. Fully authenticated by Studer, and modeled by UA’s world-renowned team of DSP engineers and magnetic recording expert Jay McKnight, the Studer A800 multichannel tape recorder plug-in is the first product of its kind. By faithfully modeling the entire circuit path of the famous A800 machine from Allen Sides’ collection at Ocean Way Studios, this is the most accurate representation of multitrack analog tape recording available.

A Groundbreaking Tape Machine

Introduced in 1978, the Studer A800 was the first microprocessor-controlled tape machine. Years ahead of its time, the A800 remains a sonic benchmark, and can still be found in studios worldwide. However, with their massive steel frame and meter bridge, twin half-horsepower motors and cast alloy deck plates, original A800 units tip the scales at a backbreaking 900 pounds. The Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder poses none of the hardware hassles, yet retains all the beautiful sonics that make tape a beloved recording medium.

Capturing the Magic of Tape

Just like magnetic tape, you can dial in a clean sound, or just the right amount of harmonic saturation using the Studer A800’s Input and Output controls. The IPS control steps through tape speed choices (7.5, 15 or 30 IPS), each with distinct frequency shift, head bump and distortion characteristics. The tape Type control lets users choose from four of the most popular magnetic tape formulas—each with their own subtle sonic variation. There is also a secondary set of controls like Noise, EQ and Bias for an even more jaw-dropping palette of tape textures.