Precision Equalizer Added to UAD-1 Version 3.8 Update

(Click for a close-up)

Universal Audio announced the new UA Precision Equalizer plug-in for the UAD-1 DSP Card which will list for US$199 and be available as part of the v3.8 software upgrade for UAD-1 downloadable from Universal Audio's web site.

The Precision Equalizer is a stereo or dual mono four-band Equalizer and high-pass filter made primarily for use with program material. The Precision Equalizer is modeled on the behavior of real-world analog mastering filters, and uses the classic parametric controls arrangement. The Precision Equalizer utilizes the best from traditional hardware designs while incorporating features convenient to software digital mastering. To preserve the greatest sonic detail and ensure a minimum of artifacts in the upper frequency range, the Precision Equalizer is up-sampled to 192kHz.

Key Features:

• Based on analog mastering EQ filters and classic control arrangements
• Upsamples to 192kHz
• Two sets of two overlapping frequency ranges per channel
• 18 dB per octave high-pass filter aides in sub-harmonic management
• Flexible Stereo/Dual configuration with A/B audition

"The DSP group at UA painstakingly analyzed and modeled the ideal behavior of the filters in the finest analog mastering EQ's," said Joe Bryan, VP of Software Engineering for Universal Audio. "As with the UA Precision Limiter, we aimed to set a new standard. The Precision Equalizer is not a clone of an existing device but was referenced to and auditioned against the very best hardware units used in pro mastering. We developed a proprietary UA algorithm using 192k up-sampling for premium quality but still giving 5 stereo instances at any sample-rate on a single UAD-1 with all bands active. Smart band-muting was added for convenient auditioning and also to conserve DSP resources so more instances with fewer bands are possible for other EQ applications."

Both channels of the easy to use Precision Equalizer feature four bands of filtering grouped in two overlapping pairs: Two for low frequencies, two for high frequencies. A +/- 8 dB shelving or peak/notch filter is available for each band with five peak/notch responses per band. Each band can be enabled/disabled for auditioning and DSP savings. The Precision Equalizer features .5 dB stepped gain controls and stepped frequency controls traditionally found on hardware mastering EQs for repeatability. The high-pass filter is a far-reaching 18 dB per octave.

"The Precision Equalizer was designed to compliment the Precision Limiter and offer the best sonic purity with ultimate simplicity of operation in the style of the most prestigious analog mastering EQ's " said Mike Barnes, UA's Director Of Marketing. " We decided to go in a different direction to most other mastering plugs which often look like the flight-deck of some future starship. We spent considerable time dialing-in the fundamental underlying EQ filters/sound, not cramming-in a million features most users will never touch. In the spirit of UA's other classic plugs, we adopted the time-honored conventions typically found in hardware mastering EQ's and added only the most useful extra software features recommended by top mastering engineers."

The UA Precision Equalizer is available as a 14-day, fully functional Mac or PC demo in UAD-1 v3.8 software for UAD-1 users that wish to try before they buy.