Universal Audio

Universal Audio TBSATOCOD UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO

4.4 (15 reviews)
Thunderbolt 2

Supercharge Your Audio with Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite ThunderboltThe Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO Core DSP Accelerator delivers the rich analog sound of UAD Powered Plug-Ins to your Mac via Thunderbolt. This desktop unit provides professional producers and engineers with...

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Overview

Supercharge Your Audio with Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt

The Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO Core DSP Accelerator delivers the rich analog sound of UAD Powered Plug-Ins to your Mac via Thunderbolt. This desktop unit provides professional producers and engineers with fast, high-powered access to award-winning UAD plugins, enhancing Apollo interfaces and other UAD-2 systems for larger, more detailed mixes.

Specifications

  • Brand: Universal Audio
  • Model: TBSATOCOD
  • Type: DSP Accelerator
  • Processors: 8 x SHARC Processors
  • Connectivity: Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2
  • Plug-in Bundle: "Analog Classics Plus"
  • Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or 10.9 Mavericks; VST, Audio Units, RTAS, or AAX 64 plug-in DAW software

Key Features

Run UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 connection on new Macs, Dual Thunderbolt ports for convenient daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt peripherals

8 SHARC processors provide a massive DSP boost for running large professional mixes

Access over 90 plug-ins from Ampex, Lexicon, Roland, Studier, Never, Manley, SSL, EMT and more (sold separately)

Combine with other UAD-2 devices, including UAD-2 PCIe card(s), and Apollo audio interface

Compatible with Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more

Specifications

Product Type
DSP Accelerator
Connection Interface
Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt 2
Processor Count
8 SHARC processors
Compatibility (Operating System)
New Macs
Compatibility (DAWs)
Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live
Connectivity
Dual Thunderbolt ports
Expandability
Combine with other UAD-2 devices, UAD-2 PCIe cards, Apollo audio interfaces

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Enables running UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 connections on compatible Macs.
  • Features dual Thunderbolt ports, allowing for convenient daisy-chaining of other Thunderbolt peripherals.
  • Equipped with 8 SHARC processors, providing a substantial DSP boost for handling large, professional audio mixes.
  • Offers access to a vast library of over 90 plug-ins from renowned brands like Ampex, Lexicon, and SSL (sold separately).
  • Compatible with leading professional audio software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Live.
  • Can be combined with other UAD-2 devices, including PCIe cards and Apollo audio interfaces, for expanded DSP.
  • Designed to significantly offload processing from your computer's CPU, improving system performance during recording and mixing.

👎 Cons

  • The UAD Powered Plug-Ins themselves are sold separately, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
  • Requires a Mac computer with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port, limiting compatibility with other operating systems or older hardware.
  • The device's functionality is primarily focused on UAD plug-ins, making it specialized rather than a general-purpose audio interface.
  • Does not specify if a Thunderbolt cable is included, which might be an additional purchase for new users.
  • The 8 SHARC processors are dedicated to UAD plug-ins, meaning they don't directly enhance non-UAD software performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO connects via Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2, making it compatible with modern Macs.
This unit features 8 SHARC processors, which deliver a massive DSP boost specifically for running UAD Powered Plug-Ins in professional mixes.
The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt OCTO is compatible with popular DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Live.
No, the UAD Powered Plug-Ins themselves are sold separately and provide access to a library of over 90 plug-ins from various brands.
Yes, it includes dual Thunderbolt ports for convenient daisy-chaining, allowing you to connect other Thunderbolt peripherals.
The product features state compatibility with "new Macs," indicating it is designed for Apple's macOS ecosystem.
Yes, this device can be combined with other UAD-2 devices, including UAD-2 PCIe cards and Apollo audio interfaces, for an expanded setup.