For the UAD-2 platform, Universal Audio has released the new Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plugin, a Studer-endorsed, modeled emulation of the original Studer A800 multichannel tape recorder.

The warm sound, solid punchy low-end, and overall presence of the original 2-inch multitrack tape machine is reproduced entirely in the Studer A800 plugin, according to Universal Audio. Modeled by UA's DSP engineers with help from AES magnetic recording expert Jay McKnight over a 12-month period, the Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plugin for UAD-2 is said to be the first and only product of its kind. This plugin models the entire tape path and circuit electronics of the hardware, plus the sounds of four distinct tape formulas.

Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In features include:

• Studer-endorsed, UA-modeled emulation of Studer A800 multichannel tape recorder
• Provides the warm, natural sound and punchy low-end response of 2" analog tape from clean, to saturated, to clipped
• Provides an accurate A800 electronic path and magnetic tape model, including Input, Sync, and Repro paths
• Features four of the more popular Tape Formulas and Calibration Levels

About the new plugin, Universal Audio's present Matt Ward comments, "This is one of those products we've been working toward for a very long time. Recording engineers have been pining for the magical sound of 2-inch analog tape on Mac and PC for years. Now, with help from Studer, independent magnetic tape experts, and our own team of DSP wizards, we can offer the true sound of analog recording on this legendary tape machine."

The Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plugin is now available for $349, and is also available as part of the new UAD Software version 5.8.0 release. In addition to the Studer A800 plugin, version 5.8.0 includes the Solid State Logic-authenticated SSL E Series Channel Strip and SSL G Series Bus Compressor plugins, as well as 64-Bit Mac OS support and other performance enhancements for UAD-2 users on the Windows platform.

Mac and PC users may download UAD Software version 5.8.0 for free from Universal Audio's Web site.

For more details on the Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plugin, visit uaudio.com.