Softube or UAD?

[Harry_HH]

Softube. But you can't really go wrong with UAD.

Yes you can - with the mandatory UAC (with native plugins).

What does this mean?

You only need to read this thread - not to mention 100 others - to understand. This is not that long thread that you couldn’t glance it through. Hint: Jens comment.

[Alexander_D]

Hello. I want to buy UAD Signature. Seems that right now it's on 50%sale... Native version... or better to go with Softube fxs? What's your thoughts?

Softube are quality-wise at least on par with UAD, but unlike them they add modern features not existant in whatever hardware they model.

But what's way more important: UAD either need a Ilok-dongle or an active internet-connection (Ilok Cloud) - and if that wasn't enough, they in addition require another app (UAD Connect) that constantly needs to run on your machine in the background. (I.e. unlike any other software vendor I know of, they rely on two different apps to run permanently and phone home - otherwise they won't load properly/won't work) - so: I only had some free plugins from them (because they don't need the Cloud) but got rid of them and won't touch them with a bargepole in the future - i.e. I won't even use them for free.

So my advice is: stay away from UAD - it's really not worth the trouble.

Thanks and what about T-Racks?

[9headshydra]

Thanks and what about T-Racks?

imho, UA still offer the best range of classic compressors and tape sim, their Pultec and Massive Passive EQ are pure gems, capitol chamber and plates reverb are stunning. Every delays are just amazing.

I'm not experienced that much issues as describe by some peoples with DSP nor Native version (wich I all get for free).

I won't say Softube, Pulsar, Arturia, wave or IK make bad products, all I try from them just don't convince me to use them over UAD.

But since there is a free trial of UA spark, you should try it and make your own opinion.

It's not like you will be forced as it used to be to get a dsp card to try them.

[Alexander_D]

OK, thanks for your opinion. Regarding Pultec I am working in Cubase 13 and we have on board this emulations which is near the UAD. So, I need the compressors mostly...

[jtsterays]

If you just want compressors, consider checking out Trackcomp. It's cheaper but superior to both options imo.

[Alexander_D]

If you just want compressors, consider checking out Trackcomp. It's cheaper but superior to both options imo.

Thanks will check. Also think about cheap but probably good Klanghelm...

[jamcat]

If you are explicitly looking for complete, authentic models of 1176s, LA-2As, Fairchilds, Manleys, etc., then UAD is the only choice. It really comes down to what you are looking for, or perhaps if you really know what you are looking for. Answer that question first, and the rest becomes easy.

As for T-RackS, I used to use it for its models of all of the above, but now I use UAD for them instead, and it is a world of difference.

[jens]

Hello. I want to buy UAD Signature. Seems that right now it's on 50%sale... Native version... or better to go with Softube fxs? What's your thoughts?

Softube are quality-wise at least on par with UAD, but unlike them they add modern features not existant in whatever hardware they model.

But what's way more important: UAD either need a Ilok-dongle or an active internet-connection (Ilok Cloud) - and if that wasn't enough, they in addition require another app (UAD Connect) that constantly needs to run on your machine in the background. (I.e. unlike any other software vendor I know of, they rely on two different apps to run permanently and phone home - otherwise they won't load properly/won't work) - so: I only had some free plugins from them (because they don't need the Cloud) but got rid of them and won't touch them with a bargepole in the future - i.e. I won't even use them for free.

So my advice is: stay away from UAD - it's really not worth the trouble.

Thanks and what about T-Racks?

I won't lie to you:

if you don't have any of their stuff yet and can afford it, the new T-Racks Max (60 plugins in total) is an absolute steal. Their stuff is top notch and covers a whole lot of ground. I have almost all pre-V6 plugins and several of them have been amongst my GoTo fx for years.

[jens]

If you just want compressors, consider checking out Trackcomp. It's cheaper but superior to both options imo.

Thanks will check. Also think about cheap but probably good Klanghelm...

Absolutely get them - all of them!

[jens]

If you are explicitly looking for complete, authentic models of 1176s, LA-2As, Fairchilds, Manleys, etc., then UAD is the only choice.

Only in your dreams. In reality there's many other companies emulating the same gear - at least - just as well. And if (say) Softube adds additional parameters, filters and what not, that doesn't make the emulation any less authentic - that's complete nonsense.

As for T-RackS, I used to use it for its models of all of the above, but now I use UAD for them instead, and it is a world of difference.

Only in your dreams.


By the way: in the past the UAD fanboys used to claim that the UAD algorithms can only run on the dedicated DSPs they use and are therefor superior to any native plugins.
And now that UAD went native as well (because less and less people bought this absurd claim), the followers of their cult adapted their religious propaganda to this new, unfortunately undeniable reality, but as you can witness (by reading jamcat's posts here) the basic belief still persists.

[Alexander_D]

If you just want compressors, consider checking out Trackcomp. It's cheaper but superior to both options imo.

Thanks will check. Also think about cheap but probably good Klanghelm...

Absolutely get them - all of them!

Klanghelm so perfect? Wow...

[jens]

If you just want compressors, consider checking out Trackcomp. It's cheaper but superior to both options imo.

Thanks will check. Also think about cheap but probably good Klanghelm...

Absolutely get them - all of them!

Klanghelm so perfect? Wow...

Yes, Tony's work is universally praised indeed - you'd be hard pressed to find a bad word about them...

[Agreed]

Klanghelm is one of my most revered plugin brands for the no-bullshit way Tony does business and the fact that he's supported plugins that I bought more than a decade ago the whole time. DC8C3 is a badass compressor and my favorite ducker, go-to tool for me.

[jens]

Klanghelm is one of my most revered plugin brands for the no-bullshit way Tony does business and the fact that he's supported plugins that I bought more than a decade ago the whole time. DC8C3 is a badass compressor and my favorite ducker, go-to tool for me.

Agreed! (Thanks for once again giving me such a splendid opportunity. )

[vitocorleone123]

If I had to pick one rather than buy individual plugins I’d get Softube.

If you get UAD, remember that they now value each plugin at around $7ish (forget exactly the number), so if you pay more than that you’re making a choice to do so.