UAD-1 maxing out very easily

[jimjacobsen]

Hello folks. I just bought an Ultrapack UAD-1 for my G5. I have a dual 1.8; one of the reasons I got this model is the supposed compatibility with UAD-1. But I am running 1/2 dozen plugs and the UAD-1 is running at 75% I cannot instantiate even 1 additional "Nigel".
I'm running 1 mono 1176 LN, 1 stereo LA-2A, 1 mono Fairchild, 2 pultec pro stereo (1 module ea) and 1 Dreamverb and that has the UAD-1 cpu at 75%
Is this the kind of plugin count I should be getting for $1,299?

2.25 Gigs RAM/ 80 Gig system drive/ 250 Gig audio drive (7200 SATA)/Waves Gold+/PSP mixpack/Altiverb

[mongoose]

Well, with the exception of the LA-2A you're running the most DSP-hungry plugs in the UAD arsenal there. The usage seems about right. The chart which spells out the DSP usage for each plugin is here:

http://uaudio.com/support/software/UAD-1/charts.html

As to whether this is "the kind of plugin count I should be getting for $1,299?," I'd point out a single one of any of the EQs or compressors you've got there would set you back more than that in hardware. So, yep, it's pretty excellent value actually.

If you want to maximize what you get out of the UAD-1 you may need to do some freezing and bouncing if you want a whole mess of plugins, but for the sound it's worth it.

-m

[Rush909]

wow... that kinda makes you watch what to use on the UAD... hm... this post almost stopped me from considering getting a UAD, but the chart eased my mind again, kinda... you can use 19 LA-2As in Stereo or 27 1176LN - not bad... but for some reason it's the EQs that kill the processor on the UAD.. the best is Cambridge at 14... any typical track would max out that baby if used exclusively... you can always get another UAD and chain them I guess...
r.

<small>[ July 13, 2005, 07:03 PM: Message edited by: Rush909 ]</small>

[Siryne]

I have the Dual 1.8 G5. I also have 2 UAD1 cards and that is what I reccomend. I have a mix I am working on right now that is about 40 tracks. I mostly use the UAD1 for compressors and Pultec. I use them where I think they will do the mosy good and then switch off with other plugs. They are DEFINITELY worth the $$ and then some.

Try creative sub mixing, ie create an Aux and buss all strings, or horns or things you would like to effect in a similar way. Then use the plugs on the aux.

For me, I could'nt live without at least 2 cards.

Peace!

[azusa749a]

Yeah, Nigel is a processor hog. It's better to call up just some parts of it not the whole thing.

[Shooter]

Just a quick question, are the UADs working any better in the faster G5 machines? I know there was an update to the software that said it improved performance in G5 computers. I have a dual 2.5 and would love to add a second UAD, but if things aren't any better than they were, I'm pretty sure I can find better uses for that money.

<small>[ July 13, 2005, 08:15 PM: Message edited by: Shooter ]</small>

[thermos]

Just skip the uad eqs is the simple solution. Imho they sound not so good anyway. The compressors are well worth it though.

[Timeline]

Also, the main 1176 is a hog. It does sound punchy though. The newer one is very good and uses 1/4 the cpu.

The pultecs are considered charactor eqs. Good for vocals. Better off with MOTUs MW's anyway for most stuff.

[jimjacobsen]

Thanks to all the more UAD-1-experienced folk for their feedback. I guess I had an expectation that I'd be able to run 15-20 plugs. So much for expectations. Looks like I'll be bouncing to disk before mixing.

[Seattle Pete]

Aren't the plugs the expensive part of the UAD? An extra card might save you the accumulated hassle of freezing all the time.

[Rush909]

anyone running 2 UADs? whats the extra card cost compared to an Ultra Pak for example...

r.

[Henry Robinett]

I bought my 2nd card from Full Compass for $322.

[bradswan]

Does your computer have PCI-X? After speaking with UA just before I bought my G5, they do not recommend buying any machine with PCI-X. That may be at the heart of your performance issue.

[jcar]

2nd UAD-1 Project Pack card was under $300.00 at Guitar Center. Well worth it.

[csiaudio]

Bradswan is right on the money. The PCI-X in Mac's limit the throughput and thus limit the number of plugs. I spoke with UA after I bought the low cost card and they said their is nothing you can do other than buy a PCI break out box. Just what I wanted to do throw more money at it! So I sold the card. I own the TC PoCo mkII card which is great - just wish they offered a standard really good compressor!