Universal Audio, Inc.
4585 Scotts Valley Drive
Scotts Valley, CA 95066-4517
www.uaudio.com
Customer Support
USA (toll-free): 1-877-698-2834
International: +1-831-440-1176
N
OTICES
Disclaimer
This manual provides general information, preparation
for use, installation and operating instructions for the Universal Audio UAD Powered Plug-Ins. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Universal Audio, Inc. makes no warranties of any kind
with regard to this manual, or the product(s) it refers to,
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Universal Audio, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material or the product(s).
Universal Audio, the Universal Audio diamond logo,
UAD, UAD Series, UAD-1, UAD-2, UAD-2 SOLO, UAD-2
DUO, UAD-2 QUAD, UAD-2 OCTO, Powered Plug-Ins,
1176LN, 1176SE, Teletronix, LA-2A, LA-3A, LA-610, LA610MkII, 2-1176, 610, 2-610, 6176, 710 Twin-Finity,
2192, 4-710d, Cambridge EQ, DreamVerb, Plate 140,
Precision Limiter, RealVerb Pro, Precision Buss Compressor, Precision De-Esser, Precision Maximizer, Satellite,
Satellite DUO, Satellite QUAD, Apollo, Apollo DUO,
Apollo QUAD, Apollo 16, Analog Ears | Digital Minds
and Helios, are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Universal Audio, Inc.
Other company and product names mentioned herein
are trademarks of their respective owners.Universal Audio, Inc.
End User License Agreement
By installing the software, you confirmed your acceptance of the Universal Audio End User License Agreement, as well as the Universal Audio terms of service and
privacy policy, and any additional Third-Party Software
terms, all of which can be found at:
www.uaudio.com/eula
UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual- 13 -Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
Documentation & Support
UAD Documentation Overview
This section describes the various instructional and technical resources that
are available for installing, using, and troubleshooting UAD Powered PlugIns. Documentation for the product line is available in written, video, and online formats.
ReadMeThe ReadMe contains information that may not be available in other loca-
tions. Please review all the information in the ReadMe before installing or using UAD Powered Plug-Ins. The ReadMe.rtf file is presented for viewing during the software installation process, and installed to:
Documentation for UAD-2 and Powered Plug-Ins are separated by areas of
functionality, as described below. The user manuals are on the software disc,
and also placed inside the Powered Plug-Ins Documentation folder on the
hard drive during software installation.
All manuals are in PDF format. PDF files require a free PDF reader application
such as Adobe Reader (Windows) or Preview (Mac).
UAD System Manual
The UAD System Manual is the complete operation manual for UAD functionality and applies to the entire UAD product line. It contains detailed information about installing and configuring UAD devices, the UAD Meter & Control
Panel application, how to use UAD Powered Plug-Ins within a DAW, obtaining optional plug-in licenses at the UA online store, and more. It includes everything about UAD except Apollo-specific information and individual UAD
Powered Plug-In descriptions.
UAD Plug-Ins Manual
The features and functionality of all the individual UAD Powered Plug-Ins is detailed in the UAD Plug-Ins Manual. Refer to this document to learn about the
operation, controls, and user interface of each plug-in.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual- 14 -Chapter 1: Documentation & Support
Direct Developers
UAD Powered Plug-Ins includes plug-ins from our Direct Developer partners.
Documentation for these 3rd-party plug-ins are separate files that are written
and provided by the plug-in developers themselves. The filenames for these
plug-ins are the same as the plug-in names.
Installed Locations
The UAD and Direct Developer manual files are copied to the hard drive by
the software installer to the following locations:
UAD Powered Plug-Ins is a cross-platform solution for both Windows and Mac
computers. The UAD hardware device can be installed into either platform; it
is the exact same hardware for both platforms. Operation of the plug-ins is
practically identical regardless of the host system platform and application.
However, certain platform-specific instructions will differ according to the host
system you are using.
PlatformsInstructions in this guide that are platform-specific are indicated with a head-
ing in red letters. Instructions that are identical regardless of platform are not
differentiated.
WindowsInstructions specific to the Windows platform use this red Windows heading.
MacInstructions specific to the Mac platform use this red Mac heading.
UAD
Nomenclature
Unless specified otherwise, for descriptive purposes within this manual,
“UAD-2” means all UAD-2 family products (SOLO, DUO, QUAD, OCTO,
UAD-2 Satellite, and Apollo audio interface).
Screen ShotsScreenshots in this manual may be taken from the Windows and/or Mac ver-
sion of the software, and are used interchangeably when the content and
functionality of the screenshot is the same on both platforms. Slight variations
in the appearance of a screenshot between operating systems are inevitable.
When the content of and function of the software represented in a screenshot
is identical on both platforms, no differentiation is made in the screenshot title.
If there is a significant difference between platforms, screenshots from both
platforms are included.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual- 15 -Chapter 1: Documentation & Support
Online
Documentation
The technical support pages on our website offer a wealth of helpful information that is not included in the documentation contained within the software
bundle. Please visit our support pages for important technical information including the latest release notes, host application notes, and more. The main
UAD Powered Plug-Ins support website is:
Support Website• www.uaudio.com/support
VideosOur support website contains many helpful videos that explain how to install
UAD hardware and software, register and authorize the products, obtain optional plug-ins, and more:
• www.uaudio.com/videos
BlogOur online magazine is published regularly and contains lots of useful and in-
teresting information. How-to pages, artist/producer/engineer interviews,
support Q & A, detailed scientific notes, and other fascinating articles make
the Webzine a great place to routinely visit:
• www.uaudio.com/blog
Users ForumThe unofficial UAD Powered Plug-Ins users forum, for the exchange of tips and
information, is on the world wide web at:
• www.uadforum.com
UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual- 16 -Chapter 1: Documentation & Support
Customer Support
Customer support is provided by Universal Audio staff to all registered UAD
Powered Plug-Ins users.
Support HoursOur support specialists are available to assist you via email and telephone
during our normal business hours, which are from 9am to 5pm, Monday
through Friday, Pacific Standard Time.
Phone SupportCustomer Service & Technical Support
USA toll-free: +1-877-698-2834
International: +1-831-440-1176
Online SupportTo request online support, please visit our support page, then click the “Sub-
mit Support Ticket” button to create a help ticket:
• www.uaudio.com/support
Website• www.uaudio.com
AddressUniversal Audio, Inc.
4585 Scotts Valley Drive
Scotts Valley, CA 95066-4517
USA
FeedbackYour feedback on the performance and features of UAD Powered Plug-Ins is
very important to us. Please send your comments and suggestions to us. Comments (not technical support issues) may be sent to info@uaudio.com.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual- 17 -Chapter 1: Documentation & Support
CHAPTER 2
Ampex ATR-102
Mastering Tape Recorder
It's Not a Record Until it's Mastered on an Ampex® Tape Machine.
For more than three decades, the two-channel Ampex ATR-102 Mastering
Tape Recorder has turned music recordings into records. With its cohesive
sound, punch, and ability to provide subtle-to-deep tape saturation and color,
the Ampex ATR-102 is a fixture in major recording and mastering studios —
and is considered by many engineers to be the best-sounding tape machine
for final mixdown. The perfect complement to the workhorse Studer 800 Multichannel Tape Recorder, the Ampex ATR-102 plug-in can provide the final
“analog polish” on your music, turning songs into albums.
Impeccably modeled in the renowned UAD engineering tradition — and incorporating presets from noted Ampex ATR-102 users Chuck Ainlay, Richard
Dodd, Buddy Miller, Mike Poole, and more — the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering
Tape Recorder plug-in emulation for UAD-2 faithfully replicates the unique dynamics, frequency response, and saturation characteristics of the original
hardware. Scrutinized and fully authenticated by the Ampex Corporation, the
sound of the Ampex ATR-102 plug-in for UAD-2 is virtually indistinguishable
from its analog cousin.
HistoryIntroduced in 1976, the Ampex ATR-102 2-Track Tape Recorder was a
near-instant hit, thanks to its revolutionary servo-controlled reel motors and
capstan, which provided smooth, continuous tape tension and handling. The
large capstan, and absence of pinch rollers, provided nearly non-existent
speed drift and ultra-low flutter. The clever ATR-102 design allowed users to
change out heads and guides in mere minutes, with a 1” head being a very
popular “hot-rod” modification in more recent years — especially when running at 15 IPS (inches per second). The ATR’s role in modern recording history
is so prevalent, that it would be easier to list classic albums that weren’t mixed
down on this machine, rather than to try to list all those that were.
All visual and aural references to the Ampex Product and all use of Ampex’s trademarks are being
made with written permission from Ampex Corporation. Any references to third party tape formulations are used solely for identification and do not imply any endorsement by, or affiliation with, any
tape manufacturer.
The UAD Ampex ATR-102 provides all of the original unit’s desirable analog
sweetness. Like magnetic tape, users can dial in a clean sound, or just the
right amount of harmonic saturation.
The primary purpose of the UAD Ampex ATR-102 is to obtain tape mixdown
sonics within the DAW environment. To obtain the classic tape mixdown
sound, instantiate the plug-in as the last insert on the output bus, after other
processing is applied (or possibly as the second-to-last insert, before a
brick-wall processor such as the (UAD Precision Limiter). Of course, creative
“non-standard” results can be obtained by placing the Ampex ATR-102 in
any channel insert or on busses in a send/return configuration.
The UAD Ampex ATR-102 models seven popular magnetic tape formulas.
Each type has its own subtle sonic variation, distortion onset, and tape compression characteristics. The tape types that can be selected depend on the
active tape speed and head type; all tape types are not available for all tape
speeds and head types. Lower fidelity types are included to facilitate more
signal coloration options.
Multiple Tape
Heads
Multiple Tape
Speeds
Multiple
Calibration
Levels
The original hardware machine was manufactured with an interchangeable
head block system which enabled the system to be quickly converted to use either 1/4” or 1/2” tape stock by simply swapping out the heads and recalibrating the electronics. As track width increases, subtle improvements to stability, fidelity, and noise become apparent. A popular custom aftermarket
tape head is available which enables the use of 1” tape stock, enabling even
higher fidelity with its greater track widths. All three tape head widths are accurately modeled and selectable in the UAD Ampex ATR-102.
All four tape speeds in the original hardware are modeled in the UAD Ampex
ATR-102. Speeds of 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 inches per second (IPS) are available. Each speed provides distinct frequency shift, head bump, and distortion
characteristics. Higher speeds have higher fidelity; 3.75 IPS has a distinctively “lo fi” character.
Tape machines can be setup with different calibration levels, which entails setting unity gain from input through output based on the magnetic flux (amount
of magnetic field) of a given tape formulation. Different calibration levels provide different tape response characteristics for a given level into the recorder.
Four selectable calibration levels are available in the UAD Ampex ATR-102.
Ancillary NoisesTape recorders have inherent signal noises that are a by-product of the elec-
tro-mechanical nature of the machine. While “undesirable” tape system noise
is historically considered a negative and was an attribute that pushed the
technical envelope for better machine design and tape formulas (and ultimately, “noiseless” digital recorders), noise is still an ever-present characteristic of the sound of using tape and tape machines.
The UAD Ampex ATR-102 models the hum, hiss, wow, flutter, and crosstalk
characteristics of the original hardware. These noise components can be individually disabled, adjusted, and/or exaggerated for creative purposes
(even though the servo-controlled, direct-drive capstan tape transport of the
original hardware provides excellent wow and flutter specifications).
Modeled
Transformer
The original hardware was manufactured with isolation transformers, which
can color the signal. A common modification to the hardware tape machine
eliminates the transformers from the signal path to produce a (subjectively)
“cleaner” sound. UAD Ampex ATR-102 simulates the behavior of the transformers in the hardware circuit, and can be optionally disabled in the plug-in,
providing both sonic options.
Tape DelayA popular application of multi-head tape recorders is to employ them for slap-
back tape echo effects. If the machine is running in record mode but the recorded signal is monitored from the repro head (as opposed to the sync
head), the physical space between these two heads results in a short delay between the signal sent to the recorder and the monitored signal. When these
signals are combined with mixer routings, the classic slapback echo is manifest. The UAD Ampex ATR-102 implements the ability to reproduce this classic
effect with a simple set of controls, and expands the capabilities by extending
the available delay times beyond what is possible in the physical realm.
Automatic
Calibration
The ability of a magnetic tape recorder, which has inherently non-linear response characteristics, to accurately reproduce an audio signal with a minimum of noise and distortion requires precise adjustments to the system electronics. The calibration settings are based on the current tape speed,
formulation, emphasis EQ, and tape width. The hardware must be meticulously re-adjusted each time a different tape, speed, emphasis EQ, or head
width is used (and for system wear and drift, even if these variables are not
changed). UAD Ampex ATR-102 has an automatic calibration feature that
tunes all calibration electronics with a single button.
Low Level TuningEven though automatic calibration is available, the individual controls that ad-
just calibration are exposed for sonic manipulation. Playback EQ, record
(tape) EQ, and record bias can easily be altered for manual calibration
and/or creative purposes.
Manual
Calibration Tools
UAD Ampex ATR-102 includes the full suite of tools required to manually calibrate the recorder. Manual calibration tools are provided so expert users can
calibrate the system to their preferred methods for obtaining desired results.
The manual calibration tools consist of a tone generator (with multiple test
tones and levels), a distortion meter with digital readouts, and a full suite of
Magnetic Reference Laboratory (MRL) alignment tapes, which are used to calibrate playback electronics.
Mono/Stereo
Operation
While the UAD Ampex ATR-102 is a true stereo processor designed primarily
for use in stereo-in/stereo-out configurations, it will also operate in
mono-in/stereo-out and mono-in/mono-out modes.
When used in a mono-in/stereo-out configuration, the mono input signal is
sent to both channels of the processor, which can then be adjusted independently. When used in a mono-in/mono-out configuration, adjusting any left or
right control will change both the left and right controls (the left/right controls
are always linked in mono mode).
Quick SetupSet up the plug-in by first adjusting Tape Speed, Tape Type (tape formulation),
and Emphasis EQ, or simply select a factory preset. Note that as you lower
the tape speed, the tape “sound” becomes more audible. Once this basic
setup is made, adjust the L/R Record (gain) levels, for more or less tape/circuit coloration/saturation.
Artist PresetsUAD Ampex ATR-102 includes artist presets from prominent ATR-102 users.
Some of the artist presets are in the internal factory bank and are accessed
via the host application’s preset menu. Additional artist presets are copied to
disk by the UAD installer. The additional presets can be loaded using the Settings menu in the UAD Toolbar.
Primary &
Secondary
Controls
The graphical interface panel has two modes; open and closed. In closed
mode, the primary controls (those that are typically most used) are available
on the main panel interface and the tape reels are visible. Additional (typically less used) controls are available on the secondary panel in open mode.
The secondary controls panel (Figure 4 on page 31) is accessed by clicking
the OPEN button beneath the AMPEX label.
MetersThe two Meters display signal levels of the plug-in for the left and right chan-
nels. Meter ballistics of the original hardware are modeled. The Meters can
be switched to display input or output levels in peak or VU modes.
Figure 3. One side of the Ampex ATR-102 “penthouse” showing meter and I/O controls
The plug-in operates at an internal level of –12 dBFS. Therefore a digital signal with a level of –12 dB below full scale digital (0 dBFS) at the plug-in input
will equate to 0 dB on the Meters when Reproduce is in its calibrated position,
which is marked with the “red arrow sticker.”
When Path Select is set to Thru, the Meters indicate signal levels at the input
of the plug-in prior to processing.
Note: Although there are separate left/right Meter controls for VU/Peak and
Input/Output, these controls are permanently linked and cannot be switched
individually for the left and right channels.
Input/OutputThese switches change the Meter to display levels at the input or output of the
plug-in. Input metering is a UAD-only feature which is unavailable in the original hardware.
Input
When in Input mode, the Meter reflects the signal level after the Record (input)
gain when Path Select is set to Sync or Repro. In Input mode when Path Select
is set to Thru, the Meter reflects the pre-processed (raw input) signal level.
Output
When in Output mode, the meter reflects the signal level at the output of the
plug-in, which is just after the Reproduce (output) gain.
Peak/VUThis switch is used to change Meter behavior between Peak or VU modes.
Clip LEDThe left and right channels each have a Clip LED, just above the Meter.
The Clip LED is not in the original hardware; it is a UAD-only feature.
The Clip LED illuminates only when the machine’s audio electronics clip. The
Clip LED is not affected by the recorded tape signal, even if the tape is overloaded and distorting.
ReproduceReproduce adjusts the signal level coming off the virtual tape
before the signal is sent to the Meters. There are two Reproduce
controls, one each for the left and right channels. The left/right
Reproduce controls can be adjusted individually, or simultaneously adjusted when Link mode (page 25) is active.
The available range is –∞ dB (off) to +9.48 dB. The default value of 0 dB is
the “calibrated position” which is marked with a “red arrow sticker.” Reproduce is not affected by Auto Cal.
Tip: Click the “REPRODUCE” label text to return Reproduce to 0 dB.
The Meters accurately reflect the output level (when set to Output mode) even
if Reproduce is not in its calibrated position. However, if Reproduce is moved
from the “cal” position, the Meters will no longer correspond to a particular
level being recorded onto the virtual tape. In this case, the Meters will not reflect the actual “operating level” of the tape because Reproduce changes the
signal level coming off the tape before it is sent to the Meters.
Note: The graphical interface panel values for Reproduce, which range from
0 – 10, are arbitrary and do not reflect a particular dB value.
RecordRecord adjusts the signal level into the plug-in and the tape cir-
cuitry. There are two Record controls, one for the left channel
and one for the right. These left/right Record controls can be
adjusted individually, or simultaneously when Link mode
(page 25) is active.
The available range is –∞ dB (off) to +9.3 dB. The default value is 0 dB. The
graphical interface panel values, which range from 0 – 10, are arbitrary and
do not reflect a particular dB value.
Tip: Click the “RECORD” label text to return the Record value to 0 dB.
Record is a primary “color” control for the plug-in. Just like genuine magnetic
tape, lower Record levels will have a cleaner sound, while higher levels result
in more harmonic saturation and coloration. Higher Record levels will also increase the output level from the plug-in. The Reproduce control can be lowered to compensate if unity gain operation is desired.
Reproduce/Record Controls Arrangement
Note that the Reproduce control is to the left of the Record control, which is
atypical of most signal flow designs, where inputs usually precede outputs
(flowing from left to right). This quirky arrangement of the Ampex ATR-102
I/O controls, where the input control “follows” the output control, is true to the
original hardware design. In Controls View, the Record (input) control precedes the Reproduce (output) control.
Open/CloseThe secondary controls (Figure 4 on page 31) are accessed
by clicking the OPEN button beneath the AMPEX label. Conversely, the panel is closed by clicking the CLOSE button.
Link/UnlinkLink mode is a software-only addition that enables controls
that are identical for the left and right channels to be linked
for ease of operation when both channels require the same
values, or unlinked when independent left/right control is desired. In other
words, left/right channel controls are ganged together in link mode.
The Link parameter is stored within presets and can be accessed via automation.
Note: Although there are separate left/right Meter controls for VU/Peak and
Input/Output, these controls are permanently linked and cannot be switched
individually for the left and right channels, even if Unlink mode is active.
Link
In Link mode, modifying any left or right channel control causes its adjacent
stereo counterpart control to snap to the same position.
Important: When Unlink mode is active and Link is enabled, the left chan-
nel control values are copied to the right channel. Control offsets between
channels are lost in this case.
When Link is active, automation data is written and read for the left channel
only. In this case, the automation data for the left will control both channels.
Additionally, changing the right channel parameters from a control surface or
when in “controls only” (non-GUI) mode will have no effect.
Unlink
When Unlink is active, the controls for the left and right channels are independent. When unlinked, automation data is written and read by each channel
separately.
Emphasis EQ The Emphasis EQ buttons determine the active Emphasis EQ
values and the frequency of the Hum noise. NAB or CCIR
curves can be selected when the Tape Speed is 7.5 or 15
IPS. When the Tape Speed is 30 IPS, neither value is available (the LEDs are dimmed) because the EQ is fixed with the
AES emphasis curve, per the original hardware. At 3.75 IPS, only NAB is
available (as it is with the hardware).
When the value is set to NAB (traditionally the United States standard), the
Hum Noise frequency is 60 Hz. When set to CCIR (traditionally the standard
in Europe and other regions), the Hum Noise frequency is 50 Hz. See “Noise
Enable” on page 33 and “Hum” on page 33 for more information about
Hum.
Tape Speed and Emphasis EQ were originally practical controls for recording
duration versus noise and local standards. Historically, the origin of the tape
machine (US or European) dictated the built-in EQ emphasis, but later machines like the Ampex ATR-102 had both circuits available.
CCIR (also known as IEC1) is the EQ pre-emphasis made famous on British
records and is considered the technically superior EQ; many say this EQ was
part of the “British sound” during tape’s heyday. NAB (also known as IEC2)
was the American standard with its own sound. AES is truly standardized at
30 IPS and is the sole EQ found on the Ampex ATR-102 at 30 IPS.
PowerPower is the plug-in bypass control. When set to OFF, em-
ulation processing is disabled, the Meters and control LEDs
are dimmed, the Bypass LED illuminates, and DSP usage is
reduced. Power is useful for comparing the processed settings to the original
signal.
OFF is similar to the Thru position in the Path Select control (page 29) except
that the Meters are still active when the Thru control is used. However, in this
state, the Meters indicate signal levels at the input of the plug-in prior to processing.
Note: DSP usage is reduced only when DSP LoadLock is disabled. If DSP
LoadLock is enabled (the default setting), activating OFF will not reduce DSP
usage.
Tape SpeedThe Tape Speed control determines the speed of the tape trans-
port, in inches per second (IPS). Tape Speed affects the recorder’s fidelity and associated “head bump” sonics. Head
bump is bass frequency build-up that occurs with magnetic tape;
the dominant frequencies shift according to transport speed.
To change the Tape Speed value, click the IPS text values, or drag the knob,
or click the knob then use the mouse scroll wheel.
15 IPS is considered the favorite for rock and acoustic music due to its low frequency “head bump” (low frequency rise) and warmer sound, while 30 IPS is
the norm for classical and jazz due to its lower noise floor, greater fidelity and
flatter response. 7.5 and 3.75 IPS are also available for an even more colored experience, with even greater frequency shift and other artifacts.
Note: The available parameter ranges of Tape Type, Head Width, and Em-
phasis EQ are affected by Tape Speed. See Table 6 on page 43 for details.
Tape TypeTape Type selects the active tape stock formulation. Seven
Tape Types are modeled in the UAD Ampex ATR-102. To select the Tape Type, click the TAPE button to cycle through the
available types, or click directly on the Tape Type value label.
The active Tape Type is highlighted in yellow.
Note: The available Tape Types and defaults are dependent
on the current Tape Speed and Head values. The available
Tape Types, and the associated Tape Speed and Head values,
are shown in Table 6 on page 43.
Each type has its own subtle sonic variation, distortion onset, and tape compression characteristics. Generally speaking, the lower the Cal Level for each
formula, the higher the signal level required to reach saturation and distortion.
Cal LevelCal Level automatically sets tape calibration/fluxivity. The Cal Level
setting takes care of the setup one would need to make under equivalent hardware operation, and sets the reference tape/flux level without disturbing the (unity) gain of the plug-in.
To select the Cal Level, click the CAL button to cycle through the available levels, or click directly on the calibration value label. The active
Cal Level is highlighted in yellow. The default value is +6 dB.
Because Cal Level affects the operating levels in the plug-in, it can be used to
compensate for overly high (or low) levels at the input of the plug-in. For example, if the input is too hot, lowering the Cal Level will reduce the signal level
without changing Record, which can affect the tape saturation characteristics.
Note: The noise floor is affected by the Cal Level when Noise Enable
(page 33) is active.
As tape formulas advanced, their output level increased, thus lowering relative noise floor. Under normal use, the machine would be calibrated to the
tape’s output level. However, sometimes the machine is under-calibrated to
leave more headroom for a broader sweet spot or to prevent electronics from
clipping. Therefore, one can “go traditional” and calibrate to the recommended levels (Table 1), or select a non-corresponding calibration setting.
As an example, if 456 is the selected Tape Type and when Cal is set at +6
(6 dB higher than the NAB tape standard), the reference flux level is 355
nWb/m (nanoweber per meter) and is 10 dB below the point where THD
reaches 3% (referred to as the maximum operating level). Therefore, with a
1 kHz test tone at –12 dBFS sent to the plug-in, with Tape Type set to 456, Cal
set to +6, and Auto Cal enabled, output levels of the plug-in will match the input level and fluxivity on the tape will be 355 nWb/m.
The tape manufacturer’s recommended calibration settings for each Tape
Type are shown in Table 1.
Tip: The UAD Ampex ATR-102 default presets bank offers a variety of preset
Tape Type, Tape Speed, CAL level, and EQ configurations that are commonly
used for the recording of specific genres.
Head WidthThis control specifies the active tape head model. Head Widths of
1/4,” 1/2,” or 1” can be selected.
To select the Head Width, click the HEAD button to cycle through the
available values, or click directly on the value label. The active Head
Width is highlighted in yellow.
Note: At tape speeds of 3.75” and 7.5” only the 1/4” head can be
used. At these speeds, the 1/2” and 1” heads cannot be selected.
Path SelectThe Path Select buttons specify which of the four possi-
ble signal paths is active in the Ampex ATR-102. The
active mode is indicated by an illuminated LED above
its associated button. The default value is Repro.
Sync
Sync mode models the sound of direct tape recording and playback via the
sync/record head, plus all corresponding machine electronics.
Sync mode is generally not used for playback due to its poorer frequency response, but it is included for authenticity and creative purposes.
Repro
Repro mode models the sound of tape recording through the record head and
playback through the reproduction head, plus all corresponding machine
electronics.
Input
Input mode emulates the sound of the Ampex ATR-102 through the machine
electronics only, without tape sonics. This is the scenario when the machine is
in live monitoring mode but the tape transport is not running.
Thru is a processor bypass control. When Thru is enabled, all controls are inactive, emulation processing is disabled, and DSP usage is reduced.
Thru behavior is similar to that of the OFF position in the POWER control
(page 26), except that the Meters are still active in Thru mode. In this state, the
Meters indicate signal levels at the input of the plug-in prior to processing.
Note: DSP usage is reduced only when DSP LoadLock is disabled. If DSP
LoadLock is enabled (the default setting), activating Thru will not reduce DSP
usage.
Tape Reels
Animation
When the secondary controls panel is closed
(Figure 1 on page 19), by default the graphical tape reels “spin” if the DAW transport is
running. The tape reels animation can be disabled by clicking the capstan graphic.
Re-clicking the capstan will re-start the animation.
The “spin state” is saved until it is changed again.
Note: Spinning reels automation is not supported in all hosts. In Sonar, the
plug-in must be configured as a “tempo-based effect” for reels animation.