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Universal Audio Studer® A800 Tape Recorder

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4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
12 Reviews

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Description

For more than 30 years, artists and engineers alike have been drawn to the warm analog sound, solid low-end, and overall presence of the Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder. The sheer number of albums recorded on this legendary 2" analog tape machine " including classics from Metallica, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, A Tribe Called Quest, and Jeff Buckley " serve as shining examples of the musicality of analog tape.*

Fully authenticated by Studer, and modeled by UA's world-renowned team of DSP engineers and magnetic recording expert Jay McKnight, the Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder plug-in is the first product of its kind. By faithfully modeling the entire circuit path of the famous A800 machine from Allen Sides' collection at Ocean Way Studios, this is the most accurate representation of multitrack analog tape recording available.

*Use of artist name does not constitute an official endorsement of Studer A800 Tape Recorder software.

A Groundbreaking Tape Machine
Introduced in 1978, the Studer A800 was the first microprocessor-controlled tape machine. Years ahead of its time, the A800 remains a sonic benchmark, and can still be found in studios worldwide. However, with their massive steel frame and meter bridge, twin half-horsepower motors and cast alloy deck plates, original A800 units tip the scales at a backbreaking 900 pounds. The Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder poses none of the hardware hassles, yet retains all the beautiful sonics that make tape a beloved recording medium.

Capturing the Magic of Tape
Just like magnetic tape, you can dial in a clean sound, or just the right amount of harmonic saturation using the Studer A800's Input and Output controls. The IPS control steps through tape speed choices (7.5, 15, or 30 IPS), each with distinct frequency shift, head bump and distortion characteristics. The tape Type control lets users choose from four of the most popular magnetic tape formulas " each with their own subtle sonic variation. There is also a secondary set of controls like Noise, EQ, and Bias for an even more jaw-dropping palette of tape textures.

Key Benefits

  • Use any audio interface, with both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions included
  • Track and mix with the complete Studer A800 electronic signal paths, including Input, Sync and Repro paths
  • Add warmth, presence, cohesion, and low-end punch that only genuine tape can provide
  • Create complex analog textures with the distinct sounds of multiple tape formulas
  • Use the Studer A800 LUNA Extension to easily add warmth to your entire mix on a per channel basis

 

Tech Specs

UAD Spark, UA Connect and Native UAD Plug-Ins System Requirements

  • macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, or Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15
  • Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit editions)
  • Intel, AMD or Apple silicon processor
  • Internet connection to download software and authorize native UAD plug-ins
  • Free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher)
  • Free UA Connect application for managing native UAD plug-ins
  • A supported DAW compatible with VST, AU and AAX plug-in file formats.

Native UAD Instruments Requirements

  • Sample-based UAD instruments require SSD storage with:
    • APFS formatting for macOS
    • NTFS formatting for Windows
  • 1 GB to 10 GB available SSD storage per plug-in (space requirement varies per UAD Instrument). A minimum of 100 GB available storage is highly recommended.
  • Individual UAD Instrument storage requirements are listed on UA Connect’s UAD Plug-Ins tab.

Notes

  • Operating systems not listed above are untested. Although untested operating systems may work, they are not supported by Universal Audio.
  • Pre-release and beta versions of operating systems are not supported.
  • Native UAD plug-ins on Apple silicon machines automatically run natively on Apple silicon in DAWs that support native Apple silicon.
  • Windows running via Bootcamp on Mac systems are not supported.
  • Native UAD Plug-Ins (UADx) are compatible with VST3, Audio Units, AAX 64 and LUNA host applications, and are compatible with a variety of major DAW software — including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Nuendo, Live, Studio One and more.

Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 12 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 11 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
12 reviews
  • C
    Claudio
    Verified Reviewer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Apr 25, 2025
    This is It. Stop losing time with lesser alternatives

    I've compared this to Slate VTM, Overloud Tapedesk, and some other less "royals" like Nomad Factory's Magnetic II and Hornet Tape, and this UA plugin beats them hands down. There is something happening in the mids, a richness that all the others failed to capture. A real pleasure to use, to get that slightly crackling snare sound, and that sweetened top-end whatever the source material.

  • NC
    Nitin C C.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Apr 24, 2025
    Incredible

    It’s one of the best analogue tape emulations.

  • RM
    RICHARD M BROWN M B.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Apr 24, 2025
    The beauty of tape

    It’s undeniable, Tape is the magic potion for a mix and this is probably the best in the UA collection.

    Would highly recommend, especially when on offer

  • JR
    Jesse Rogers R.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Apr 24, 2025
    This one is tough to beat

    This plugin is a legend for a reason. Helps bring everything together in the mix.

  • DR
    Dimastra Rasikhul Fikri Rasikhul F.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Feb 27, 2024
    UA Studer A800 Tape Recorder

    this tape plugin is very different in term of taste compared to other tape plugin emulation, it sound rich and each type of tape have noticeable unique sound - my permanent plugin fx inserted to mixbus