Table of Contents
Introduction
FabFilter and Universal Audio (UAD) are two of the most respected names in audio plugin development, each offering a range of high-quality tools for mixing, mastering, and sound design. While both companies produce professional-grade plugins used in top studios worldwide, they take quite different approaches in terms of their product offerings, underlying technology, and overall philosophy. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of FabFilter and UAD plugins to help producers, engineers, and musicians understand the key differences and make informed decisions about which ecosystem may be the best fit for their needs.
Company Background and Philosophy
FabFilter was founded in 2002 by Frederik Slijkerman and Floris Klinkert, two Dutch software developers with a passion for audio. From the beginning, their goal was to create innovative digital audio tools that pushed the boundaries of what was possible with software, focusing on pristine sound quality, intuitive interfaces, and powerful yet accessible features. FabFilter takes a “clean slate” approach to plugin design, creating original algorithms from the ground up rather than modeling specific analog hardware.
Universal Audio, on the other hand, has a much longer history dating back to 1958 when Bill Putnam Sr. founded the company. UA made its name producing classic analog recording equipment like the LA-2A compressor and 1176 limiter. In 1999, Bill Putnam Jr. relaunched Universal Audio with a focus on creating faithful digital emulations of vintage analog gear, as well as continuing to manufacture hardware units. UAD plugins aim to meticulously recreate the sound and behavior of coveted analog equipment.
This fundamental difference in philosophy – FabFilter’s forward-looking digital approach versus UAD’s analog modeling ethos – informs many of the distinctions between their respective plugin offerings.
Plugin Ecosystems and Compatibility
FabFilter offers a focused lineup of around 15 plugins covering essential mixing and mastering tasks like EQ, compression, limiting, saturation, and creative effects. Their plugins are available in all major formats (VST, AU, AAX) for both Mac and Windows, with no special hardware required. This makes FabFilter plugins extremely flexible and easy to integrate into any DAW or workflow.
UAD, in contrast, has a much larger catalog of over 100 plugins, heavily focused on emulations of classic analog gear from brands like Neve, SSL, API, and Ampex. Traditionally, UAD plugins required dedicated DSP hardware to run, either in the form of PCIe cards or Apollo audio interfaces. This allowed for extremely accurate modeling but restricted where the plugins could be used. More recently, UAD has begun offering native versions of some plugins that can run directly on the host computer without additional hardware.
The UAD ecosystem is more complex, with multiple tiers of plugins:
– UAD-2 plugins: Require UAD hardware, available in VST/AU/AAX formats
– UAD Spark: Native versions of select UAD plugins, subscription-based
– Luna-exclusive plugins: Only work in UA’s Luna DAW with Apollo interfaces
– UADx: New line of native plugins, perpetual licenses
This variety offers more options but also requires more consideration when choosing how to access UAD plugins.
Sound Quality and Character
Both FabFilter and UAD are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, but they achieve it through different means.
FabFilter plugins are known for their extremely clean, transparent sound with very low aliasing and minimal unwanted artifacts. Their EQs and dynamics processors can be pushed to extremes while maintaining clarity. When coloration is desired, it’s precisely controllable. The FabFilter Pro-Q 3 EQ, for example, is often praised as one of the most transparent and surgical EQs available.
UAD plugins, by contrast, are celebrated for their rich analog character and faithful recreation of hardware units’ subtle nonlinearities and quirks. Their emulations capture not just the basic functionality, but also the component-level behavior of circuits, transformers, and tubes. This results in a distinctly “analog” sound with natural saturation, harmonics, and subtle compression characteristics that many find pleasing.
Neither approach is inherently superior – it comes down to the desired outcome and personal preference. FabFilter excels at precise, transparent processing, while UAD shines at imparting classic analog flavor.
User Interface and Workflow
FabFilter is widely praised for its sleek, modern interfaces that prioritize visual feedback and intuitive control. Common elements across their plugins include large, informative displays, draggable nodes for precise adjustments, and helpful visualization of processing. Advanced features are tucked away but easily accessible, allowing the interfaces to scale from simple to complex use cases.
Unique FabFilter UI features include:
– Interactive EQ curves with spectrum analyzers
– Scrolling real-time waveform displays in dynamics plugins
– Extensive tooltip system explaining every control
– Consistent color-coding and control schemes across plugins
UAD interfaces generally aim to recreate the look and feel of the original hardware units they’re emulating. This results in a diverse set of UIs that closely match their analog counterparts, from vintage VU meters to specific knob and switch designs. While this approach creates an authentic experience, it can lead to less consistency across the plugin range.
Some UAD plugins offer additional features not found on the original hardware, like the ability to modify circuit topology or add extra bands to an EQ. These are typically implemented in ways that blend naturally with the vintage-inspired designs.
CPU Efficiency and Latency
FabFilter plugins are known for their efficiency, with relatively low CPU usage even at high sample rates and when using features like oversampling. They’re designed to scale well on modern multi-core processors. Latency is generally very low, with many FabFilter plugins offering zero-latency operation modes.
UAD’s DSP-based plugins offload processing from the host CPU, which can be advantageous for complex mixes or older computers. However, this comes with some inherent latency due to the round-trip from host to DSP and back. UAD’s newer native plugins are quite efficient but may not match FabFilter’s optimization in all cases.
Modulation and Creativity
FabFilter places a strong emphasis on modulation capabilities, allowing for complex, evolving sounds and creative effects. Many of their plugins feature extensive modulation options:
– Multiple LFOs with various waveforms
– Envelope followers
– MIDI-triggered envelopes
– XY pads for simultaneous control of multiple parameters
– Sidechain inputs for external modulation sources
This depth of modulation makes FabFilter plugins excellent for sound design and electronic music production in addition to traditional mixing tasks.
UAD plugins, being more focused on recreating specific hardware units, generally have fewer built-in modulation options. Some offer basic LFO or envelope control where present in the original gear. For more extensive modulation, UAD plugins can be automated within the host DAW or controlled via MIDI CC messages.
Specific Plugin Comparisons
Let’s compare some popular plugins from each company in key categories:
Equalizers
FabFilter Pro-Q 3 vs UAD Massive Passive EQ
The Pro-Q 3 is a highly flexible digital EQ with up to 24 bands, multiple filter shapes, dynamic EQ functionality, and extensive visual feedback. It’s known for its surgical precision and clean sound.
The UAD Massive Passive models the iconic Manley hardware, capturing its unique tube-based sound and unconventional band interactions. It offers a distinctly colored, musical EQ sound but with less fine-grained control than the Pro-Q 3.
Compressors
FabFilter Pro-C 2 vs UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
The Pro-C 2 is a highly versatile compressor with eight distinct compression styles, from clean modern compression to vintage-inspired character. It offers extensive control and visualization of the compression process.
UAD’s 1176 Collection provides painstakingly accurate models of three hardware revisions of the famous FET compressor. Each has its own subtle sonic character, capturing the aggressive punch and attitude the 1176 is known for.
Reverbs
FabFilter Pro-R vs UAD Capitol Chambers
Pro-R is a algorithmic reverb with a focus on natural sound and intuitive control. It offers a wide range of spaces from small rooms to vast landscapes, with unique features like decay rate EQ and continuously variable space size.
Capitol Chambers is an impulse response-based reverb recreating the famous echo chambers of Capitol Studios. It captures the distinct character of these physical spaces, including authentic modulation from the original chamber plates.
Pricing and Licensing
FabFilter offers straightforward perpetual licensing for individual plugins or bundles. Prices for individual plugins range from around $49 to $199, with significant discounts available when purchasing multiple plugins. All updates within major versions are free.
UAD’s pricing structure is more complex:
– UAD-2 plugins require hardware and are sold as perpetual licenses ($99-$399)
– UAD Spark is a subscription service ($19.99/month) for native versions of select plugins
– UADx plugins are native with perpetual licensing ($99-$299)
– Various bundles are available combining hardware and plugins
UAD frequently runs sales and offers, but their plugins are generally more expensive than FabFilter’s when comparing similar tools.
Conclusion
Both FabFilter and UAD produce world-class plugins capable of professional results. The choice between them often comes down to personal workflow preferences and sonic goals.
FabFilter is ideal for those who prioritize:
– Clean, transparent sound with precise control
– Modern, intuitive interfaces with powerful visual feedback
– Extensive modulation for creative sound design
– Consistent workflow across a focused plugin range
– Flexibility to use on any system without special hardware
UAD is better suited for those seeking:
– Authentic analog modeling of classic hardware
– A vast ecosystem of vintage and modern emulations
– Integration with UA hardware for low-latency tracking
– The specific character of iconic studio equipment
Many professional studios and engineers use both FabFilter and UAD plugins, leveraging the strengths of each for different tasks. Fortunately, most DAWs make it easy to combine plugins from multiple developers, allowing users to create the ideal toolkit for their needs.
FAQ
Can I use UAD plugins without their hardware?
Traditionally, UAD plugins required dedicated DSP hardware. However, UA now offers several ways to use their plugins natively:
– UAD Spark: A subscription service with growing selection of native UAD plugins
– UADx: A new line of native plugins with perpetual licensing
– Some classic UAD plugins are now available in native formats
Keep in mind that not all UAD plugins are available natively, and some features may still require UA hardware.
Do FabFilter plugins ever go on sale?
FabFilter does offer sales periodically, typically around major holidays. They also provide educational discounts for students and teachers. Additionally, FabFilter offers increasing discounts when purchasing multiple plugins, making their bundles an economical choice for those needing several tools.
Which is better for mastering, FabFilter or UAD?
Both FabFilter and UAD offer excellent tools for mastering. FabFilter’s Pro-L 2 limiter and Pro-Q 3 EQ are industry standards for their precision and transparency. UAD’s emulations of classic mastering hardware like the Massive Passive EQ and Fairchild compressor are prized for their analog warmth. Many mastering engineers use a combination of both, leveraging FabFilter for surgical adjustments and UAD for character and color. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferred workflow.