NAMM Show: It’s not every day that a new product promises to ‘melt your face’, but that exactly what Universal Audio is promising with the UAD-2 Satellite.

The UAD-2 Satellite family combines DSP acceleration with the plug-and-play simplicity of Firewire 800/400 – perfect for modern, Intel-based iMacs and MacBook Pros.

UAD-2 Satellite Features Include:

• Access the UAD Powered Plug-Ins library on select Firewire 800 and 400 equipped computers.
• Compatible with a wide range of modern Intel-based iMacs and MacBook Pros.
• Run larger mixes in Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Performer and more – without taxing host computer CPU.
• 5 models to choose from:
  1. DUO (Core).
  2. DUO Flexi (w/ $500 Plug-In Voucher).
  3. QUAD (Core).
  4. QUAD Flexi (w/ $500 Plug-In Voucher).
  5. QUAD Omni v5.7 (w/ 50 UAD plug-ins).

The UAD-2 Satellite puts the entire UAD Powered Plug-Ins library within easy reach of Firewire 800 and 400-equipped computers; no PCIe card installation required.

Available in DUO or QUAD processor format (with either two or four Analog Devices SHARC processors, respectively), UAD-2 Satellite packages provide a processing “boost” for digital audio workstations, and include a selection of classic analog emulation plug-ins, right out of the box.

“This is a really exciting announcement, both for UA as a company, and for legions of musicians and engineers wanting to tap into UAD-2 plug-ins via Firewire,” commented Universal Audio President Matt Ward.”The UAD-2 Satellite is a sleek, high-quality product that delivers even higher quality results.”

“UAD-2 Satellite is the result of UA listening to our customers, and giving them a processing solution that is both elegant and powerful,” added UA Senior Product Manager Lev Perrey. “Coupled with our roadmap of exciting new plug-ins, we anticipate this product expanding our 40,000-strong UAD user base significantly in the years to come.”

The complete line of UAD-2 Satellite DSP Accelerators is slated for a Q1 2011 release with prices starting at US $899.