Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3｜Professional UAD Plug-In DSP Accelerator
UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 is an external DSP accelerator designed by Universal Audio for professional mixing and post-production environments. With Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, it allows UAD Powered Plug-Ins to run efficiently on Mac and Windows systems, greatly offloading processing power from your host CPU. Whether you’re working on large projects, analog-style plug-ins, or multi-track mixes, the UAD-2 Satellite ensures stability and gives you access to world-class studio sound quality anytime, anywhere.
Create with the Most Respected Collection of Audio Plug-Ins
From home recording enthusiasts to multi-platinum mixing engineers, UAD Powered Plug-Ins have been trusted by audio professionals for over 15 years.
The reason is simple — no other plug-ins so faithfully capture the tone and behavior of classic analog hardware, from rare compressors and EQs to vintage reverb processors and tape machines.
The UAD plug-in library now features over 100 titles co-developed with the world’s top audio brands.
These plug-ins can be purchased with UAD-2 hardware as bundled packages, or individually from the UA Online Store, allowing you to build your own custom collection of legendary studio sound.
Powerful and Expandable DSP Processing
UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 is available in QUAD and OCTO configurations, equipped with four or eight SHARC DSP processors for uncompromising performance.
It can also be integrated with UAD-2 PCIe Accelerator cards and Thunderbolt-enabled UA audio interfaces — including Arrow, Apollo Twin, and the Apollo X series — to create a fully scalable DSP mixing platform.
The Science Behind the Sound
In developing UAD plug-ins, Universal Audio’s engineers perform intensive physical modeling of classic audio hardware — digitally “rebuilding” every circuit and component.
This meticulous process allows UAD plug-ins to replicate the authentic behavior and sonic nuances of the most prized analog gear in existence, delivering rich, three-dimensional sound and musical harmonics inside your DAW.
Key Features
- High-speed Thunderbolt 3 connectivity: Compatible with Mac and Windows 10/11 systems, also supports Thunderbolt 4 ports.
- Multi-core DSP processing: Available in QUAD (4-core) or OCTO (8-core) SHARC processor versions, delivering powerful performance for large-scale mixing.
- Comprehensive UAD plug-in platform: Run over 100 renowned analog emulation plug-ins from Ampex, Lexicon, Studer, Neve, Manley, SSL, EMT, Helios, and more.
- Includes Analog Classics Plus bundle: Comes with classic plug-ins such as LA-2A, 1176, Pultec EQ, Fairchild 670, and 610-B Tube Preamp — ready to mix right out of the box.
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports: Easily daisy-chain other devices and expand your UAD system with greater flexibility.
- Seamless integration with Apollo and UAD-2 series: Works with UAD-2 PCIe cards and UA audio interfaces to boost total DSP resources.
- Durable metal construction: Premium aluminum housing and external 12V power design ensure long-term reliability during continuous operation.
- Plug-and-play experience: Includes UAD software and basic plug-ins for immediate use after installation.
- Wide compatibility: Works with major DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Ableton Live.
- Fully Thunderbolt compatible: Supports TB1/TB2 via adapter (depending on system and driver) and is compatible with Apple Silicon.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Universal Audio |
| Model | UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 (QUAD / OCTO) |
| DSP Cores | 4 or 8 SHARC processors |
| Connection Interface | Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), compatible with Thunderbolt 4; supports TB1/TB2 via adapter (Mac only, depending on system support) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 2 ports, supporting device daisy-chaining |
| System Compatibility | macOS and Windows 10/11 64-bit (requires Thunderbolt 3/4 port and driver support) |
| Apple Silicon | Supported (depending on UAD software version and compatibility notice) |
| Plug-In Formats | AAX / AU / VST3 (UAD Powered Plug-Ins) |
| Max Sample Rate | Up to 192 kHz (depending on DAW settings and plug-ins) |
| Power Supply | External 12V DC power adapter (included) |
| Expansion | Works with Apollo and other UAD-2 devices (system-dependent) |
| Enclosure | Aluminum desktop chassis |
| Included Items | Main unit, power supply and cable, UAD software, Analog Classics Plus plug-in bundle, Quick Start Guide (Thunderbolt cable not included) |
| Notes | This product has no audio I/O; not a USB device. Compatibility based on official Universal Audio documentation. |
