Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3｜Professional UAD Plug-In DSP Accelerator
The UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 is Universal Audio's external DSP accelerator, allowing UAD Powered Plug-Ins to run efficiently on Mac/Windows while offloading the host CPU. Available in QUAD and OCTO versions with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for easy chaining and expansion, its metal chassis and external power supply provide long-term stable performance.
Key Features
- High-speed Thunderbolt 3 connection, supports Mac and Windows, and is compatible with TB4 ports.
- Available with QUAD (4) or OCTO (8) SHARC DSP cores, significantly increasing UAD plug-in processing power.
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, supporting daisy-chaining of other peripherals and workflow expansion.
- Designed as a plug-in accelerator for mixing/post-production, not an audio interface — no audio I/O.
- Compatible with UAD Powered Plug-Ins in AU/VST3/AAX formats; project sample rates up to 192 kHz (depending on DAW settings).
- Can operate alongside Apollo interfaces and other UAD-2 devices for flexible system expansion.
- Durable metal enclosure and external 12V power design ensure stable operation during extended use.
- Includes UAD software and a basic plug-in bundle so you can start accelerating mixes right out of the box.
- On Mac, can be used with TB1/TB2 environments via official adapters (depending on system and driver support).
- Supports Apple Silicon (subject to UAD software version and compatibility list).
Specifications
| Brand | Universal Audio |
| Model | UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 (QUAD / OCTO) |
| DSP Cores | 4 or 8 SHARC DSP processors |
| Connection Interface | Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C), compatible with Thunderbolt 4; on Mac can be used with TB1/TB2 via adapters (depending on system support) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 2 ports, supports device daisy-chaining |
| System Compatibility | macOS and Windows 10/11 64-bit (requires Thunderbolt 3/4 ports and corresponding drivers) |
| Apple Silicon | Supported (subject to UAD software version and compatibility announcements) |
| Plug-In Formats | UAD Powered Plug-Ins: AAX / AU / VST3 (for use in compatible DAWs) |
| Maximum Sample Rate | Supports up to 192 kHz (depending on DAW project settings and plug-ins) |
| Power | External 12V DC adapter (included) |
| Daisy-Chaining / Expansion | Can be daisy-chained with Apollo and other UAD-2 devices (actual quantity and combinations depend on system limitations) |
| Chassis | Metal enclosure, desktop design |
| Included | Main unit, power adapter and power cable, UAD software, basic plug-in bundle, quick start guide (Thunderbolt cable sold separately) |
| Notes | This product does not include audio I/O; it is not a USB device; actual compatibility is determined by official drivers and system compatibility lists |
