Uad Plug-Ins: Console Versus Daw; Uad Processing In Console (Realtime) - Universal Audio Arrow Manual

UAD Plug-Ins: Console versus DAW

There are important fundamental differences between using UAD plug-ins within Console
versus within a DAW. Arrow features two distinct methods for using UAD plug-ins:
Console processing (Realtime) – Low-latency hardware input monitoring and recording
with Realtime UAD Processing via UAD plug-ins that are loaded within Console.
DAW processing (Buffered) – DSP-accelerated processing via UAD plug-ins in VST, RTAS,
AAX 64, or Audio Units formats that are loaded within a DAW.
These two methods are not a switched mode, but instead simply depend on which
host application, either Console or a DAW, contains the UAD plug-in(s). Note that
both methods can be used at the same time for maximum flexibility. Each method is
explained in greater detail below.

UAD Processing in Console (Realtime)

UAD plug-ins run in realtime, without discernible latency, only when used within
Console. Hardware input monitoring with Realtime UAD Processing via Console is
optimum for artists and engineers that need to monitor and capture performances
without DAW I/O buffering latency and its associated hindrances.
The special Realtime UAD Processing functionality is achieved via Arrow's unique ultra-
low latency DSP+FPGA+Console design. Although every audio interface has undetectable
latency that is inherent to the A/D–D/A process, routing Arrow's input signals through
UAD plug-ins within Console does not add to this inherent latency.
Up to five UAD plug-in instances can be inserted serially (aka, stacked or chained) on
each of Console's inputs and/or auxiliary buses at the same time, without adding to the
inherent A/D–D/A latency.
Console inputs and stereo mix buses (monitor, headphone, auxiliary), with or without
Realtime UAD Processing, are routed into the DAW via Arrow's device drivers. These
channels can be optionally recorded as either processed (wet) or unprocessed (dry) audio
using the Insert Effects feature in Console (see
Console Processing Notes
• Console controls Arrow's Unison and Realtime UAD Processing features. These are
special functions that are available only when UAD plug-ins are inserted within
Console. To activate these features, simply insert UAD plug-ins within Console.
• As with all UAD devices, Arrow can only load UAD plug-ins, which are specifically
designed to run on UAD DSP. Host CPU-based (native) plug-ins cannot run on
UAD DSP or be inserted in Console.
• UAD plug-ins used within Console only run on the DSP within Arrow. If UAD-2
DSP accelerators are active in the same system, the DSP on those devices cannot
be used to process UAD plug-ins in Console.
• Upsampled UAD plug-ins add negligible latency (usually indiscernible) when used
within Console or a DAW. See
Arrow Manual
Insert Effects
Upsampled UAD Plug-Ins
55
Overview).
for more information.
Working With Arrow