Universal Audio is giving away a bundle of eight classic UAD plugins for nothing – here’s how to get yours

Universal Audio is giving away a bundle loaded with eight of its legendary UAD plugins – plus its LUNA DAW – totally free. Yep, for absolutely nothing.

UAD Explore FREE – cooked up by the generous folks at Universal Audio – delivers the authentic analogue sound of the brand’s trusted professional-level plugins, at no cost at all. So you can significantly upgrade your production arsenal right now.

It’s available on Mac and PC, and even better – this bundle requires no additional Universal Audio hardware, so you can download and explore right away. Compressors, EQs, reverb, and other production tools are covered, and because it also features the LUNA DAW, it’s literally everything you’ll need to record, mix and produce.

Here’s what’s included:

• UA 1176 Classic FET Compressor
• Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor
• UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection
• Pure Plate Reverb
• Vibe Analog Machines Essentials
• Showtime ’64 Tube Amp
• Century Tube Channel Strip
• PolyMAX Synth
• LUNA Digital Audio Workstation

“UAD Explore FREE puts the tools that defined the sound of modern recording within reach of every creator,” says Jor Van Gelder, Senior Product Manager at Universal Audio.

“Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your toolkit, this bundle is the most complete free studio we’ve ever offered… and it costs nothing.”

Some highlights… PolyMAX Synth is perfect for anyone looking to make retro tunes. The oscillators were modelled after analog synthesizers. And it’s polyphonic, so it’s easy to create gorgeous, full textures.

Then, if the goal is to make everything in the session sound analog, Vibe Analog Machines Essentials is available. This plugin has four virtual analog tone machines that can give any instrument, vocal, or sample that sought-after warm tape feel.

For the guitarists out there, the Showtime ’64 Tube Amp will provide the classic tone that legendary artists such as Dick Dale, Keith Richards, Jack White, and Nels Cline have all rocked. The plugin also has a series of esteemed virtual microphones to record the amp, so you can dial in precise vintage sounds.

To get your UAD Explore FREE bundle, head to Universal Audio.

Harry Levin is a freelance journalist with credits in SPIN, Billboard, MusicTech, Grammy.com, Los Angeles Magazine, and more. His musical journey began 20 years ago with a Led Zeppelin CD. He played jazz trombone through college, produced large-scale electronic music events, and now spends his professional time writing and editing.