All sounding exactly the same - so we're led to believe - and with no Spark subscription necessary. Any plugins they own (ie, are bought and paid for) and which are in Spark's package can be downloaded for free and used WITHOUT hardware, too. Heck, you can even use the built-in audio of your Mac if you like… (Oh, worth saying: Spark is currently Mac only.)

Before we go in-depth with what's onboard Spark, what about the poor souls who've spent hundreds (thousands?) on software and dedicated hardware, some of which is now (whisper it) looking a little unnecessary? Now comes a new software offering, Spark - is a package of some of UAD's best plugs (and thereby some of the best in the world right now), all of which run natively WITHOUT the need for pricey UAD hardware.

After years of wishing and hoping, you now can sign up for Spark for $20 per month or $150 per year (opens in new tab) (there's a free 14-day trial and Volt owners get a whole month) and enjoy the UAD sound across a great range of its plug-ins without owning any kind of UA interface. UAD's first moves to upset its own applecart seemed to take place in late 2021, with the announcement of its Volt audio interfaces boxes which DO feature its fantastic mic-pres but which DON'T support the UAD plug-in empire.

Which is why, in 2022, UA is looking at things a little differently. And all the while computers keep getting faster… and the competition keeps getting cheaper… Y'see, these fantastic plugins (much loved by the world's biggest music stars) aren't exactly the cheapest on the market and, when combined with the necessity of UA's hardware to run them, the whole setup can get a little too pro, even for some pros.

There's something for everyone, with every box acting as the key to UA's world-class plug-in kingdom. Just the processors, or a full rack interface filled with UA's preamps backed up with its Unison emulation tech. Satellite, Apollo, Duos, Quads, Twins… Even an Octo.

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