Universal Audio (UAD) Black Friday Sale 2024: Up to 96% Off

The Universal Audio Black Friday 2024 sale is live: the manufacturer offers a discount up to 90% on all individual plugins, and up to 96% off retail price on bundles, including the revered EL 8 Compressor, and their UAD Studio Classics Bundle. The sale runs from November 1st, to Monday December 2d included. It’s available on their website as well as retailers like Plugin Boutique. Read more for our top picks and the full list of deals.

Our Top Picks For Universal Audio Black Friday

Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor 83% Off

The EL8 Distressor is a versatile analog compressor that has become a studio staple known for its adaptability, range of coloration, and precise control over dynamics in audio processing.

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API Vision Channel Strip 80% Off

Classic API modules like the 550A EQ, 225L compressor, and 212L mic preamp, perfect for adding clarity.

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UAD Studio Classics Bundle 96% Off

The VST version of 5 legendary studio tools: the Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection, LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip, Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb, Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder, and the 175B & 176 Tube Compressor Collection.

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UAD Signature Edition Bundle 70% Off

One of the most comprehensive collection of legendary studio instruments. 56 UAD plug-ins curated for any genre of music production

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All The 2024 Universal Audio Sale Deals

Here is the full list of the Universal Audio products on sale right now. Beyond the EL8 Distressor as an individual plugin, we recommend to go for bundles. They offer the best deals by far. Use the search bar to filter by name, type, or show only bundles.

Want more Black Friday Deals? Check out our master Black Friday Plugin Deals page!

Will Universal Audio Have A Black Friday Sale?

Universal Audio has a history of partaking in the Black Friday sales every year, and 2024 is no exception.

In 2022, Universal Audio offered a Black Friday Subscription Deal for their Spark plug-in subscription service. They also offered up to 60% off on 130+ UAD plug-ins. With some offers extending beyond Black Friday into the end of the year. Some of their most iconic products like Apollo and Volt audio interfaces, UA Sphere L22 Modeling Microphone, Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, LA-2A, and UA 1176 plugins will be heavily discounted. You will be able to make use of the sale on their official website and official plugin retailers like Plugin Boutique.

Black Friday Upgrades and Crossgrades

Universal Audio has a history of offering Black Friday sales on product upgrades and crossgrades. For example, the LA-2A Leveller Collection provides a bundle that includes the LA-2A Tube Compressor along with three additional plugins at an attractive price. It is recommended to make use of the 3+1 on the bundled plugins during the sale. If you are going to purchase more plugins, then you want to space your 2, 3+1 deal purchases. This is because, sometimes UAD will send you coupons between purchases, and even offer you free upgrades if you wait. 

Bundles

The FX bundle came in at $99 last year and included Galaxy Space Echo, Brigade Chorus, and Studio D. This was a fantastic bundle, but, as a part of the referral program, you can grab a few of the FX bundle plugins for free when you refer friends. This is something to keep in mind if there is another FX bundle this year.

How to make the most of the Universal Audio Black Friday sale: Which deal(s) should I get as a priority?

The best way to play the UAD sale (if it’s the same this time around), is to make use of the 3+1 on the bundled plugins. If you are going to purchase more plugins, then you want to space your 2, 3+1 deal purchases.

This is because, sometimes UAD will send you coupons between purchases, and even offer you free upgrades if you wait.

You can then make use of these coupons or free upgrades to help save you money.

Make sure you’re active on UAD forums, Reddit forums, and other Black Friday deal information pages. Other users will share the best ways to save money during these sales, and you can work out if other people have received coupons after sales etc.

Using this information, you can then work out which way to split your purchases up would be the cheapest for you.

Recommended products:

1. The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor should be a top pick: it’s a digital version of the legendary analog compressor/limiter for injecting punch and warmth. 
2. Another one to add to your watch list is the Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ, which faithfully emulates the classic Neve 1073 for adding warmth and character to your track.
3. The API Vision Channel Strip Collection features classic API modules like the 550A EQ, 225L compressor, and 212L mic preamp, perfect for adding clarity.
4. And of course, if you don’t have them already, the Teletronix LA-2A optical compressor collection is an absolute must-have.

As for the best bundle, UAD Studio offers up to 50% off vs the regular plugin price already. Universal Audio also offers a couple of all-inclusive: if you can spare more than a grand, then Ultimate 11 and UAD complete offer more than 70% off the regular plugin prices

How To Get Universal Audio Plugins Cheaper Outside Of Sales Like Black Friday Deals?

Rent-to-own

There is a rent-to-own option available for Universal Audio plugins and products. However, it is not offered by Universal Audio themselves but included in Plugin Alliance rent-to-own options. The bundle is priced at $99.99 per month for 10 months and you will own all the plugins and apps included in the bundle for life after completing the payment plan.

Bundles

Universal Audio offers various bundles by genre, instrument or types of effects. They allow to save up to 50~60% off individual plugin prices vs the full retail price. But of course the sale seasons will get you the absolute best deals, with up to 96% off recorded from full retail prices. Check our bundle recommendations above.

Crossgrades

Universal Audio offers crossgrade options for their products, allowing users who own certain products to get discounts when upgrading to other products. Here are some details:

1. UAD Essentials Edition Crossgrade:
   • This bundle includes the LA-2A Tube Compressor and an 11-plugin Essentials Edition collection.
   • The price for this bundle is $49, which is a significant discount compared to buying the products individually.
   • To be eligible for this crossgrade, you need to activate your free LA-2A serial.
   • The LA-2A Tube Compressor is a revered optical limiter used by professionals worldwide.
2. UAD Mix Edition Crossgrade:
   • This bundle includes the LA-2A Tube Compressor and a 23-plugin Mix Edition collection.
   • The price for this bundle is $199, offering substantial savings.
   • Like the Essentials Edition, it requires activation of the free LA-2A serial.
3. Availability Beyond Black Friday:
   • While Black Friday sales are well-known for discounts, Universal Audio occasionally offers crossgrades at other times too.
   • Keep an eye on their official website or authorized retailers for special promotions throughout the year.
4. Second-Hand Licenses and Crossgrades:
   • If you have a second-hand license for an older version of a Universal Audio plugin, you can indeed use it to apply for a crossgrade.
   • The specific discount will depend on the product and version, but it’s a great way to save on flagship products.

How to prepare for Universal Audio Black Friday Sale?

1. Start saving your cash now. The amount of discounts on music software, instruments & sample packs on Black Friday is crazy. To get the most bang for your buck start putting aside a bit each month, so you have some to play with when those juicy deals drop.
2. Make a wishlist – Know what Universal Audio plugins you want before Black Friday. It helps you skip irrelevant deals.
3. Identify needs and set goals – Focus on Universal Audio plugins you’ll actually use. Don’t waste money on software that’ll sit unused. Think about your music projects for the next year. Pick plugins that help you achieve those aims. Older versions might be cheaper.
4. Sign up for mailing lists and alerts. Get one of your promo emails and sign up to lists (like ours), so you can get updates straight to your inbox!
5. Bookmark this page. We update this hourly during the Black Friday period, and you’ll get all the most up-to-date deals by doing so.
6. Make sure to join other communities. Places like Reddit and Facebook can be great places to find more information about these deals and stay informed.
7. Create a Plugin Boutique account to make use of the freebies & get the best plugin deals. Having an account on Plugin Boutique is a must throughout the holiday sale period because they offer some fantastic bonuses for signing up. Like further discounts through tokens and cashback: If you’re gonna be buying a lot through the Black Friday period, these bonuses will all add up. Plus After Black Friday, you’ll also get a tonne of benefits for being a Plugin Boutique member. They offer free downloads every month, cash back on your purchases, and keep you up-to-date on the greatest savings all year around. They also team up with plugin manufacturers like iZotope, Native Instruments & other big names, to offer free plugins and fantastic deals, all year round.

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