Ever dreamed of making music in the same rooms as music legends? Universal Audio has just made that dream a little closer with the launch of their expanded Ocean Way Studios Deluxe plugin! This isn't just a simple update; it's a deep dive into the sonic heart of Hollywood's most iconic recording spaces. Available natively for both Mac and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, this plugin lets you place your tracks inside the very rooms that shaped the sound of artists like Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Radiohead, and Beck. Imagine the possibilities!
Built using Universal Audio's innovative Dynamic Room Modeling technology, Ocean Way Studios Deluxe meticulously recreates the acoustics of Studio A and Studio B, originally designed by the legendary Bill Putnam Sr. But that's not all – it also includes models of the three custom reverb chambers that have made Ocean Way Studios a mecca for audio professionals.
"With Ocean Way Studios Deluxe, we wanted to bring creators even closer to the sound of these historic rooms," explains Lev Perrey, VP of Product at Universal Audio. "It's a complete re-imagining of one of our most beloved plugins—now featuring the chambers, analog consoles, and re-miking setups."
The plugin doesn't stop at just the rooms. It also provides authentic models of the gear that defined the Ocean Way sound. Studio A features the Focusrite 110 EQ with cut filters, while Studio B boasts the Dalcon console with API 550A EQ. Classic dynamics processing is handled by emulations of the Fairchild 670, LA-2A, 1176LN, and dbx 160 compressors, alongside A-Type Air and Crush dynamics processors.
But here's where it gets interesting: New re-miking systems add UREI 813 monitors – Bill Putnam's dual 15-inch coaxial design – and Altec A-2 folded-horn cabinets, both staples at Ocean Way. This means you can virtually position microphones within the space and reamp your tracks through these modeled speaker systems, opening up a whole new world of sonic creativity.
Additional features include reimagined retina graphics, an updated interface design, curated presets, and flexible routing options. Ocean Way Studios Deluxe is available as a perpetual license or through a UAD Spark subscription, with an upgrade path for current Ocean Way Studios owners.
What do you think? Are you excited about the potential of this plugin? Do you think it's worth the investment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Is this a game-changer for home studios, or is it just another plugin?
