UA Blog

How iconic audio and music hardware shaped decades of hip-hop sound. Like all great and lasting art and music movements, hip-hop didn’t come from the top. It wasn't birthed in multi-million dollar recording studios. Instead, hip-hop came to life in the 1970s at house parties, block parties, rec rooms, and basements in the South Bronx, New York, and it moved in concentric cultural circles outward in the five decades since.  Turntables, samplers, cassette recorders, tape machines, dynamic mics, and of course, vintage analog studio equipment have long been the preferred tools of the trade, but while the models and brands can vary, some clear favorites have emerged.  We searched online producer records and liner notes (so you don't have to!), and spoke with a range of multi-platinum friends of UA including DJ Jazzy Jeff , Just Blaze , and Che Pope — and here is our take on the 10 greatest pieces of music gear in hip-hop history.  We included all of the music and audio gear here based on its longevity and contribution to hip-hop over the decades. Some of these tools had humble beginnings and became famous decades later, and some of them are relatively more common, but all of them helped shape the sound of hip-hop.   1. Technics SL‑1200 Turntables The Technics SL‑1200 series turntable is arguably the most important instrument in hip-hop. Released in 1972, the SL‑1200mk1 direct drive turntable was one of the first commercially available turntables to feature a high-torque direct-drive motor, precise pitch control via a rotary knob, and rock-solid build. It got even better in 1979 with the SL-1200mkII...

Learn how to get the most out of UAD plug-ins for your mixes. Ever wonder which  UAD channel strips fit your workflow best? You’re not alone — it’s a question we hear from music makers all the time. Channel strips are a go-to tool for shaping tone and keeping your mix moving. In this UAD Spotlight video, Drew takes you on a tour of every UAD channel strip plug-in. You’ll learn to use analog console classics like the Neve 1073 , 88RS , and  SSL 4000 .   We also highlight tube favorites like the  Avalon VT-737 and Manley VOXBOX , and precision digital options like the AMS Neve DFC Channel Strip .  Along the way, Drew shares 10 tips and tricks you can start using right away. Learn how to swap EQ types inside the API Vision Channel Strip, unlock hidden gain staging features in Apollo, and even combine classic Neve EQs with vintage compressors to create your own custom channel strip in LUNA. </i...

From trap to boom bap to lo-fi, these are the UAD plug-ins producers use to get it done. Whether you're crafting a rap verse or mixing a crunchy lo-fi beat, using UAD plug-ins can make your productions sound radio-ready. Here, we show you which sounds you can use to elevate your tracks.    In rap and hip-hop production, every decision matters. By choosing the right mic for your vocalist and using UAD plug-ins in your mixes, you’re one step closer to studio-quality sound.   Plug-Ins for Rap Vocals Rap vocals can be dry or heavily affected. Whether you're going for old school, in-your-face vocals like Nas or Kendrick Lamar, or a more spacious and modern sound like Drake or Travis Scott, this is what top producers are using:   Modern Auto-Tuned Sound Avalon VT‑737 Channel Strip › Auto‑Tune Realtime X › Pultec EQP‑1A › Ampex ATR‑102 Tape Recorder The Avalon VT‑737 channel strip is a staple in modern hip-hop vocal production. It’s perfect for adding smooth tube warmth and musical compression. When paired with Auto-Tune for those pitch-perfect melodies and a Pultec EQ for clarity, this chain can be used on nearly any style of rap vocal. Finally, adding the Ampex ATR‑102 tape plug-in at the end of your chain adds subtle tape saturation and warmth. Get this vocal chain ›   “The Ampex ATR-102 adds smooth, tape vibe that glues the groove together in a way that E...

Learn how FOH engineer John Buitrago crafts album-quality mixes using Apollo x16D and UAD plug-ins. For nearly three decades, John Buitrago has moved between the recording studio and the live stage. A guitarist-turned-engineer, Buitrago began his journey in his native Colombia, producing albums and cutting his teeth on analog consoles and tape. Today, he’s mixing front-of-house on massive arena and stadium tours for hip-hop artists Don Toliver, Lil Durk, and Trey Songz as well as Latin music superstar Karol G. “I started as a studio mixer 25 years ago, then transitioned into live sound,” says Buitrago, who credits his work as a monitor mixer at Colombia's biggest music festival, Rock al Parque, as his breakthrough gig. “Now, I mix in the studio and do FOH live shows, constantly evolving with every project. The studio is the dojo. That’s where you train your ears. That’s your karate,” he says. “You learn how things should sound, and then apply that on stage.”   Apollo x16D and Dante: The Studio Comes With Him “Once you know how an artist sounds, you can tweak the same plug-ins you used in the studio and make it work anywhere on any stage," says FOH engineer John Buitrago. “With Apollo x16D and Dante, I get the two most important things a FOH needs — audio quality and confidence,” he continues. “It’s seamless between studio and stage and latency is never an issue. Once you set it up to your Dante network, it’s rock solid. Power up the console and your patch is ready. It saves hours of work.”   <h...

How many plug-ins does it take to get a great vocal mix? Watch two producers showcase different approaches. In this episode of UAD Parallel Universe, you'll see how different plug-in chains can bring the same lead vocal to life, with an A/B comparison of the end results. Learn the benefits of UAD Native versus DSP plug-ins and how to build a complete vocal chain from pitch correction to final effects. Plus, you'll get pro tips for vocal layering, adding send/return effects, and more.     UAD Native Workflow: Fast and Modern Powered by Topline Vocal Suite , our all-in-one native UAD plug-in for modern vocal production, Geoff's vocal mixing approach is all about speed and control. With all of his processing in a single plug-in, he can quickly dial in an expressive vocal mix without a large plug-in chain and complex gain staging. How Geoff builds his vocal chain: Subtle pitch correction using built-in tuning tools Vintage tube preamp for warmth and character Onboard de-esser and gate for clean compression Flexible EQ and Air control for top-end sheen Reverb, delay, and FX ducking for modern movement   “With Topline Vocal Suite, everything I need lives inside one plug-in: tuning, saturation, compression, EQ, and effects.” Geoff Manchester   Apollo DSP Workflow: Classic Analog Sound Drew takes a more traditional approach to mixing his vocals. Using his Apollo interfaces and DSP-powered UAD plug-ins to build a rich, analog-style vocal chain – his setup blends classic emulations from Neve and Studer with modern dynamics tools and amb...

Learn the key components to radio-ready drum tones. In this highly requested installment of UAD Spotlight, join Universal Audio’s Drew Mazurek as he takes you through every plug-in and technique he uses to get a perfectly dialed in drum sound. Armed with a collection of analog emulations and digital processors, hear how he takes a well-recorded drum kit to the next level.     00:31 - Listening Pass &amp; Context Get a feel for the track and raw drum sounds in the session. 01:21 - Kick Drum Recorded with the SD-5 Dynamic Microphone and an additional sub-kick, Mazurek uses the SSL 4000 E Channel Strip to control the dynamics of this drum.  03:15 - Snare Drum Processing the top and bottom snare microphones separately, Mazurek grabs the same SSL Channel Strip to shape the tone of both microphones individually. He also uses the SPL Transient Designer to alter the sustain on both sid...

An inside look at how pros use native UAD plug-ins in their productions. UAD plug-ins are used in top studios around the world. But in today’s music production landscape, the word “studio” can mean anything from a bedroom or rehearsal space to a multi-million dollar room — and that’s exactly why we created UAD Spark . UAD Spark is our plug-in subscription featuring over 60 legendary UAD effects and instruments built to deliver professional sound to your productions. Let’s explore how pro artists ranging from rising indie acts to chart-topping producers are using the plug-ins included in UAD Spark to create, mix, and release their music wherever inspiration strikes. What is UAD Spark? UAD Spark is a plug-in subscription for the finest plug-ins ever made. Featuring everything fom the LA-2A and 1176 compressors, to the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb , Opal Morphing Synth , and Moog Minimoog , UAD Spark puts studio classics and cutting-edge tools at your fingertips....

Discover your new secret weapon plug-in for vocals, drums, and more. Join Universal Audio’s Drew Mazurek as he takes you through the ins and outs of UAD A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer , a faithful emulation of an era-defining piece of hardware. Complete with five modes, explore the time-tested tricks of the original as well as modifications that unlock the full potential of this iconic processor.  Beginning its life as a simple noise reduction device, the sonic signature of this unit can be heard on everything from Queen to Stevie Wonder.   00:56 User interface walkthrough Understand A-Type’s push buttons, meter, and other controls. 02:48 What is A-Type, and getting started fast with the default preset and basic operating buttons Know the difference between A-Type and other classic processors. 03:41 Excite Mode Add amazing clarity and sparkle to any source. 05:27</...