API® Vision Channel Strip Collection
Customer Reviews
API Vision Channel Strip Collection
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P. Moshay
Time to mix on a FULL API!
Wow! its like a dream come true. I never thought i'd be able to have a full API console at my beckon call, and it is truly amazing!
Ive never actually used a Vision console, but did spend some time on an 80's API console with 312's and this plug in really captures the signature sound of that console....
I really like what this strip does to just about any source, it always seems to make things better. Highly Recommended!
A. Hussain
Pretty good
I gave this a four only because I don't need to use this very much and it usually serves only the purpose of the final master buss. However, compared to any channel strip i used from waves API, Neve , to even pro tools channel strip, this destroys it. The EQ is very natural, the pre-amp gives a warm punch to the mix. I never used the Compression, Gate or the Hi/Low pass. I tried and tried to use it but other dynamics/compressions have better results. but using this on the final master, adds that subtle hint of flavor that you need.
L. Burger
I would give this a listen.
While no plugin works on every track or style of music this plugin has unique character.
The preamp section come very close to outboard preamp emulation.
The lowpass - high pass section controls are clean and musical.
The gate can be quick and get certain sounds not achieved by other gates.
The compressor is clear and can smack a snare like no other with proper settings.
The equalization is very API and the 4th band changes the frequencies (observed from a UAD API 500 series plugin owner).
The output and metering are very functional.
Had UAD just offered us the preamp, gate and filters it would be worth looking into.
The complete plugin is very powerful and can craft great character.
U. Borjesson
The compressor...
If I had got only the compressor from the Vision channel strip I had been 100% satisfied it is amazingly good, now with the EQ and the rest of the goods I say, you will grab this plug for every situation, a true API sounding beast!
D. Baynham
My Job Got a Little Easier
You guys make my job easier, and I want to say thank you. I work on a good bit of americana, folk and rock, and just finished a mix with this channel strip across the majority of my stereo busses. In very short order, I had the mix I was looking for, with the sounds that I needed. Whether it was adjusting the drive in the preamp section, smoothing or pushing with the wide variety of compression settings, sweetening and troubleshooting with the flexible EQ, or just coloring the audio by simply putting it through the strip itself, I found what I needed in short order. This is a great example of the kind of tools that I have come to expect from you all at UA, and I really appreciate you delivering again.
The Second Story
Durham, NC
N. Hopkins
A Luxury you can Afford
What more could I say than having an API channel strip at your disposal is something I really am excited about. The Pre amp section adds a great colour when you crank it up. EQ provides enough shaping for most, if not every need.
The Compressor section is helpful when you are looking for that "glue" to pull a mix together and you can also create a vicious drum buss channel.
I've not even scratched the surface of it yet, but it has to be one of my go to channel strips. UA have made our lives a lot easier with this quality channel Strip.
If there was one criticism, it would be a reduction in its cost due to customers having the 550 and 560 EQ plug ins, but I'm not complaining too much.
B. Hoener
Our Own Little "The Box"
For those that are not familiar with the value that we have just received in this Plugin,
they should check out the new API "The Box" Console for $17,000
While the $299.00 plug doesn't provide all the functions of the above mentioned console, it does provide the same exact sound of the channel strip. And depending on the users DSP Count (Quad, Duo Solo or OCTO) it provides many more channels of API Vision, all with Automation via your favorite DAW!
Crank this sucker up! Don't be afraid to push it. I'm pretty sure you'll be as happy as I am with this plug!
Once again 2 Thumbs up to the Guys at Universal Audio for bringing otherwise unattainable gear to my little world!!!!
Keep up the Great Work!
Can anyone say API 2500 Buss Compressor?
G. Piazza
Breakthrough Plug In
The last two years have seen a revolution in plug-in design, with more realistic transformer modeling, I/O distortion and other 'analog' characteristics captured convincingly in plug-in form. The API Vision is a high water mark in this regard. Punchy and warm, extremely flexible, the V covers a lot of bases. And it sounds tighter & more forward than some other recent 'strip' type offerings. Anyone mixing in the box will benefit, with a big smile! The elusive analog saturation characteristics at a mouse click + superb dynamics & EQ = record-ready sound. And it even solved an over-saturation problem (check out tips & tricks). I'm glad UA didn't compromise sound for lighter DSP load & you will too.
G. Yacobacci
Excellent Addition To Plug In Collection
I really enjoy using this in my signal chain, feels very much like the real thing. The compressor portion is not as impressive as the overall strip and could use some work. The EQ is clean and authentic although the Waves version seems smoother if that makes sense but this reacts more real. The filter section is so, so and nothing to write home about. The Gain section is very cool and I would like to see more "mic pre" plug ins out of UAD, specifically the "SSL G Channel Strip" with Mic Pre would be a nice addition. I would also like to see simulations of the API 500 series modules and the 2500 compressor. All in all this is a very authentic reproduction of the actual API channel, worth the cost and I very happy with it.
H. Bendall
Another wonder from UAD
A truly fabulous tool from UAD which has all the tonal colours that one is so familiar with from working on API consoles. I just don't understand how UAD are so far ahead of anybody else in the game. Congratulations and so, so many thanks!
H. Chahil
Api Vission review
after mixing for a couple of hours with this plugin my honest opinion is " the Api 500 series version are amazing and this vision channel strip is terrible like the neve channel strip uad makes
I am very angry at uad for making such a garbage plug in and these review that you are reading are all marketting BS to sell this piece of crap
I asked UAd to let me revert back to my original choice of the api 500 series and they said no, we are sorry you are stuck with the api vision
The low end on this plugin as far as eq sucks, the 500 series version parametric eq is the best plugin for the low end and top end
Q. Reed
Great Sound In Minutes!
I’ve had limited use of API hardware, but I am not disappointed with this plugin. In my opinion, the modules by themselves are less than stellar. When they are used collectively, as a channel strip, they deliver a very desirable sound. I’ve achieved pleasing results while using this plugin on drums, guitar, synths, and the stereo buss. Though, I have no problem assuming that this plugin would sound good on other sources. I hope to see more preamp modeling in the UAD format.
V. François
Near the real one
20 years ago, I was working with a real Api, this channel trip is sounding at 80% over the real one .
This plug alone is just a good excuse to buy an octo and have tons of tracks sounding like a real Api.
Dreaming of UAD versions of the 512c, 525, 527
E. Pilloni
BEST CHANNEL STRIP PLUGIN !!!
yeah!!! it sounds like a real analog api! this is the best channel strip plugin ever made, it's very versatile, and it sounds very very good!!!
W. Garder
A strange feeling...
I'll share my feelings. And they are not unique. In general plugin leaves a positive feeling, but I can not shake the feeling some limitations, in contrast to, say, the same strip 88 and RS SSL. Perhaps the expectations were too high. By the way, EQ API (UAD) have made a better impression, especially 560.
C. Urban
GAME CHANGER!!
This plugin sounds so good that it literally has changed the way I mix. The Mic Pre section alone on drums equals instant PUNCH! The gate is probably one of the best gates I've used on drums and maybe even vocals. The EQ and compressor sound amazing. I demoed it and mixed a whole song in a couple of hours with just the API Vision Channel as my EQ/Compressor to see what it could do and was blown away! I've never gotten a song to sound that good that fast with one plugin! You guys KILLED IT with this plugin! I use a hardware api 2500 as my Buss compressor and slap this on my Sum return on the apollo console app now... SMH! The game will never be the same!
G. Gassert
Must Have Channel Strip
After using APi EQ plugins for so long its great to have all the APi Elements The Pre , the Gate, Comp, HPF LPF, together,,, Its a great added flavor compared to the other styles of plugs. Universal Audio always produces something the others don't . Just get a couple Octo Cards and you will be fine
C. Roberts
sweet
Very impressive. vari-mu next please!!:-) I'm glad to see UA Did the coding for this one. I gotta say i own pretty much every plug on earth and theres just something a little extra in the UA stuff that it justifies spend more money. Thanks for helping my studio stay current.
D. Holdernesse
Seriously good!!!
This is one serious channel strip. Those comments saying '..just another channel strip' should check it out and put it through it's paces. The detail imparted by the 212L preamp on drums and guitars alone is priceless let alone the other 4 modules.
Having long been a fan of the hardware API 500A EQ I was planning to purchase the 550A/560 series plugin but this is so much better, and better value for money, IMHO. Having the extra band on the 550L EQ makes it far more versatile as an all round EQ. Although I own most of the other UAD plugins, and love the Neve EQs, I think I have just found my new go-to channel strip.
Don Holdernesse. Galleri Audio
G. Simmonds
Something Special
Here I was wondering what to put into my custom bundle on its final day when along comes the API Vision. I put it on a female vocal and chose the Airy Vocal setting. Instant gratification. I tried to replicate the sound using other plugins for over an hour but just could not get anything to sound better than the API. This got chosen over the Manley so it is something pretty special.
Well worth a demo and the dsp hit.