16th January 2009
Universal Audio has announced the addition of Antares Audio Technologies and Manley Labs as Universal Audio's new plug-in partners.
Antares Audio Technologies
The partnership with Antares marks the first collaboration for Universal Audio with a 3rd party software technology developer. User demand influenced the move, as well as Universal Audio's recognition of Antares' worldwide reputation as the industry leader in innovative vocal processing technology. Universal Audio's customer base made their voices heard in emails, calls and surveys that Antares was squarely their top-pick for user-requested 3rd party developers.
"We are extremely pleased to partner with Universal Audio, and look forward to being able to take advantage of the UAD-2's prodigious processing power to provide Antares' Evo Voice Processing Technology to UA's sophisticated customer base," said Andy Hildebrand, Antares' Founder and Chief Scientist. "We recognize that the UAD platform has previously been exclusively the domain of UA and we are proud to be the first independent developer to have the opportunity to exploit its unique capabilities."
"The Antares brand is virtually synonymous with modern vocal production, and our UAD user base enthusiastically encouraged us to bring their tools onboard the UAD," said Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. "It is also nice that Antares happens to be within walking distance of Universal Audio's offices, which has added a very personal touch to the relationship!"
Manley Labs
Universal Audio will have access to EveAnna Manley's arsenal of coveted analog studio and mastering designs from which highly tempting plug-in additions will be created that further diversify the UAD DSP Platform.
"Manley Labs represents quality, sonic excellence and unequivocal analog design expertise," enthused Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. "To say Universal Audio has admiration for Manley's designs and reputation as a company would be a huge understatement. There has always been a special affinity between our companies, and we are elated to have EveAnna Manley joining us a plug-in partner for the UAD platform."
"Manley's partnership with Universal Audio to create digital emulations of my company's designs is huge leap for me personally," EveAnna Manley explains. "I've guarded those designs like a mother bear since day one, but my good friends at Universal Audio have earned my trust to allow them access to the crown jewels of Manley Labs. Universal Audio's emulation design techniques are clearly superior to the competition, and their UAD business model is exceptional. I feel safe. There is no other company I'd trust to do it right."
Matt Ward added, "This partnership may signal a sea change by some in the audio community who consider Manley one of the bastions of the staunch 'anti-digital, analog old-guard'. Manley's endorsement and acceptance of the legitimacy of Universal Audio's digital emulations as viable alternatives to glass and iron is a step into the future."
KVR Audio, Inc.
www.kvraudio.com