It might be that time of the year when we’re all spending our hard-earned cash on a Black Friday guitar deal, but when it comes to software, it’s also a great time to bag something for literally nothing. This year, you can pick one of ten plugins from Universal Audio completely free of charge, making it a great way to up your recording game without spending a dime.
This is my fourth year covering the Black Friday deals, but it’s the first time I’ve seen a company offer a selection of plugins totally free. It means it’s worth it for pretty much everyone, as there’s bound to be one from the list of ten that you don’t already have.
- Grab yourself a totally free plugin over at the Universal Audio site
As I own way too many Universal Audio plugins, I’ve used all ten of them previously, and for me, the Verve Analog Machines Essentials flies under the radar but can be really useful for your production. Quite often I’ll chuck it on a guitar track that needs a little extra push, but I don’t want to adjust the EQ or spend time rebalancing the entire mix.
If you don’t have one already, the 1176 Classic FET Compressor is another easy choice. 76-style compression has been on music for so long that it’s one of those things that just sounds right. It’s a fast-acting compressor, so great for tracks with transients, letting them sit better in the mix.
You can also bag the LA-2A, which is another popular compressor, but one that behaves in a different way from the 1176. I like to use a 76 followed by a 2A on vocal tracks, using the 76 to tame the fast transients while the LA-2A does a job smoothing any peaks or bringing up the overall level.
There’s also a guitar plugin included if you need some quality amp simulation, with the Universal Audio Showtime 64 included in the deal. It’s a great clean amp sim with bags of headroom, perfect as a pedal platform, whether you’re using an all-in-the-box setup or you’re feeding your audio interface with hardware stompboxes.
If you want something more creative, the Universal Audio Galaxy Tape Echo is also included, perfect for adding vintage tape delay tones to your guitar tracks. It’s super flexible, and I particularly love the BPM sync feature which locks in your repeats with the tempo of the song, adding instant professionalism to your tracks.
Shop more Black Friday deals
- B&H Photo: Early Bird Holiday deals
- Fender store: Player II Strat lowest price ever
- Gear4Music: Early Black Friday deals are live
- Guitar Center: Up to 40% Black Friday sale
- Guitar Tricks:
$899$99 annual sub - IK Multimedia: Up to $300 off Tonex hardware
- Musician’s Friend: Early Black Friday 50% sale
- Native Instruments: Over 50% off UA bundle
- Plugin Boutique: 100s of software savings
- Positive Grid: Up to $50 Spark savings
- Reverb: Black Friday early access
- Sweetwater: Up to 80% off Black Friday sale
- Thomann: Up to 70% off Cyber Week sale
- Universal Audio: 12 Days of UAD software sale
- Waves: Huge plugin bundle deals up to 95% off
Universal Audio Black Friday Free Plugin Giveaway
Your Chance too Claim One of Ten elite Audio Plugins for Free
Universal Audio (UA), renowned for crafting some of the industry’s best audio plugins and analog hardware emulations, is offering a jaw-dropping free plugin giveaway this Black Friday. But time is ticking – you only have a few days left to claim your free plugin.
Choose one from ten different premium plugins tailored to producers, musicians, and engineers who want to elevate their music productions wiht authentic, studio-grade sound.
Why this Universal Audio Black Friday Deal Is Unmissable
- Top-tier sound quality: These plugins replicate classic analog gear, bringing warmth and depth to your mixes.
- Wide selection: Choose the perfect plugin to complement your workflow and creative style.
- Compatibility: UA’s plugins seamlessly integrate with popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and others.
- Limited-time offer: Black Friday deals are notoriously time-sensitive – act now before this chance disappears!
The Exclusive Free Plugin Options You Can Choose From
| Plugin Name | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection | Compressor | Iconic fast compressor with aggressive tonal shaping |
| LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection | Compressor & Limiter | Optical compressor known for smooth leveling and warmth |
| Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ | Preamp/EQ | Legendary preamp with punchy EQ controls |
| Fairchild 670 | Compressor | Vintage tube compressor prized for it’s lush sound |
| pultec EQP-1A | Equalizer | Classic tube EQ with unique boost-and-cut controls |
| Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder | tape Emulator | Authentic tape saturation and warmth |
| Helios Type 69 EQ | Equalizer | Musical midrange EQ beloved by engineers |
| Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb | Reverb | Classic ’80s lush digital reverb plugin |
| EMT 140 Plate Reverb | Reverb | Legendary plate reverb with tight decay |
| Oxide Tape Recorder | Tape Emulator | Modern tape emulation with rich harmonic characteristics |
How to Redeem Your Free Universal Audio Plugin
Claiming your free plugin is simple but requires prompt action during Black Friday:
- Visit the official Universal Audio website or authorized UA dealers on Black Friday weekend.
- Create or log in to your Universal Audio account.
- Verify compatible hardware: UA plugins require a UA DSP device or UA software platform.
- Select your favorite plugin from the ten available options.
- Download and install the plugin via Universal Audio’s UAD Metre & Control software.
Pro tip: Make sure your UA software is up to date for flawless integration and activation.
Benefits of Snagging a Free Universal Audio Plugin This Black Friday
- Upgrade your mixing and mastering: These plugins emulate sought-after analog gear, enhancing depth and clarity.
- Expand your sonic palette: Gain access to vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, and reverbs at zero cost.
- Increase workflow efficiency: UA plugins are designed with intuitive interfaces to speed up your creative process.
- Increase project quality: Whether professional or home studio, these plugins ensure professional-grade sound quality.
Real Producers Share Their Experience
“I grabbed the 1176 Classic Limiter last year during the Black Friday promo, and it’s transformed the way I compress vocals. It really smooths out dynamics without sounding harsh.” – Emily T., Music Producer
“The Pultec EQP-1A plugin I got free has become my go-to for adding brightness and warmth to guitars. Universal Audio nailed the authentic analog feel.” – Jason R., Mixing Engineer
Fast Comparison: Universal Audio Free Plugins
| Plugin | Best For | Character | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1176 Limiter | Compression | Aggressive, punchy | Vocals, drums, guitar |
| LA-2A Leveler | Smooth Compression | Warm, obvious | Vocals, bass, synths |
| Neve 1073 EQ | EQ & Preamp | Punchy, musical | Tracking, mixing |
| Ampex ATR-102 | Tape Emulation | Warm, saturated | Mix bus, overdubs |
| Lexicon 224 Reverb | Reverb | Lush, spacious | Vocals, drums |
Practical Tips to Maximize Your Free Plugin
- Experiment across genres: Don’t restrict these plugins to one style – they’re versatile and creative tools.
- Layer plugins: combine reverbs and compressors for unique textures and dynamics.
- Use presets as starting points: UA plugins offer expertly crafted presets to help you quickly dial in pro sound.
- Stay updated: Keep your UAD software and plugins current for best performance.
