First Look

Next-level pedals from the kings of studio processing

You most likely know Universal Audio from its OX Amp top box, or perhaps you use UA’S excellent Dsp-powered interfaces and meticulously modelled plugins. Well, now, Universal Audio has applied its sonic sorcery to a trio of studio-level effects pedals.

The line-up consists of three pedals: the Golden Reverberator, Starlight Echo Station and Astra Modulation Machine, each with three different on‑board effects types or modes. With the Golden Reverberator you get tube-drive Spring 65, Plate 140 from The Plant studio and Hall 244 (based on the classic algorithms of a revered studio digital reverb). The Starlight Echo station delivers the Tape EP-III tape echo, Analog DMM (inspired by bucket brigade analogue delays) and Precision, based on studio digital delays with modulation. Both pedals include three variations on each category, while there are additional bonus models (Chamber and Plate reverbs, plus the unusual Cooper Time Cube delay) available once your pedal is registered.

The Astra Modulation machine, meanwhile, gives you three modulation categories: Chorus Brigade (based on a famous Japanese analogue chorus form the 70s), Flanger/doubler, which emulates an analogue 70s rackmount unit, and Trem ’65, modelled after a classic guitar amp tremolo circuit. As with the other pedals, the Astra offers variations on its core modes, with additional Phaser X90 and Dharma Trem 61 effects available to download.

The three pedals retail at £355 each, and are available now.