Universal Audio UAD-2 Live Rack User manual

Operation Manual
MADI Effects Processor
UAD‑2 Live Rack
www.uaudio.com
Manual Version 180518

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents2
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................... 13
16-channel MADI Effects Processor For Live Mixing With UAD Plug-Ins ............................13
Realtime UAD Plug-In Processing ..................................................................................13
Live Rack Application....................................................................................................13
Fail-Safe Features.........................................................................................................13
UAD‑2 Live Rack Features................................................................................ 14
Hardware ...........................................................................................................................14
Software ............................................................................................................................14
Package Contents ...............................................................................................................14
UAD‑2 Live Rack System Overview .................................................................... 15
UAD‑2 Live Rack Hardware..................................................................................................15
Live Rack Software Application ............................................................................................15
UAD Powered Plug‑Ins ........................................................................................................15
UAD Meter & Control Panel Software Application...................................................................16
UAD Meter ...................................................................................................................16
UAD Control Panels....................................................................................................... 16
UA Store............................................................................................................................17
Soundcraft Vi Series Consoles ..............................................................................................17
Soundcraft Realtime Rack ...................................................................................................17
Realtime Rack Support..................................................................................................17
Documentation Overview .................................................................................. 18
UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual.....................................................................................................18
UAD Plug‑Ins Manual..........................................................................................................18
Direct Developer Plug‑Ins ....................................................................................................18
Soundcraft Vi Series Consoles ..............................................................................................18
Hyperlinks.......................................................................................................................... 18
Technical Support...............................................................................................................18
Chapter 2: Hardware........................................................................... 19
Hardware Overview........................................................................................... 19
Front Panel ..................................................................................................... 19
(1) HOST Indicator .............................................................................................................19
(2) PSU Indicators..............................................................................................................20
PSU Indicator notes: ..................................................................................................... 20
(3) POWER Indicator...........................................................................................................20
(4 & 5) MADI Indicators ......................................................................................................20
(4) MADI IN Indicator ...................................................................................................20
(5) MADI OUT Indicator ................................................................................................20
(6) RESET Button...............................................................................................................20
Tip: Click any section or
page number to jump
directly to that page.

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents3
Rear Panel ...................................................................................................... 21
(1) AC Power Inputs............................................................................................................21
(2) Power Switches .............................................................................................................21
Automatic Failover ..............................................................................................................21
(3) Thunderbolt 3 Ports....................................................................................................... 22
(4) Word Clock Out .............................................................................................................22
(5) Word Clock In................................................................................................................23
(6) Word Clock Termination Switch ....................................................................................... 23
(7) 1394b Ports (no function).............................................................................................. 23
(8 & 9) MADI I/O Ports........................................................................................................23
(8) MADI OUT .............................................................................................................. 23
(9) MADI IN ................................................................................................................. 23
Standalone Behavior ........................................................................................ 24
Chapter 3: System Setup..................................................................... 25
Overview ......................................................................................................... 25
System Requirements ...................................................................................... 25
If using Soundcraft Vi-Series Console..............................................................................25
System Connections......................................................................................... 26
About UAD‑2 Live Rack system connections..........................................................................26
Single Unit Wiring...............................................................................................................26
Cables Required (not included): .....................................................................................26
Multi‑Unit Wiring................................................................................................................27
Cables Required (not included): .....................................................................................27
Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Mac Wiring..........................................................................................28
Additional Items Needed with Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 Macs...............................28
Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Mac Connection Notes....................................................................28
SoundCraft Vi‑Series Console Connections.............................................................................29
Vi-Series Console Connection Notes................................................................................ 29
Single Unit Wiring with SoundCraft Vi Consoles .....................................................................30
Cables Required (not included): .....................................................................................30
Multi‑Unit Wiring with SoundCraft Vi Consoles.......................................................................31
Cables Required (not included): .....................................................................................31
Software Installation ...........................................................................................................32
Preparation ........................................................................................................................32
Software Installation Procedure............................................................................................ 32
About Firmware Updates ...............................................................................................32
About Registration ..............................................................................................................33
About Authorization ............................................................................................................33
Authorization Procedure ......................................................................................................33
Offline Authorization Procedure............................................................................................34
Operating System Software Configuration ........................................................... 36
Power Adapter and Battery Tabs ...........................................................................................36
Required System Settings.................................................................................................... 37

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents4
UAD‑2 Live Rack Software Configuration............................................................ 38
Sample Rate.................................................................................................................38
Clock Source ................................................................................................................38
MADI Bank...................................................................................................................38
Chapter 4: Live Rack Application ......................................................... 39
Application Overview........................................................................................ 39
Key Concepts .....................................................................................................................39
View Screens ................................................................................................................ 39
Global Displays.............................................................................................................40
Navigation....................................................................................................................40
Keyboard Focus ............................................................................................................40
Edit & Safe Modes ........................................................................................................ 40
Offline Configuration .....................................................................................................40
Individual Channel DSP................................................................................................. 40
Entering & Exiting the Application........................................................................................41
Launch ........................................................................................................................41
Full Screen Display ....................................................................................................... 41
Hide/Switch..................................................................................................................41
Quit............................................................................................................................. 41
Navigation Overview......................................................................................... 43
Views Overview ................................................................................................................... 43
Inserts .........................................................................................................................43
Gains...........................................................................................................................43
Delay Groups................................................................................................................43
Channel .......................................................................................................................43
Snapshots ....................................................................................................................43
Settings .......................................................................................................................43
Global Navigation Elements .................................................................................................44
Main Column................................................................................................................44
Meter Bridge ................................................................................................................44
Channels Bar................................................................................................................44
Info Bar .......................................................................................................................44
Banks................................................................................................................................45
Current Bank................................................................................................................45
Navigation Scroll Bars ........................................................................................................46
Keyboard Focus ..................................................................................................................47
Focus Indication ...........................................................................................................47
Focus Navigation .........................................................................................................47
Keyboard Shortcuts.............................................................................................................48

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents5
Global Screen Elements ................................................................................... 49
View Elements....................................................................................................................49
Main Column......................................................................................................................50
Column Placement........................................................................................................50
View Menu ................................................................................................................... 50
View Options ................................................................................................................ 50
Bank Views...................................................................................................................50
Quit............................................................................................................................. 50
Meter Bridge ......................................................................................................................51
Input Meters.................................................................................................................51
Meter Bridge Navigation ................................................................................................51
Channels Bar......................................................................................................................52
Current Bank................................................................................................................52
Bank Size.....................................................................................................................52
Bank Bar......................................................................................................................52
Bank Navigation ...........................................................................................................52
Channel Select Buttons .................................................................................................53
Info Bar .............................................................................................................................54
Info Bar Placement ....................................................................................................... 54
Info Bar Elements.........................................................................................................54
Operating Mode ............................................................................................................55
Safe Mode Constraints................................................................................................... 56
Snapshot Display ..........................................................................................................56
Clock Display................................................................................................................ 57
Tempo Display ..............................................................................................................58
Changing tempo values within the tempo dialog...............................................................58
Changing tempo values via MIDI.....................................................................................59
About external MIDI tap tempo control............................................................................ 59
MIDI configuration/setup ...............................................................................................59
Resource Display ..........................................................................................................60
UAD Resource Loads.....................................................................................................60
DSP.............................................................................................................................61
Program.......................................................................................................................61
Memory........................................................................................................................61

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents6
Inserts View .................................................................................................... 62
Current Bank Channels........................................................................................................ 62
Bank Size.....................................................................................................................62
Channel Column .................................................................................................................63
Insert Slots...................................................................................................................63
Channel Signal Flow......................................................................................................63
State Indication............................................................................................................63
Inserts Options Overview...................................................................................................... 64
Option Latch ................................................................................................................64
Option Unlatch .............................................................................................................64
Timeout Length.............................................................................................................64
Modifiers......................................................................................................................64
Modifier Swipe Shortcuts............................................................................................... 64
Inserts Option Descriptions.................................................................................................. 65
Power ..........................................................................................................................66
Remove........................................................................................................................66
Move ...........................................................................................................................66
Copy............................................................................................................................67
Paste...........................................................................................................................67
Isolate .........................................................................................................................68
Gains View ...................................................................................................... 69
Bank View ....................................................................................................................69
Channel Column ...........................................................................................................69
Bank Channels .............................................................................................................69
Gain Elements....................................................................................................................70
I/O Type .......................................................................................................................70
Gain Value....................................................................................................................70
Gain Fader ...................................................................................................................70
Fader Handle................................................................................................................ 71
Channel Number & Name ..............................................................................................71
Link/Unlink ..................................................................................................................71
Gains Options.....................................................................................................................72
Inputs..........................................................................................................................73
Outputs........................................................................................................................73
Both ............................................................................................................................73
Default ........................................................................................................................73
Isolate .........................................................................................................................73

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents7
Delay Groups View ........................................................................................... 74
Bank View ....................................................................................................................74
Channel Column ...........................................................................................................74
Bank Channels .............................................................................................................74
Delay Groups Overview ........................................................................................................75
Upsampled UAD plug-ins...............................................................................................75
How Delay Groups work .................................................................................................75
When To Use Delay Groups ............................................................................................75
System Latency ............................................................................................................75
Delay Groups Options.......................................................................................................... 76
Delay Group Button Selectors.........................................................................................76
Compensation Menu...................................................................................................... 76
Delay Groups Elements........................................................................................................ 77
Active Delay Group Display ............................................................................................77
Delay Group Buttons .....................................................................................................77
Samples Display ...........................................................................................................77
Output Meter................................................................................................................78
Configuring Delay Groups.....................................................................................................78
Delay Groups Example.........................................................................................................79
Channel View .................................................................................................. 80
Navigating to Channel View..................................................................................................80
Selecting Channels within Channel View ...............................................................................80
Two View Modes: Single View & Channel Strip View................................................................81
View Mode Elements ..................................................................................................... 81
Switching View Modes................................................................................................... 81
Common Elements........................................................................................................81
Channel View Options..........................................................................................................82
Channel Name Button ..................................................................................................82
Channel Name Field......................................................................................................82
Channel Link/Unlink...................................................................................................... 82
Insert Buttons ....................................................................................................................83
Insert Button Behavior................................................................................................... 83
Channel Signal Flow......................................................................................................84
Insert Reordering ..........................................................................................................84
Insert State Indications .................................................................................................84
Channel Strip Button..................................................................................................... 85
Remove Plug-In Shortcut............................................................................................... 85
Channel I/O Gains...............................................................................................................85
PLUG‑IN Tab......................................................................................................................86
General Use .................................................................................................................86
Specific Controls...........................................................................................................86
Channel Strip View........................................................................................................87
Status Bar....................................................................................................................88
Power Button................................................................................................................ 89
Zoom Slider.................................................................................................................. 89

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents8
PRESETS Tab.....................................................................................................................90
Presets Defined.............................................................................................................90
Channel Strip Defined ...................................................................................................91
PRESETS Tab Columns .................................................................................................92
FILE Column ................................................................................................................92
PRESETS Column.........................................................................................................93
SUB-FOLDER Column ...................................................................................................93
ASSIGN Tab .......................................................................................................................94
CATEGORY Buttons.......................................................................................................94
Plug-In Categories.........................................................................................................95
How To Assign Inserts .........................................................................................................95
Assign Insert ................................................................................................................95
Reassign Insert.............................................................................................................96
De-assign Insert............................................................................................................96
Snapshots View ............................................................................................... 97
Snapshot Defined ...............................................................................................................97
Snapshots Folder Location............................................................................................. 97
Snapshot Versus System Contents ..................................................................................98
Snapshot Key Commands ....................................................................................................98
Recalling Snapshots............................................................................................................99
Base Snapshot Workflow ................................................................................................99
File Columns ....................................................................................................................100
Snapshots Term Definitions................................................................................................101
Navigate to Snapshots View ...............................................................................................101
Keyboard Focus & Navigation............................................................................................. 101
Folders Column ................................................................................................................102
To Select a Folder: ......................................................................................................102
Snapshots Column ............................................................................................................103
To Prime and Recall a Snapshot: ........................................................................................ 103
MIDI Bank & Program Change Recall............................................................................104
Snapshots Options ............................................................................................................104
Save Button ...............................................................................................................104
Save As Button...........................................................................................................105
New Button................................................................................................................105
FOLDER/SNAPSHOT Options.......................................................................................105
Rename Button...........................................................................................................105
Delete Button .............................................................................................................106
Move Button...............................................................................................................106
Move Shuffle ..............................................................................................................107
IMPORT/EXPORT..............................................................................................................107
Export All...................................................................................................................107
Import All...................................................................................................................108

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents9
Recall Panel.....................................................................................................................109
Active Snapshot Display ..............................................................................................109
Primed Snapshot Display............................................................................................. 109
Recall Snapshot Button............................................................................................... 109
Up/Down Buttons........................................................................................................109
Universe View...................................................................................................................110
Plug-In State Buttons..................................................................................................110
Navigating with Universe View...................................................................................... 110
Settings View ................................................................................................ 111
Navigating to Settings View................................................................................................111
Settings Tab Names ....................................................................................................111
Hardware Tab ...................................................................................................................112
Sample Rate Menu......................................................................................................112
Clock Source Menu ..................................................................................................... 112
MADI Channels Menu..................................................................................................112
Device Buttons ...........................................................................................................113
Display Tab ......................................................................................................................114
Bank Size Menu..........................................................................................................114
Column Location Menu................................................................................................114
Info Location Menu.....................................................................................................114
Monitors Menu ...........................................................................................................114
Timeout Length Menu.................................................................................................. 114
MIDI Tab..........................................................................................................................115
MIDI Device Menu ......................................................................................................115
MIDI Channel Field.....................................................................................................115
MIDI Tap Tempo ......................................................................................................... 115
Plug‑Ins Tab.....................................................................................................................117
Hide Button ...............................................................................................................117
Info Button.................................................................................................................117
Buy Button.................................................................................................................117
Status Column............................................................................................................118
Controls Mode Menu ...................................................................................................118
Soundcraft Snapshot Recall............................................................................ 119
Workflow with Vi Consoles..................................................................................................119

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents10
Chapter 5: UAD Meter & Control Panel ............................................... 120
Launching the Application.............................................................................. 120
Using the UAD Meter ..................................................................................... 120
UAD Meter Window........................................................................................ 121
Title Bar........................................................................................................................... 121
Open Plug‑Ins Panel Button............................................................................................... 121
UAD Resource Meters .......................................................................................................121
Averaged Loads...........................................................................................................121
Individual Loads .........................................................................................................121
UAD Plug-In Loads......................................................................................................122
UAD Instance Chart ....................................................................................................122
Static Loads ...............................................................................................................122
DSP...........................................................................................................................122
Program.....................................................................................................................122
Memory......................................................................................................................122
Meter Menu Button...........................................................................................................123
Control Panels ............................................................................................................123
Always On Top ............................................................................................................123
UAD Control Panels ....................................................................................... 124
Accessing the Control Panels .............................................................................................124
Drop Menu .................................................................................................................124
Panel Buttons.............................................................................................................124
System Information Panel............................................................................... 125
Software Section............................................................................................................... 125
(Plug‑In Latency Section) ..................................................................................................125
Hardware Section..............................................................................................................126
Device Status .............................................................................................................126
Device Enabled...........................................................................................................126
DSP Load...................................................................................................................126
Save Detailed System Profile........................................................................................126
Plug‑Ins Panel............................................................................................... 127
Authorize Plug‑Ins button ..................................................................................................127
Plug‑In Column ................................................................................................................128
Status Column..................................................................................................................128
Help Column ....................................................................................................................128
Buy Column .....................................................................................................................128

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents11
Configuration Panel........................................................................................ 129
UAD‑2 DSP......................................................................................................................129
Overview ....................................................................................................................129
Limit DSP Load ..........................................................................................................130
DSP LoadLock............................................................................................................130
(Extra Buffering) .........................................................................................................130
(Host Compatibility Settings) ............................................................................................. 131
User Interface Settings......................................................................................................131
Controls Mode ............................................................................................................131
Use Host Mode...........................................................................................................131
Toggle initial value modifier..........................................................................................131
Info Display......................................................................................................................132
Help Panel.................................................................................................... 132
Chapter 6: Using UAD Plug-Ins.......................................................... 133
The UAD Plug‑In Interface.............................................................................. 133
Status Bar........................................................................................................................133
Adjusting Parameters ..................................................................................... 134
Text Entry.........................................................................................................................134
Time Values................................................................................................................ 134
Mouse/Wheel Scroll........................................................................................................... 134
Keyboard Control ..............................................................................................................135
Shortcuts...................................................................................................... 135
DSP Loading Notes........................................................................................ 136
Tempo Sync .................................................................................................. 137
Sync Activation................................................................................................................. 137
Available Tempo Sync Note Values......................................................................................137
Range Limits....................................................................................................................138
Out of range ............................................................................................................... 138
Entering Tempo Values ...................................................................................................... 138
Arrow Keys .................................................................................................................139
Text Entry...................................................................................................................139
Precision Delay Modes with Tempo Sync .............................................................................139
Galaxy Tape Echo & Roland RE‑201 Sync ...........................................................................139

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Table Of Contents12
Chapter 7: UA Account & Store.......................................................... 140
Account Overview .......................................................................................... 140
Device Registration ...........................................................................................................140
Accessing Your Account.....................................................................................................140
Account Details ................................................................................................................141
Store Overview............................................................................................... 141
Bundled Plug‑Ins..............................................................................................................141
Optional Plug‑Ins..............................................................................................................141
UAD Plug‑Ins Are Already Installed.....................................................................................141
Coupons...........................................................................................................................141
UAD Authorization Overview............................................................................ 142
My Hardware ....................................................................................................................142
UAD System.....................................................................................................................142
Account Creation and Device Registration ...........................................................................142
Adding Additional UAD Devices..........................................................................................142
Authorizing Newly‑Purchased UAD Plug‑Ins.........................................................................142
Authorizations Are Stored On UAD Device ........................................................................... 142
Demo Mode................................................................................................... 143
Demo Reset......................................................................................................................143
Demo Activation ...............................................................................................................143
Buying UAD Plug‑Ins ..................................................................................... 144
Purchase Procedure ..........................................................................................................144
UAD Authorization Procedure.......................................................................... 145
Offline UAD Authorization............................................................................... 146
Chapter 8: Specifications .................................................................. 148
Chapter 9: Notices............................................................................ 150
Warranty ....................................................................................................... 150
Repair Service............................................................................................... 150
Maintenance ................................................................................................. 150
Compliance................................................................................................... 151
Technical Support............................................................................. 154
Universal Audio Knowledge Base..................................................................... 154
YouTube Support Channel............................................................................... 154
Universal Audio Community Forums ................................................................ 154
Contact Universal Audio Support..................................................................... 154
Contact Soundcraft Support......................................................................................... 154

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 1: Introduction13
Chapter 1: Introduction
16-channel MADI Effects Processor For Live Mixing With UAD Plug-Ins
UAD‑2 Live Rack is a 16‑channel MADI effects processor for live sound engineers to
craft their mixes using Realtime UAD Processing and industry‑leading UAD plug‑ins —
including Antares Auto‑Tune Realtime — right out of the box. Up to four UAD‑2 Live
Rack units can be combined for up to 64 channels of MADI signal processing via Mac
Thunderbolt.
Realtime UAD Plug-In Processing
With its Realtime UAD QUAD Core Processing, UAD‑2 Live Rack lets engineers enhance
their live mixes with the world’s best analog emulations, courtesy of Universal Audio’s
acclaimed UAD Powered Plug‑Ins library.
This sleek 1U rackmount processor is available in two bundled plug‑in configurations:
UAD-2 Live Rack Core – Includes a generous suite of UAD plug‑ins, including legendary
1176 and Teletronix LA‑2A compressors, and Pultec EQs.
UAD-2 Live Rack Ultimate – Includes over 90 UAD plug‑ins, with exclusive titles from
SSL®, Studer,® SSL,® Neve,® Manley,® Lexicon,® API,® Fender,® Moog,® and many
more.
Included with both UAD‑2 Live Rack configurations is the Antares Auto‑Tune Realtime
plug‑in. Legendary for its vocal enhancing and creative applications, genuine Antares
Auto‑Tuning can be used in real time for pitch correction and modern pop vocal effects.
And existing UAD plug‑in users can readily use their licensed UAD plug‑ins with UAD‑2
Live Rack.
Note: A small number of UAD plug-ins are incompatible with UAD-2 Live Rack.
For full details, visit help.uaudio.com.
Live Rack Application
With the Live Rack application, front‑of‑house engineers can take advantage of intuitive
features such as drag and drop, copy and paste, keyboard navigation, plug‑in zoom, and
the ability to store and recall channel strip presets and/or complete setup configuration
Snapshots. Designed for seamless operation in a live setting, the Live Rack app features
large text and GUI elements making it easy to quickly tweak parameters.
The Live Rack app also features MIDI snapshot recall capabilities as well as networked
software integration with select Soundcraft Vi consoles.
Fail-Safe Features
UAD‑2 Live Rack includes professional, fail‑safe features for reliable live sound use.
Redundant internal power supplies ensure that UAD‑2 Live Rack will continue to process
audio if one power supply fails. If the Live Rack application or computer fails, or its
Thunderbolt cable is disconnected, UAD‑2 Live Rack will still process audio with the last
known plug‑in state intact. And with the Live Rack app in Safe mode, destructive setting
changes are prevented during a live show.

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 1: Introduction14
UAD-2 Live Rack Features
Hardware
• Durable 1U Rack enclosure
• 4 SHARC DSPs on‑board
• Dual‑redundant internal power supplies with failover detection
• Each UAD‑2 Live Rack unit processes up to 16 channels of a MADI stream
• Add additional units for 32, 48, or 64 MADI channels
• Runs a huge library of UAD Powered Plug‑Ins & UAD Direct Developer Plug‑Ins
• Dual‑Thunderbolt 3 host connectivity
• One set of MADI optical I/O (64 channels @ 48 kHz)
• Word Clock I/O (BNC) and input termination
• Sample Rate support from 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz
• Clock Support for the following formats: Internal, MADI, Word Clock
Software
• Purpose‑built UAD‑2 Live Rack application for inserting UAD Powered Plug‑Ins
• Networked integration with select Soundcraft Vi Series consoles – allows full remote
snapshot triggering and storing
• Create, store, and recall channel strip presets
• Create, store, and recall snapshots
• Up to eight UAD Powered Plug‑Ins per‑channel
• Meter bridge always displays signal levels on all channels
• Plug‑ins are categorized by type for quick assignments
• Large text and graphics for high visibility in live sound environments
• SAFE Mode ensures destructive changes do not occur during a live scenario
• Edit Mode ensures changes can be made as quickly as possible
• Intuitive drag/drop functionality for copy/paste, navigation, and moving plug‑ins between
inserts and/or tracks
• Most functions can be navigated and executed without a mouse (via computer keyboard)
• Full screen application minimizes visual clutter
• Delay compensation group channels for maintaining phase alignment (critical for drums)
• Application and Snapshots can be configured without connected hardware for offline
setup and/or sharing with other operators
Package Contents
• UAD‑2 Live Rack hardware unit
• IEC power cables: (1) USA, (1) Europe
• Set of four rack screw with washers
• Getting Started URL card
• For installation software, visit www.uaudio.com/downloads

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 1: Introduction15
UAD-2 Live Rack System Overview
UAD‑2 Live Rack has several components that comprise the complete UAD‑2 Live Rack
system. A brief description of each component is provided below, along with a link to
complete details about the component.
UAD-2 Live Rack Hardware
The UAD‑2 Live Rack unit is the 1U rack hardware that performs audio signal processing
on digital audio streams via MADI. The hardware unit contains four SHARC DSPs that
process the UAD Powered Plug‑In algorithms. Each unit can process up to 16 MADI
streams, and up to four units can be combined to process a total of 64 MADI streams.
The UAD‑2 Live Rack hardware is configured and controlled by the UAD‑2 Live Rack
software application.
For complete hardware details, see “Chapter 2: Hardware” beginning on page 19.
Live Rack Software Application
The Live Rack application is the software interface for the UAD‑2 Live Rack hardware
unit. The software configures and controls the hardware unit(s) and UAD Powered Plug‑
Ins. The application runs on select Mac computers and it interfaces to the UAD‑2 Live
Rack hardware via Thunderbolt.
Note: Although UAD Powered Plug-Ins are operated via the Live Rack software,
the signal processing is performed on the hardware unit’s SHARC DSP, not the
computer’s CPU.
For complete details about the software application, see “Chapter 4: Live Rack
Application” beginning on page 39.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins
UAD Powered Plug‑Ins are software plug‑in titles containing DSP algorithms. UAD plug‑
ins are loaded and controlled within the Live Rack software for signal processing on
the four SHARC DSPs in the UAD‑2 Live Rack hardware. Each UAD plug‑in contains a
graphical user interface (GUI) and various control parameters that can be manipulated to
achieve the desired sonic results.
Typical UAD plug-in interface
UAD Powered Plug‑Ins are developed by Universal Audio and also by Direct Developer
(3rd‑party) partners. A wide range of titles are available that are suitable for nearly every
application. The UAD Powered Plug‑In titles that are included with UAD‑2 Live Rack
depend on the bundle included with the retail product package:

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 1: Introduction16
Core Live – The Core Live bundle includes 15 UAD plug‑in titles that were selected as a
fundamental base set for live sound applications.
Ultimate Live 2 – The Ultimate Live 2 bundle includes 84 UA‑developed titles. Note that
Direct Developer titles are not included.
UAD plug‑ins that are not included in the retail bundles are optional and purchased
separately. Optional UAD plug‑ins can be individually evaluated without functional
limitations for 14 days in demo mode, and can be purchased anytime at the UA store at
www.uaudio.com.
For complete details about how UAD Powered Plug‑Ins are used within UAD‑2 Live Rack,
see “Chapter 6: Using UAD Plug‑Ins” beginning on page 133. For complete details
about individual UAD Powered Plug‑Ins, see the UAD Plug‑Ins Manual which is placed
on the startup disk during software installation.
Note: UAD-2 Live Rack, like other UAD devices, can only use UAD Powered Plug-
Ins which are developed specifically for the UAD DSP accelerator platform. Plug-
ins developed for other hosts and platforms (VST, RTAS, AAX, Audio Units, native,
etc) cannot be used with the UAD-2 Live Rack system.
UAD Meter & Control Panel Software Application
The UAD Meter & Control Panel is used to authorize licensed UAD plug‑ins and configure
global functionality that pertains to all UAD devices in the same system (the application
is used for all UAD products).
The application consists of two components: The UAD Meter and the UAD Control
Panels. Complete documentation for the UAD Meter & Control Panel application is in
“Chapter 5: UAD Meter & Control Panel” beginning on page 120.
UAD Meter
The UAD Meter window (shown at right) displays the
current DSP and memory status of all active UAD‑2 Live
Rack hardware (including multiple devices).
Note: These meters are also represented within the UAD-2 Live Rack application.
UAD Control Panels
The UAD Control Panel window has multiple panels that
display, and enable control of, various UAD system, plug‑
in, and global configuration parameters.
The screenshot at right shows the System Info panel, one
of four control panel windows in the UAD Meter & Control
Panel application.

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 1: Introduction17
UA Store
The UA store at www.uaudio.com is where optional UAD plug‑in licenses can be
purchased. Promotional coupons are also redeemed here. All UAD device registrations
and plug‑in authorizations are managed here as well.
For complete details, see “Chapter 7: UA Account & Store” beginning on page 140.
Soundcraft Vi Series Consoles
Note: UAD-2 Live Rack can be used with any compatible MADI system.
Soundcraft Vi Series consoles are digital mixing/processing systems designed for use in a
live sound environment.
UAD‑2 Live Rack includes Vi console integration. Vi consoles integrate with UAD‑2 Live
Rack via two simultaneous control protocols:
MADI – Digital audio streams are routed between Vi consoles and the UAD‑2 Live Rack
hardware unit for signal processing via MADI optical I/O (note that all UAD plug‑in
signals are processed in the UAD‑2 Live Rack hardware unit, not in the Vi console). Use
the Vi Console’s powerful Insert and patching system to route signals to and from the Vi
console via MADI.
Ethernet – Digital control signals, for saving and loading UAD‑2 Live Rack configuration
Snapshots (Vi CUEs), are routed between Vi consoles and the Mac computer running
UAD‑2 Live Rack software via Ethernet.
Soundcraft Realtime Rack
Soundcraft Realtime Rack was designed
and manufactured by Universal Audio, but
sold and distributed through Soundcraft by
Harman.
Realtime Rack is functionally similar to UAD‑2 Live Rack. The main difference between
the two is that Realtime Rack has Thunderbolt 2 ports (some earliest units have
Thunderbolt 1 ports), while UAD‑2 Live Rack has Thunderbolt 3 ports. UAD‑2 Live
Rack software can be used with Realtime Rack, and Realtime Rack can be combined
with UAD‑2 Live Rack in multi‑unit systems with appropriate Thunderbolt adapters and
cabling.
Realtime Rack Support
For Realtime Rack hardware and repair support, visit www.soundcraft.com. For Realtime
Rack software support, see “Technical Support” on page 154.

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 1: Introduction18
Documentation Overview
UAD‑2 Live Rack instructions are separated by areas of functionality, as detailed below.
Documentation is copied to the computer during software installation (documentation
can also be downloaded here).
All manuals are available in PDF format only. PDF files require a free PDF reader
application such as Preview (included with macOS) or Adobe Reader.
After software installation, all UAD‑2 Live Rack documentation can be found on the
computer at the following location:
• /Applications/Universal Audio/
Tip: Documentation can also be accessed by clicking the “View Documentation”
button in the Help panel within the UAD Meter & Control Panel application.
UAD-2 Live Rack Manual
The UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual (this document) contains complete information about the
hardware unit and how to configure and operate the UAD‑2 Live Rack software. Included
are detailed descriptions for all connections, features, and control functions.
This manual also contains details about the UAD Meter & Control Panel application,
obtaining optional UAD plug‑in licenses at the UA online store, and more.
UAD Plug-Ins Manual
The features and functionality of all individual UAD Powered Plug‑Ins is detailed in the
UAD Plug‑Ins Manual. Refer to that document to learn about the operation, controls, and
user interface of each plug‑in that is developed by Universal Audio.
Direct Developer Plug-Ins
UAD Powered Plug‑Ins includes plug‑ins from Direct Developer partners. Documentation
for these 3rd‑party plug‑ins are separate files that are written and provided by the plug‑in
developers themselves. The filenames for these plug‑ins are the same as the plug‑in title
names.
Soundcraft Vi Series Consoles
Operating instructions for Vi Series consoles is beyond the scope of UAD‑2 Live Rack
documentation. Refer to Soundcraft documentation for all Vi system operating details.
Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks to other pages in the same file and web pages are highlighted in blue text.
Click a hyperlink to jump directly to the linked item.
Tip: Use the “back” button in the PDF reader application to return to the previous
page after clicking a hyperlink.
Technical Support
To contact Universal Audio for help, see “Technical Support” on page 154.

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 2: Hardware19
Chapter 2: Hardware
Hardware Overview
The UAD‑2 Live Rack hardware is the 1U rack device that performs audio signal
processing on digital audio streams via MADI optical I/O. The hardware unit contains four
SHARC DSPs that process the UAD Powered Plug‑In algorithms. Each unit can process
up to 16 MADI streams, and up to four units can be combined to process a total of 64
MADI streams. Additionally, each unit has dual‑redundant internal power supplies and
automatic failover protection.
Each UAD‑2 Live Rack hardware unit is configured and controlled by the UAD‑2 Live
Rack software application. The MADI channels being processed by each hardware unit is
specified in the Settings tab in the UAD‑2 Live Rack software.
Front Panel
This section describes the function of all visual indicators and controls on the UAD‑2
Live Rack front panel. There are five visual‑only elements and one recessed hardware
RESET button.
UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC.
1394b 1 1394b 2 MADI IN
IN
ON
OFF
PSU 1
100V-240V
0.30A 50-60 Hz
PSU 2
100V-240V
0.30A 50-60 Hz
DESIGNED IN CALIFORNIA • MADE IN CHINA
UNIVERSAL AUDIO
UAD-2 LIVE RACK
R-RMM-UAO-UAD-2 LIVE RACK
WORD
CLOCK
WORD
CLOCK
RESET
UAD-2 Live Rack
1394b 1 1394b 2 MADI IN
IN
ON
OFF
DESIGNED IN CALIFORNIA • MADE IN CHINA
UNIVERSAL AUDIO
UAD-2 LIVE RACK
PSU 1
100V-240V
0.30A 50-60 Hz
PSU 2
100V-240V
0.30A 50-60 Hz
R-RMM-UAO-UAD-2 LIVE RACK
UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC.
RESET
UAD-2 Live Rack
1394b 1 1394b 2 MADI IN
IN
ON
OFF
DESIGNED IN CALIFORNIA • MADE IN CHINA
UNIVERSAL AUDIO
UAD-2 LIVE RACK
PSU 1
100V-240V
0.30A 50-60 Hz
PSU 2
100V-240V
0.30A 50-60 Hz
R-RMM-UAO-UAD-2 LIVE RACK
UNIVERSAL AUDIO, INC.
1 2 3 4 5 6
1
2
3 4 5 6
7 8 9
(1) HOST Indicator
The HOST indicator displays the status of the rear panel Thunderbolt connection to
the host computer system. The indicator is lit when UAD‑2 Live Rack is connected to,
and properly communicating with, the Mac computer that is running UAD‑2 Live Rack
software.
The UAD‑2 Live Rack software must be properly installed and configured on the host
computer to enable driver connectivity, and the HOST indicator must be illuminated to
use UAD‑2 Live Rack with all computer and Vi console operations.

UAD‑2 Live Rack Manual Chapter 2: Hardware20
(2) PSU Indicators
These indicators display the status of the rear panel dual redundant internal power
supply units (PSU). There is one indicator for each power supply unit (PSU 1 and PSU
2). The color of each indicator displays the status of the PSU as follows:
White – The PSU is operating normally. The PSU is connected to AC power, and the
power switch for the PSU (rear panel) is in the ON position.
Red – The PSU is not delivering power. This state is caused by one or more of the
following conditions:
• The PSU is not connected to AC power
• The power switch for the PSU is in the OFF position
• The PSU has malfunctioned
PSU Indicator notes:
• If one internal power supply unit fails, UAD‑2 Live Rack will continue to process
audio signals.
• It is normal for the PSU indicator to flash red upon power up of the hardware
(3) POWER Indicator
The Universal Audio text and logo are lit when the hardware unit is receiving proper
operating voltages from one or both internal power supply units.
(4 & 5) MADI Indicators
These indicators represent whether or not MADI digital audio signals are present at the
rear panel MADI I/O connectors. There is one indicator for MADI input and one for MADI
output. The state of each indicator represents the MADI signals as follows:
White (bright) – The audio level of any channel in the MADI stream is above ‑60 dB.
White (dim) – The MADI stream is detected but no channels are above ‑60 dB.
Black (off) – No audio signals are present in the MADI stream.
(4) MADI IN Indicator
Indicates the state of digital audio signals at the rear panel MADI input connector.
(5) MADI OUT Indicator
Indicates the state of digital audio signals at the rear panel MADI output connector.
(6) RESET Button
This recessed button executes a hardware reset and initializes the unit. Reset should
only be performed if there is an unrecoverable failure and all other troubleshooting
techniques are exhausted.
Note: Pressing this switch interrupts power to the UAD-2 Live Rack hardware unit.
It performs the same function as manually turning off the unit with the rear panel
PSU switches.