Universal Audio offers the UAD Century Tube Channel Strip ($199) plugin as a free download until September 15th. The plugin requires an iLok account for authorization purposes.
Black Friday is the time of the year when getting a $199 plugin feels normal. But I checked my calendar this morning, and it’s still August.
This definitely isn’t normal, Universal Audio! But I’m not complaining.
Universal Audio is behind some of the most sought-after hardware and software for music production. Their products typically cost $150 or more, but they’re no stranger to freebies, either.
For example, the LUNA digital audio workstation is one of the best freeware DAWs on Windows and macOS.
Also, the company recently offered the UAD Verve Analog Machines Essentials plugin for free for a limited time. It was cool, but a lo-fi plugin like the Verve isn’t something you’d normally associate with their brand.
However, Universal Audio stepped up their game with this limited-time freebie. Century Tube is one of their top-tier saturation plugins, and getting it for free is an insanely valuable gift.
Let’s briefly examine the Century Tube and its features.
Century Tube Channel Strip is a streamlined saturation plugin for mixing and tracking. It is based on a virtual tube preamp while adding a three-band EQ and a one-knob optical compressor to its feature set.
Its simple and accessible user interface makes it ideal for tracking, allowing you to quickly enhance your vocals, guitars, bass, and other recordings before mixing.
Coming from Universal Audio, it’s no surprise that the Century Tube Channel Strip provides a warm, smooth sound that sounds almost as good as the hardware.
I tested the plugin on some of my recent cinematic sound effects projects, too, and was able to bring out the details in some complex braams and hybrid impacts I’m working on. It’s excellent for adding clarity and warmth without distorting the audio.
The plugin’s control layout is relatively simple.
You can adjust the gain settings, tweak the high-pass filter to eliminate low frequencies, and use the level knob to add valve saturation. The three-band EQ includes fixed high and low shelving bands and a semi-parametric mid-band for precise control. The Opto Leveler, inspired by the LA-2A, provides transparent compression.
It’s the perfect saturation/EQ/compression combo with a fast workflow and jaw-droppingly good sounds. It’s definitely worth considering for its base price of $199, but for free, it’s an absolute steal.
The free download offer ends on September 15th. To claim your free copy of the UAD Century Tube, visit the product page linked below and complete the free checkout.
UAD Century Tube Channel Strip is available in VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats for digital audio workstations on Windows and macOS.
Get the freebie: UAD Century Tube Channel Strip (FREE until September 15th, requires iLok user account)
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Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by Tomislav Zlatic.
