Universal Audio adds four UAFX pedals: Orion, 1176, Heavenly and Evermore

August 22, 2023 · 4 sources

Universal Audio announced four additions to its UAFX pedal range on August 22, 2023: the Orion Tape Echo, 1176 Studio Compressor, Heavenly Plate Reverb and Evermore Studio Reverb¹². The pedals are a more compact form factor than the lineup's previous releases, according to Guitar.com², and Delicious Audio reports they form a new, more affordable line called UAFX Compacts, with the four pedals smaller in size and price ($199-220)³.

The Orion Tape Echo is an emulation of the Maestro Echoplex EP-III¹². A switch selects Mint, Worn and Old tape settings, which emulate a tape echo machine in various states of decay¹. The Wonk control provides what UA describes as modulated repeats and vibey tape splice sounds¹. Guitar World lists five control knobs, one footswitch and a central toggle switch, with Delay, Mix, Feedback, Rec Level and Wonk parameters⁴. The pedal has selectable true/buffered bypass and a preamp on/off switch¹².

The 1176 Studio Compressor is a compact emulation of the 1176LN Limiting Amplifier¹². It offers Single, Dual and Sustain modes¹, and its Input, Output, Attack and Release controls are stated by UA to be true to the original 1176 hardware¹. The Ratio knob includes an "all buttons in" mode¹. It also offers a parallel compression mode and true/buffered bypass¹.

The Heavenly Plate Reverb provides the sound of 1950s German-made studio reverbs sourced from The Plant Studio, with Vintage Bright, Vintage Dark and Modern Full settings¹. It has Mod, Pre Delay and EQ controls, selectable true/buffered bypass and an analog dry-through¹. The Evermore Studio Reverb offers grainy ambient trails and modulations based on late-'70s vintage digital hardware, with Room, Small Hall and Large Hall reverbs that are bit-for-bit emulations of that technology¹. It has Bass, Mid and Treble decay controls, a Mod control, selectable true/buffered bypass, short/long pre-delay and an analog dry-through¹².

Pricing differs between reports. Gearnews lists the Orion, Heavenly Plate and Evermore at $218 and the 1176 at $199¹. Guitar.com and Guitar World give $219 for each pedal except the 1176 Studio Compressor at $199²⁴. Delicious Audio gives a range of $199-220 for the line³.