Universal Audio releases first three UAFX amp-modeling pedals

July 1, 2022 · 2 sources

Universal Audio released the first three pedals in what Sound On Sound describes as a series of model-specific virtual guitar amps, roughly a year after the UAFX pedals launched¹. The three are the Woodrow '55 Instrument Amplifier, the Ruby '63 Top Boost Amplifier and the Dream '65 Reverb-Amp, modeling a 1955 wide-panel Fender Deluxe, a 1961/1963 Vox AC30 and a 1965 Deluxe Reverb respectively¹.

Each pedal models just one amplifier type, and Sound On Sound notes there is no MIDI or external control, no effects loop and no headphone output¹. Audio connectivity is four unbalanced jacks, two in and two out; one input and one output gives one amp instance, both inputs give a true stereo path, and one input with both outputs runs two phase-locked instances of slightly different amps¹. The pedals run in Live or Preset mode, with presets managed through a Bluetooth-connected app for iOS and Android¹. A USB-C port is presently reserved for registration and firmware updates¹. External 9V DC power is required through a standard 2.1mm center-negative connector; a suitable supply is not included, and Sound On Sound notes not all pedalboard power outputs may have the required 400mA capacity¹.

Each virtual amp pairs with one of three user-selectable, OX-style modeled speaker, cabinet and miking combinations, with three bonus cabs available on registration through the app¹. The Dream '65 offers a Celestion Greenback 25, a period-correct Oxford speaker and an EVM12, with mics drawn from Shure SM57, Royer R-121, Beyer M160 and AKG C414 models¹. Premier Guitar lists the Woodrow '55 at $399 and reports a single tone knob, where the Ruby and Dream have treble and bass controls, plus a boost with Echoplex EP-3 or Korg SDD-3000 preamp simulations or a transparent boost².

Sound On Sound's reviewer called the pedals' sound "spectacularly good" and described the app as "somewhat undercooked"¹. Premier Guitar's reviewer wrote that the Woodrow "feels more like an amp than a drive pedal"².