The Universal Audio Max Preamp & Dual Compressor is a digital preamp and compressor pedal that packs three classic studio compression emulations and a tube preamp into one unit. Made by Universal Audio, it emulates the UA 1176 FET limiter, the Teletronix LA-2A optical compressor and the classic MXR Dyna Comp, alongside a full emulation of UA's 610 tube preamp and EQ1. It launched in April 2023 at a list price of $3492.
The idea is to give a pedalboard the compression colors that shaped decades of studio guitar records: the fast FET grab of the 1176, the softer and warmer control of the LA-2A, and the lo-fi compression and funky overdrive character of the Dyna Comp, with the 610's warm tube detail available as a preamp stage1. MusicRadar's reviewer noted that the 610's emulated tube saturation also opens gain-stacking options, making the Max in effect UA's first drive pedal3.
What it emulates and how it is laid out
The pedal carries two compression channels, each of which can be set to any of the three models using two mini toggles, with Comp 1 and Comp 2 bypass footswitches assigned to each channel3. The two channels can run in series, with compressor 1 feeding into compressor 23.
| Model | Character |
|---|---|
| UA 1176 | The FET compressor used on decades of legendary studio guitar sounds1 |
| Teletronix LA-2A | Softer, warmer dynamics control versus the 11761 |
| MXR Dyna Comp | Lo-fi compression and funky overdrive1 |
| UA 610 preamp and EQ | Warm detail and character of UA's tube preamp and EQ1 |
The LA-2A emulation includes a pedal-exclusive Ratio feature, which allows limiting beyond what the vintage hardware and the UAD plug-in versions offer1. Universal Audio also sells the LA-2A and 1176 as standalone UAFX pedals, including the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Studio Compressor and the Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor, for players who want a single model in a smaller box41.
Power and connections
The Max requires a modern isolated 9V DC center-negative power supply delivering at least 400 mA, sold separately, using a standard 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel connector of the same type as Boss pedals1. That current draw rules out a battery and means a typical low-current daisy chain will not power it reliably.
The 400 mA minimum draw means the Max needs its own isolated output on a modern power supply. A supply built for analog pedals at 100 mA or less per output will not run it.
Other connections and specifications from Universal Audio1:
- 2 x 1/4 inch unbalanced TS inputs and outputs, with input/output 2 for stereo
- Input impedance: 500 kilohms mono, 1 megohms stereo
- Output impedance: 500 ohms
- Maximum input level: 12.2 dBu; maximum output level: 12.1 dBu
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
- USB Type-C for registration and firmware updates
- Bluetooth v5 for the UAFX Control app
- Dimensions: 2.56 x 3.62 x 5.55 inches (6.5 x 9.2 x 14.1 cm) with knobs and protrusions
- Weight: 1.314 lbs (0.596 kg) unboxed
The pedal is designed in the USA and made in Malaysia3.
MIDI, presets and firmware
In November 2025, Universal Audio released firmware 2.0 for all compatible UAFX pedals, with the headline addition of MIDI functionality3. UAFX 2.0 also lets players store four presets on the pedal and switch between them on the hardware3.
Using the rear panel USB-to-MIDI connection, the Max fits into a programmable MIDI rig for realtime CC control over effects parameters, which requires a compatible USB MIDI host, controller or interface1. The updated UAFX Control app supports MIDI-over-USB along with improved Bluetooth and hardwired connections, so the pedal can be managed through a direct USB connection to a smartphone or over Bluetooth1.
Firmware updates are done by connecting the pedal to a compatible computer with a USB-C cable and running the UA Connect application1.
What reviewers and owners said
MusicRadar's reviewer found the Max well suited to running two compressor models in series, calling it3:
"probably the best example so far for ease of use in its hardware"3
MusicRadar's review, 20263
The same review lists the pedal's key features as mono/stereo inputs and outputs, a USB-C input for firmware updates via the UAFX Control desktop app, and Bluetooth connectivity3.
On Universal Audio's own reviews page, the pedal carries a 4.2 rating from 5 owner reviews, with 80 percent saying they would recommend it5. One owner, M. W., reports using the Max with two compressor models in parallel, the 1176 model for a Telecaster and the LA-2A model for acoustic guitar into an LR-Baggs Voiceprint DI5.
Videos
Universal Audio
Ricky Tinez
Jorb
Questions
Which compressors are modeled in the UAFX Max?
The pedal emulates three compressors: the UA 1176 FET limiter, the Teletronix LA-2A optical compressor, and the classic MXR Dyna Comp. Each compression channel can be set to any of the three models, and the two channels can run in series, with compressor 1 feeding compressor 2.
Is the UAFX Max true bypass?
No. Universal Audio specifies buffered bypass with silent switching. Like other UAFX pedals, the Max keeps its buffers in the signal path when bypassed, which preserves signal strength over long pedalboard chains but is not the same as true hard-wire bypass.
Can the UAFX Max be controlled by MIDI?
Yes. Using the rear panel USB-to-MIDI connection, the pedal fits into a programmable MIDI rig for realtime CC control over effects parameters. MIDI functionality arrived with firmware 2.0 in November 2025, which also added four presets switchable on the hardware.
Does the UAFX Max work in stereo?
Yes. It has two 1/4 inch unbalanced TS inputs and two outputs, with input and output 2 used for stereo connections. Input impedance is 500 kilohms in mono and 1 megohm in stereo.
How do you update the firmware on the UAFX Max?
Connect the pedal to a compatible computer with a USB-C cable and run the UA Connect application to update the firmware. The UAFX Control app also supports a hardwired USB connection to a smartphone or control over Bluetooth.
Is the UAFX Max discontinued?
Universal Audio lists the pedal as limited availability, while supplies last, as of October 2026. It has not been formally discontinued, but stock is not guaranteed, so players wanting a new unit may find availability varies by retailer.
Sources (5)
- Max Preamp & Dual Compressor Pedal, Universal Audio (www.uaudio.com)
- NAMM 2023: Universal Audio reveals 3 new UAFX pedals: meet the Del-Verb Ambience Companion, Galaxy '74 Tape Echo and Reverb and Max Preamp & Dual Compressor, MusicRadar, 2023-04-11
- Universal Audio UAFX Max Preamp & Dual Compressor pedal review, MusicRadar, 2023-06-07
- Teletronix LA-2A Studio Compressor Pedal, Universal Audio
- Max Preamp & Dual Compressor Reviews, Universal Audio (www.uaudio.com)
