The Universal Audio UAFX Max Preamp & Dual Compressor is a digital compressor pedal and preamp in one stompbox. Made by Universal Audio, it takes the company's 610 console preamp and pairs it with a choice of three classic studio compression circuits, two of which can run at once1. For a player, that means one box can shape gain into the front of an amp while stacking two different compression flavors, from gentle leveling to fast FET limiting.
The concept is a pedal-formatted take on the UA 610 preamp that also adds a choice of three classic compression units, as Guitar World described it at launch1. MusicRadar's reviewer called it a pedal that "offers authentic recreations of some classic studio hardware together for the first time in one stompbox," while noting it is not aimed at casual compressor users2.
The compressor models and how they run
The pedal carries two compressor slots, each with its own model mini toggle, and each assigned to its own bypass footswitch, labeled Comp 1 and Comp 22. The two can run in series, with compressor 1 feeding into compressor 22.
The model lineup draws on studio hardware Universal Audio knows well:
- Teletronix LA-2A: the tube-driven leveling amplifier, offered here as compression model 12. Universal Audio also sells it as a standalone pedal, the UAFX LA2A Studio Compressor3.
- FET 1176: the solid-state limiter, with an optional sidechain bass filter that removes some low frequency if required2. Universal Audio's pedal-form 1176 Studio Compressor covers similar ground on its own.
- DYNA: a third model whose behavior is more fixed. The Ratio, Attack and Release settings have no effect on it, which MusicRadar describes as "a more authentic reflection of the MXR pedal" it is based on2.
The emulations are not strictly literal. The five-stage ratio control options extend to the LA-2A, going beyond the original unit's two ratio settings, so a player gets more flexibility than the vintage hardware offered2.
Controls and presets
The control set covers both halves of the pedal2:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Preamp gain | Sets the level of the 610-style preamp stage (the red knob) |
| Compression | Sets the amount of compression on the active model |
| Output | Sets the pedal's output level |
| Attack | Sets how quickly the compressor responds |
| Release | Sets how quickly the compressor lets go |
| Ratio | Sets how hard the signal is squashed, five stages |
| Mini toggles 1 and 2 | Select the compression model for each slot |
A firmware 2.0 update in November 2025 brought UAFX 2.0 features to compatible pedals: players can now store four presets on the pedal and switch between them on the hardware, and MIDI functionality was added as the headline feature of the same update2. Firmware updates come in through a USB-C input, using the UAFX Control desktop app2.
Connections, power and bypass
The pedal has mono and stereo inputs and outputs, so it works in a stereo rig as well as a simple mono chain2. guitar.com's review confirms the same mono/stereo arrangement4.
Power is the main practical consideration. It needs a 9V center-negative supply with a 400mA minimum draw, and the supply is not included2. That is well beyond what a typical compact analog pedal draws, so it needs a dedicated or isolated output rated for the full current.
Bypass is buffered rather than true bypass, a point both MusicRadar and guitar.com list consistently24.
What reviewers said
guitar.com's review put the question directly in its headline, asking whether "$375 and 400mA of current draw overspec'd overkill?"2. The same review noted the power requirement in detail: a 9V center-negative supply with a 400mA minimum draw, and no power supply included in the box2. At Thomann, the pedal was listed at $292.00, £264.00 and 299.00€5.
"This isn't a pedal for casual compressor users but it offers authentic recreations of some classic studio hardware together for the first time in one stompbox."
At launch the pedal listed at $292 in the United States, with prices of £264.00 and 299.00€ at Thomann5; MusicRadar's later review lists it at $3752.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Universal Audio
Ricky Tinez
Questions
What compressors does the UAFX Max Preamp & Dual Compressor model?
It offers a choice of three classic compression circuits, including a Teletronix LA-2A model and a FET 1176 model, plus a DYNA model. The two compressor slots can run in series, with compressor 1 feeding into compressor 2, and each has its own bypass footswitch.
Does the UAFX Max have stereo inputs and outputs?
Yes. The pedal has mono and stereo inputs and outputs, so it can sit in a stereo rig or run a single mono signal chain.
How much power does the UAFX Max need?
It runs on a 9V center-negative power supply with a 400mA minimum draw, and the power supply is not included. That current requirement rules out a standard battery and means it needs a supply or isolated output rated for at least 400mA.
Does the UAFX Max support MIDI?
Yes, as of firmware 2.0, released in November 2025. The update added MIDI functionality to all compatible UAFX pedals, alongside four presets that can be stored on the pedal and switched from the hardware.
Is the UAFX Max true bypass or buffered?
It uses buffered bypass, not true bypass. Both MusicRadar and guitar.com list it as buffered.
Where is the UAFX Max made?
It is designed in the USA and made in Malaysia.
Sources (5)
- Origin Effects debuts the DCX Boost and Bass, packing the preamp heft of a classic UA console into all-analog compact pedals, Guitar World, 2023-04-25
- Universal Audio UAFX Max Preamp & Dual Compressor pedal review, MusicRadar, 2023-06-07
- UAFX Brigade Flow LA2A: New additions to UAFX Compact Pedal series, gearnews.com, 2023-10-24
- Universal Audio Max review: drawing on decades of signal-squishing expertise, guitar.com, 2023-04-21
- UAFX Guitar Pedals adds Galaxy '74, Del-Verb and Max, gearnews.com, 2023-04-11
