Imagine stepping into the very rooms where legends like Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, and Radiohead recorded their iconic hits. Universal Audio’s new Ocean Way Studios Deluxe plugin lets you do just that—virtually. This expanded version of their award-winning studio emulation plugin isn’t just an update; it’s a time machine for your music. Available natively for Mac and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, it places your tracks inside the historic Hollywood studios that shaped music history. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a plugin truly capture the magic of these legendary spaces? Let’s dive in.
Built on UA’s Dynamic Room Modelling technology, Ocean Way Studios Deluxe meticulously recreates Studio A and Studio B, both masterfully designed by the iconic Bill Putnam Sr. It also includes three custom reverb chambers that have made Ocean Way a go-to for top engineers and producers. And this is the part most people miss: the plugin doesn’t just emulate the rooms—it also models the analog consoles, reverb chambers, and even the re-miking setups that define Ocean Way’s signature sound.
“With Ocean Way Studios Deluxe, we wanted to bring creators even closer to the sound of these historic rooms,” explains Lev Perrey, VP of Product at Universal Audio. “It’s a complete reimagining of one of our most beloved plugins, now packed with more features than ever.”
The plugin comes loaded with authentic gear models from Ocean Way’s collection. Studio A features the Focusrite 110 EQ with cut filters, while Studio B includes the Dalcon console paired with the API 550A EQ. For dynamics processing, you get classics like the Fairchild 670, LA-2A, 1176LN, and dbx 160 compressors, alongside UA’s A-Type Air and Crush processors. New re-miking systems let you place virtual microphones in the space and reamp tracks through iconic speaker systems like the UREI 813 monitors (Bill Putnam’s dual 15-inch coaxial design) and the Altec A-2 folded-horn cabinets.
But here’s the bold question: does this level of detail make Ocean Way Studios Deluxe a must-have, or is it overkill for the average producer? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Additional features include stunning retina graphics, an updated interface, curated presets, and flexible routing options. Ocean Way Studios Deluxe is available as a perpetual license or via a UAD Spark subscription, with an upgrade path for existing Ocean Way Studios users. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this plugin promises to bring a piece of music history into your studio. Ready to hear the difference? Head to Universal Audio’s website to learn more: https://www.uaudio.com/products/ocean-way-studios-deluxe.
