UAD Select 2

Universal Audio's Select 2 represents a pragmatic entry point into the company's Realtime Analog Classics plugin suite, bundling essential mixing and mastering tools at a lower price point than purchasing individual processors. The collection includes vintage compressor and EQ emulations modeled from hardware units that remain industry standards, alongside reverb and delay algorithms derived from classic studio gear.

The sonic character leans toward transparent, musical compression and mid-forward EQ coloration typical of vintage British and American designs. These aren't aggressive processors - they impart subtle harmonic warmth while maintaining clarity across the frequency spectrum. The reverbs provide spacious, diffuse ambience suitable for lead vocals and instruments, though they lack the character of boutique convolution reverbs.

Select 2 is best suited for home studio producers and smaller facilities looking to establish a core toolkit without substantial investment. Engineers transitioning from analog mixing will find the workflow intuitive, while mixing engineers on budget constraints can address fundamental mixing tasks without compromise. However, professionals already invested in UAD's ecosystem or those requiring specialized processors should consider the full Realtime Analog Classics bundle.

The plugins perform reliably, with modest CPU demand on modern systems. Processing quality is consistent with Universal Audio's reputation, though these particular algorithms don't significantly advance plugin design. Select 2 occupies a competitive middle ground - competent alternatives exist from Waves, Fabfilter, and Plugin Alliance at comparable or lower costs. Its primary advantage remains integration with UAD's ecosystem and the credibility of vintage source material.