I would like my money back.

[tlkshowhst]

Hello, I just bought the Studio Pak yesterday and am very disappointed/p'd off that my Waves Native plugins are more CPU efficient than my UAD Plugs. What is this nonsense? I just read the posts online, but the box never says, \"CHECK UAD FORUMS FOR G5 COMPATIBILITY.\" I'M RUNNING LESS PLUGINS THAN BEFORE I INSTALLED THIS CARD! Most people come to support forums AFTER they've had issues. I have a Dual G5 2.0GHZ with 1.5GB RAM I can't even run a session with:

2 Fairchild
1 LA-2A
1 Cambridge
1 DM-1
1 Phasor
1 Pultec EQA-1
and Of Course:
5 Delay Comps to compensate for the latency.

Oh, and my Native Plugs:
(1) Renaissanc Comp
(1) BF76
(5) Q1
(1) L1
(1) IR1
(3) Rennaissance Axx
(1) C1 Gate

Please don't tell me people can run 32 track sessions with less plugins than this; that's not why I bought the card. Now, I want my money back in full but Sam Ash charges a 15% Restocking fee, which is nonsense. Where do I go?

 

[Brian W. Ralston]

Hello, I just bought the Studio Pak yesterday and am very disappointed/p'd off that my Waves Native plugins are more CPU efficient than my UAD Plugs. What is this nonsense? I just read the posts online, but the box never says, "CHECK UAD FORUMS FOR G5 COMPATIBILITY."

After a few hours of having that card, you are basically claiming the card's advertising was a scam?

Which Dual 2GHz G5 do you have? The new one or the old one? If it is the old one...which PCI slot did you put the UAD-1 into? You know there are different PCI busses on that computer and depending on which slot you installed the card into, it will determine which bus your card communicates on. Is it on the same bus as your audio card? If the UAD-1 is on a different PCI bus than the audio card, it works better. Which may mean a simple slot change from where it is currently located in your computer.

Delay comps for latency???? Which sequencer are you using? I use Digital Performer 4.5 and its automatic delay compensation with the UAD-1 us heaven. Logic and Nuendo have automatic delay compendation too right?

I am just saying that it seems after one day you are giving up way too easily beofre making sure you have your system set up properly to use the UAD-1 card. I have waves as well...and I have not used them much since I got the UAD-1. I ended up getting a second UAD-1 for even more power and life is good.

 

[tlkshowhst]

Hi, thanks for the quick response. Well, I guess I am insinuating that it is a scam since it IS UAD's responsibility to warn customers (and potential customers) about these limitations/inadequacies. It simply doesn't work like it's supposed to for some computers that meet the minimum requirements on the box. Customers have no way of knowning until AFTER they have their problems and then come to uaudio.com for support.

Apparently, I have an old G5 (but I wouldn't really have a reason for checking that before hand except to install a UAD). It's amazing when a brand new model is rendered incompatible after a little over a year! Truly nonsense. Am I supposed to downgrade my computer to a G4 in order for this to work? WTF?

Although I am venting a bit here, I do appreciate your concern. I put the UAD Card in Slot #2 (Slot 1 is taken but the stock Graphics Card.) I am running Pro Tools 6.7 LE on OS X 10.3.8 and was aware that the Wrapper adds slight CPU but this is ridiculous. The Delay Comp Plugin takes up more CPU than the Pultec.

I'm using a 002R and although it doesn't give the performance of a PCI card, it reliably handle my CPU intensive plugins (I could run at least 3 Waves IR-1 with other processing on tracks).

Don't get me wrong, I love the way the UAD sounds, but why would I pay $899+tax on an item that doesn't do what it's supposed to?

If my setup is terribly wrong please let me know. I'd love for this thing to work properly (that's why I got it). Otherwise, I'd like to get my $899+tax back. I don't expect to run 95 Autotunes, 14 Fairchilds and 10 Nigels plus my Waves plugins at the same time. My demands for this product are realistic and it's pretty patheic right now..

Would you pay $19k for a car that goes 5 miles before refueling? Didn't think so. It's called a Lemon Law. I

 

[Trace]

I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems with your G5 and UAD-1. I have a similar model of G5 to yours and I have 4 UAD-1's in a separate Magma Chassis. All is running well, with the exception of not being able to maxout on my UAD's in terms of high plug in instances. Of course since I have so many UAD's its not as much of a problem for me at the moment, but if I didn't have the 4 UAD's i'd trade in my G5 for the model that doesn't have the PCI-X slots. But i'm going to wait and see if APPLE eventually changes the Chipset on the PCI-X Bus.

I can assume that you have turned on the \"AMD-8131 Compatible DMA\" By doing this you will increase the CPU load of the UAD plugs on the G5 processors. Its a tradeoff. I would turn it off and just deal with the lower UA plug count.

I would somewhat disagree that new users don't check with this forum and other mailing lists. I know many of us did just that and I checked for a long time before I bought the UAD-1.

 

[giles117]

Basically what you are saying is that your experience with DSP powered systems is limited.

Did you ever use Pro tools TDM.. There is a limit based on the number of DSP chips you have. UA is kind enuff to post a listing of DSP useage per plugin (average of course)

And it does do what it is suppossed to. If Digidesign would make a friendlier product you would possibly get better performance.

Remember UA says the plugins work after thay have been wrapped. Wouldnt it make sense that a wrapped plugin would have lower perofrmance than an unwrapped one.

Think Windows on top of DOS. or OS X on top of Unix verses OS 9.

You lose performance in the conversion from VST to RTAS and back again.

But hey go grab a version one powercore and lets see how many issues you have.

In DP, Logic, Cubase/Nuendo they work great Of course when UA 1st came out it worked in CuBase (VST) and DP 3 (MAS) additional support has been added overtime. RTAS support was added strictly via the wrapper. UA has not taken on the quest to code the plugin for RTAS.

But you can get the PT TDM system which is what Digi would prefer you to have and purchase the TDM Plugins.

Understand, I am not saying your issues are not real or making light of your circumstance. But PT Support in RTAS is not as good as it could be, but then I dont use PT so life is good.

Ever consider changing DAW's?????

 

[tlkshowhst]

I know I know. Pro Tools LE is the most inefficient Software available. In fact, it only uses ONE of my TWO G5 processors. I actually tried switching to Logic 7, but found the learning curve creatively stifling (particularly, editing, routing midi). At the moment, I'm mixing projects and writing my material, the last thing I have time for right now is learning a new software. Believe me I had a MOTU 2408mk3 that worked better than anything. But this is all besides the point.

The fact is that because of my knowledge of Pro Tools LE's limitations and the financial impossibility for me to switch to TDM, I bought the UAD to compensate. Of course, had I known that this UAD would junk out on me, I would have saved my hard earned money.

Basically what I'm saying is that UA never indicated on the box or any advertisements that the UAD will make my system less efficient by using its plugins. Bottomline: False advertising. I didn't buy this thing and expect not to use it. The UAD CPU meter is at 50% while my host CPU is maxed out running three or four native plugins. I want to hear UA's response on this. I know they're reading.

 

[The Beatsmith]

sorry, i don't understand.

your suffering from the problem that you can't max out your UAD because you have a g5 that has PCI-X ports... right?

 

[giles117]

Truth Be told PT LE is false advertising. It promises to take advantage of your host processing power. But as you noted, it only uses 1 processor.

But anyway. I was a PT sell out.

DP 4.5 is a nice easy transition from PT. It is not as efficient as Logic but it is pretty efficient and a very good mixing program with much better midi implementation than PT (of course)

I have been a DP sell out since 2000 (user since 1996) I refuse to go back to PT.

DP has Latency Compensation as well as is it very UAD friendly.

Now the issue you mention as you have noted is dealt with in the WebZine (last month)

Hopefully the tiger version of the software will eliminate this issue that came about with the introduction of the G5. us G4 holdouts do not have that perticular issue.

 

[tlkshowhst]

UA specifically states this it will work in my G5, everything else is nonsense. I'm not moving to a different platform just to make this thing work. Eventually, but not now. I should get a a full f'n refund given that this thing is hardware that doesn't simply work in my machine (I'm practically running all the UAD plugins on my Host Processor). I've read the compatibility docs on their website and even those told me that it IS compatible. The following is taken from the FAQ:

\"The UAD-1 does not implement PCI-X, BUT PCI-X slots will operate in standard PCI mode when a standard PCI device is present. Likewise, the bus speed is determined by the slowest device on the bus, so assuming the system's PCI controller is working correctly, the fastest PCI-X/133 slot should behave exactly like a normal PCI/33 slot when a PCI/33 device is inserted.

Looking at the gold finger connections at the bottom of any 32 bit PCI card you will see either one or two vertical slots. The presence of two slots ( as on the UAD-1) means the board is a Universal board and is compatible with both 3.3 Volt and 5 Volt signaling levels. The slot nearest the back panel is the 3.3 Volt slot. The slot furthest from the back panel is the 5 Volt slot. The G5 PCI-X bus will work in PCI mode specifically with 2-slot universal PCI cards so the UAD-1 DOES work in an Apple G5.\"

So I didn't read the latest issue of their online magazine. Is that really professional to disclose compatibility requirements in their own online magazine, but conveniently forget to mention in their EM/MIX/SOS advertisements, online features & specs, FAQ, that it won't work on some G5's?


Even if Digidesign is behind the times, at least they are specific about what WILL work and what WON'T work in terms of somputer requirements. (However, it DOES say on their website that the UAD IS compatible w/PT LE.)

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

 

[tlkshowhst]

oh, BTW, Eventhough my Host CPU Usage is at 50%, I'm still getting Host CPU Spikes. BUT I'M ONLY RUNNING

2 CAMBRIDGE EQ's
1 Fairchild
1 LA-2A
1 DELAY COMP

Is this some sort of joke?

 

[akisd28]

Have you installed version 3.8 of the UAD-1 software?

 

[mersisblue]

I wouldnt run a UAD in prot tools LE that is what you are doing right ?

also with my 001 I found not to usedigi hardware with a UAD , this is

also what you are doing ? pro tools compatiability is at fault here I think

I dont know about the 002 but results with a 001 were not satifying

I was willing to switch myself ( a longer process then you would think )

I guess some people are not
:twisted:

 

[tlkshowhst]

Thanks for your comments

I have installed version 3.8 UAD Software.

Mersis thanks for empathizing. I know Pro Tools LE sucks, but that doesn't give UA the right to claim it's fully compatible.

 

[brunjic]

What do you mean: multi processing is NOT suported in PT LE? It is contrary to claims on Digidesign website!

Do not get overexcited if UAD is not working that great on your sistem. I was also dissapointed with my Studio Pak because I could use just so many of those GREAT plugins. Eventually I bought Project Pak and probably would buy another before end of the year.

Actually, having two or three UADs is optimum regarding how much you have to pay for the first card (with all the plugins). It is UA's clever marketing strategy to get you hooked on plugins and than you have to buy additional cards to be able to use them (software) to max.

IMHO it is worth it. Just compare the price with PoCo Mk II + Sony Oxford plugs :wink: .

 

[tlkshowhst]

Interesting how my post hasn't been answered by UA. Yet, they have the time to answer other posts hmmmm.. Technically, UAD is not working at all on my system. It's pretty much a CPU Hungry Dongle that causes my system to go Haywire. I was probably better off getting some Native emulations. I agree the plugins sound damn good, but the hardware is worthless to me. I AM ENTITLED TO A FULL REFUND. not an 85% ONE.

 

[Trace]

Well the refund policy is not UA's problem its the store that sold it to you. THEY should have told you about any possible issues there might be with a G5 PCI-X. I know if I was going to buy a UAD I would tell the salesman that I was going to use it in a G5, then i'd hope that they would be knowledgable about the product and give whatever warning was needed, but that's beside the point.

I have a Dual 1.8Ghz G5 with PCI-X slots. I have 2.5GB Ram and I use a yamaha O1X Firewire interface. I have 4 UAD-1 in a Magma Chassis. I have no problems with my G5 processors until I push the number of UA plug ins up high. I use Cubase SX 3. I also have DP, but SX is so much easier to deal with as far as plug ins. VST is so easy and mature. I just pop in the plugs and they work. No wrappers, No Validating, they just work.

The truth is that AMD & Apple use a very poor design in their Chipset. AMD doesn't really care and isn't trying to fix the problem. They want 3rd party CHipset makers to solve it for them and it seems that is what will happen. Perhaps Apple will also use the same future Chipsets from VIA. Its not UA's fault that Apple put out machines that have this problem.

TRACE

 

[tlkshowhst]

WELL FOLKS!!!! MY SESSION IS NOW CORRUPTED!@@!! I worked my f'n ass off today and now there's no audio coming out of my speakers. The AIFF files are in my session, so I know for a fact it's not a harddrive issue. It's not a problem with my DIGI 002R (I checked it in iTunes) My I/O Settings are perfect. I ran another session without UAD PLUGINs perfectly. There's 0% on my native disk and CPU Meters in Pro Tools as well as 0% on my uad Meter.

THIS IS THE WORST PART!@ When I try to deactivate ANY UAD plugins, PRO TOOLS UNEXPECTEDLY QUITS!! HOW can i get this thing back to normal?!?! And get my work out of this mess!!!

UA I WANT ANSWERS! NOT IGNORANCE.

 

[Brian W. Ralston]

THIS IS THE WORST PART!@ When I try to deactivate ANY UAD plugins, PRO TOOLS UNEXPECTEDLY QUITS!! HOW can i get this thing back to normal?!?! And get my work out of this mess!!!

UA I WANT ANSWERS! NOT IGNORANCE.

2 things tlkshowhst...

1. Why don't you call Universal Audio's tech support line and ask for...ummm...tech support. Its free and it is very good. I called them once and they helped me out in about 10 minuntes. They are very friendly and good.

2. While UA has representatives on this forum...this is not their tech support forum. Notice it is not even on their server. CALL THEM. They have proper channels set up to deal with these kind of issues and this forum is not really one of them. Users can help out other users to a certain point...but you need their direct help. State your problem. Explain your situation. They have the UAD-1 running on machines just like yours there in their office. I am sure you will find them to be very helpful. They are a good company.

P.S. By the way...in order for the UAD-1 to be on a seperate PCI bus than your audio card...do not have it in PCI slot #2 right next to the video card. I believe if you put it in slot 4 at the end, it will be on a different bus.

 

[tlkshowhst]

I don't believe the part about companies not using their forums as tech support. Look at Digi, Waves, Native Instruments, Ableton, and FxPansion. They use their forums as a tool for communicating solutions. I will call UA tech support on Tuesday morning, butthe fact that my comments and inquiries are being ignored doesn't give me a good impression of UA's customer support.

They are a good company that makes great products, but in this case, I have fallen victim to false advertising and am now obviously being ignored. I have better ways of using $899 + tax than wasting it on a useless product.

The restocking fee is Sam Ash's responsibility, but false claims are UA's. They must provide me with a solution.

I finally took out my UAD card disabled the plugins are and am happily running my CPU intensive Waves plugins without the UAD chaos. Now, UA, how will I get my 100% refund? Or perhaps a far simpler question: When will you stop ignoring me?

 

[will]

relax dude, its the weekend for one thing . another...your posts start on may 27. most people who have proplems try to solve the proplem before they start ranting about what crap it is and how they have been riped off. no support from uad ect. i can speak for most people on this form that are extremely happy with the uad product and there support which is top notch. i suggest you tone down a bit and show a little patience.



will