Universal Audio

Universal Audio is an American company that designs, imports, and markets audio signal processing hardware and effect pedals, audio interfaces, and digital signal processing, virtual instrument, and digital audio workstation software and plug-ins. Founded in 1958 by Bill Putnam, Sr. with products produced under the Universal Audio brand through the mid-1970s, the company was re-established in 1999 by his sons Jim and Bill Putnam, Jr.. The company produces modern versions of vintage Universal Audio, UREI, and Teletronix analog recording equipment, as well as hardware and software for digital recording on the UAD-2 platform. History Original Company Universal Audio, Inc. was founded alongside the United Recording Corporation by Bill Putnam Sr. in 1958. Putnam’s intention was for Universal Audio to serve as United’s manufacturing arm, with the company initially operating out of the United Recording premises at 6050 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. During its first few years Universal Audio produced a number of tube-based audio processors, the most famous being the 610 preamplifier. These processors also served as components in custom recording consoles built by Universal Audio for various studios.