Universal Audio

At the heart of Universal Audio is a culture deeply rooted in a passion for music and the relentless pursuit of sonic perfection, a legacy ignited by Bill Putnam Sr. in 1958 and carried forward with vigor by his sons, Bill Putnam Jr. and James Putnam, since its re-founding in 1999. The company's mission, 'Inspiring Sound for Generations,' is more than a tagline; it's the driving force behind every piece of analog hardware meticulously hand-built in their Scotts Valley, California custom shop and every line of code in their world-renowned UAD Powered Plug-Ins. Universal Audio fosters an environment where craftsmanship, creativity, and continuous learning are paramount. They believe in creating deeply satisfying music-making products with unwavering authenticity and attention to detail, nurturing innovative thinking to craft tools that feel instantly classic. This dedication extends to their team, where kindness and respect are foundational, ensuring that every individual's contribution is valued and supported.

The team at Universal Audio understands musicians because they are musicians, engineers, and enthusiasts themselves, obsessed with the nuances of audio. This shared passion fuels their commitment to go to great lengths, often delving into 'audio archaeology,' to capture the spirit and soul of classic analog gear in both their hardware reissues and digital emulations. Their core values emphasize not just the technical excellence of their products but the artistic expression they enable. Universal Audio sees its role as a creative partner to music makers, providing tools that help artists manifest their vision and bring their songs to life. Whether it's through their iconic Apollo audio interfaces, which have become a new worldwide standard, their revered analog emulations, or their expanding range of microphones and UAFX pedals, the goal remains the same: to merge the best of vintage analog warmth with modern digital precision, empowering creators to sound like the records they love. This commitment to quality, innovation, and the artistic community has solidified Universal Audio's place as a leader in the pro audio industry for over six decades.