Astra Modulation

The Astra Modulation Machine is a new approach for Universal Audio who have one of the longest and most well-defined histories in the studio equipment world. This does extend to some of the greatest DAW pedals and amp plug-ins on the market but never before real pedals.

Since the release of the pedals was met with a “and about time” response, do these pedals live up to expectations?

The New Range

The three pedals individually cover Reverb Golden Reverberator, Delay (Starlight) and this, the Astra Modulation Machine. This is similar to the approach of BOSS and Strymon so UAD was looking to fill big boots. The UAD pedals are smaller and easier to use than their competition and feature fewer overall modes.

Modulation Modes & Settings

Like the other pedals in the range, the Astra has three main modes and each of which is subdivided into three variations of that mode.

The 3 Main modulation modes are:

• Chorus Brigade – Has its foundations well within the CE-1 ground including its legendary preamp
• Flanger DBLR – replicates tones found on rare rack units, great for thickening tone & adding movement.
• Trem 65 – Based on tube driven optical tremolos found in vintage American amps.

The Astra’s I/O

The I/o (ins and outs) are as you would expect to find on a leading modulation pedal. The Astra Modulation Machine features stereo ins and outs and a 9v power input. Stereo jacks on modulation pedals lead to great 3D sounding tones, who doesn’t love that!? There’s also a USB C input and a pair button, but why?

Updatable

The USB input and Bluetooth app allow musicians to change modes and delve deeper into settings. UAD promise to provide updates for the pedals overtime with new tones and features. This makes these pedals maintain their relevance in your rig for years to come.