What is Paradise Guitar Studio?
Quick Overview
Initial Price: $199
Type: Plugin
Compatible Platforms: mac/PC
Amplifiers: 11
Effects: 25
Available at: Universal Audio
Universal Audio, a well-known name in the realm of guitar plugins, has traditionally focused on emulating individual amplifiers. With the introduction of Paradise Guitar Studio, they elevate this concept, providing a modeling experience that, according to Senior Product Designer James Satiago, will “transport any guitarist to a dream studio.”
This innovative plugin features 11 vintage and modified tube amplifiers, 35 cabinet and microphone configurations, and 25 effects, including iconic UA studio tools like the 1176 compressor, Lexicon-style reverb, and tape delay. A new built-in guitar tuner enhances usability, addressing a notable gap in previous versions, alongside 300 presets spanning genres from rock and blues to indie and metal.
Specifications
- Initial Price: $199
- Type: Plugin
- Compatible Platforms: Mac/PC
- Amplifiers: 11
- Effects: 25
- System requirements: macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15 and Tahoe 26, Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit editions), Intel, AMD, or apple silicon processor, Internet connection for software download and UAD Native plugin authorization (UADx), Free iLok account, Compatible with iLok USB (2nd generation or higher) but not mandatory
- Plugin Formats: VST 3, AAX Native, 1-10GB space, 100GB recommended
- Contact: Universal Audio
User Experience
To set up Paradise Guitar Studio, you must first download the UA Connect software, which includes all of UA’s Native plugins.My installation was quick, tho your experience may vary based on your computer’s specifications and internet speed. For testing, I utilized my MacBook Pro M3 along with my preferred DAW, Pro Tools.
If you have prior experience with Universal Audio plugins, navigating the interface will be straightforward. Accessing presets is done by clicking the text at the top of the window, which opens a separate, movable, and resizable window for browsing presets using various filters. The guitar tuner is conveniently located on the left,while additional settings like stereo inputs and tempo syncing to your DAW are on the right.
Included Amplifiers
Woodrow ’55 – emulating the 1955 5E3 Fender Tweed
Ruby ’63 – AC-30 Top Boost
Showtime ’64 – Fender Showman
Dream ’65 – inspired by the 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb
Lion ’68 – Marshall Super Bass, Super Lead and modded EVH-style Super Lead Enigmatic ’82 Overdrive Special – based on Dumble Overdrive Special with Suede, Silver, Cream and Black amp variants
In the preset window, you’ll find genre-specific options like rock or metal, as well as sound textures such as warm, dark, or bright. The search function allows for text-based queries, and you can favorite presets, which is a feature I notably appreciate in any software. the interface is user-friendly, and while it may not be visually striking, the UA preset browser is functional.
your signal chain is displayed below the preset name in a familiar block format for guitarists. The input stage includes a dedicated gate and a volume knob for adjusting your incoming signal. You can choose from five different blocks in the pre-amplifier section, all of which can be deactivated with a simple click, and each has its own volume control.
Next,we explore the amplifier section,which includes a single block for both amp and cabinet,each with the option to deactivate and individual volume control. While the software does not support dual amp setups, you can easily achieve this by running two tracks in your DAW. The post-amp effects section also features five blocks for placing affect modules.The output includes another dedicated volume knob and a limiter.
Adding effects to your preset is as simple as double-clicking the section you wish to modify, which opens a new window for selecting your devices.There are no restrictions on the placement of effects, so if you prefer your reverb before your fuzz pedal, you can arrange it that way. However, removing a block can be cumbersome; you must navigate back to the ‘none’ block at the start of each menu, which can be tedious when trying out different sounds.
While the plugin boasts 11 amplifiers, it essentially features six core sounds, five of which have been previously represented in UA’s standalone plugins, with one new addition, the Enigmatic ’82. Each amplifier offers multiple variations and allows for deeper circuit modifications, such as altering tone stacks and bright caps, or utilizing different channels. Basic amp controls remain visible at the bottom of the window for quick adjustments.
Audio Quality
With its extraordinary array of features and user-friendly interface, Universal Audio’s Paradise Guitar Studio stands out as a powerful tool for guitarists seeking to enhance their sound. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this plugin offers a versatile platform for exploring and creating your unique guitar tones.
I plugged my trusty Telecaster directly into the Hi-Z input of my audio interface to explore the various tones available,comparing them to other software options I’ve tested from brands like Line 6,Neural DSP,Positive Grid,and IK Multimedia. as I browsed through the presets, one particularly catchy title caught my attention: ‘Big Mean Green’.
It responds beautifully to my pick attack and the guitar’s volume adjustments.
This preset features a Marshall-inspired tone paired with a 4×12 cabinet and a Nobels overdrive pedal at the front. I quickly turned off the delay and reverb effects to achieve a tighter sound, resulting in a satisfying distorted rhythm tone. It responds beautifully to my pick attack and the guitar’s volume adjustments, and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t need to tweak the built-in gate while adjusting the volume.
Next, I navigated to the ‘Ambient’ section of the preset browser and selected ‘Clean JBF Analog ambi’, which gave me a first taste of the Enigmatic model. Having previously reviewed the Universal Audio Enigmatic 82 Overdrive pedal, I had some expectations. The sound is reminiscent of a classic Fender clean tone, rich in low-end and sparkling highs. Even when I switched to the series circuit on my guitar, it maintained clarity while providing a thick sound without sacrificing articulation.
I found myself immersed in playing for over twenty minutes with just this preset.
This preset also provides a delightful stereo spread, thanks to the combination of a 57-style dynamic mic and a 414-type condenser, along with micro pitch delay and spring reverb. The delay creates a ping-pong effect across my headphones, while the core amp tone feels centered in the stereo field.Its a gorgeous sound, and I found myself immersed in playing for over twenty minutes with just this preset.
For lead tones, I selected the Gilmour-inspired ’Comfortably Sustained’, which utilizes the latest Showtime 64 amplifier from UA’s individual plugin releases. The resulting tones are colossal, enhanced by a compressor and a Big Muff clone at the front, producing epic lead sounds. I was diving into big bends, extracting every ounce of sound through vibrato, likely making some amusing faces in the process.
Final Thoughts
Universal Audio’s Paradise Guitar Studio is a fantastic addition to their guitar lineup, aligning its usability with what brands like Line 6, Positive Grid, and IK multimedia have been offering for years. The plugin provides a rich array of guitar amp tones and effects, executed in the signature UA style, delivering exceptional sound quality that rivals any other guitar plugin available today.
It woudl be great to have the option to swap out mics or adjust their angles and distances, as I can in other software.
However, the plugin offers fewer options compared to others in terms of amp and effects sounds, particularly in the cabinet section. During my testing, I found myself wishing for the ability to swap mics or adjust their angles and distances, which is a feature available in other software. Additionally, the absence of an IR-loader feels like a missed opportunity, especially as thes are becoming increasingly popular among guitarists.
Guitar World: Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio provides a treasure trove of modeled guitar tones that cater to virtually every guitarist. The sounds are exquisite, whether you’re playing clean ambient pieces or cranking up the saturation for lead tones and heavy riffs.While it may not satisfy tone tweakers with its limited cabinet options and lack of a built-in IR loader, it excels in delivering record-ready guitar tones at the click of a button.
Recommended Alternatives
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John Nathan Cordy
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Steve Kinney
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I connected my beloved Telecaster directly to the Hi-Z input of my audio interface to explore the various tones available, comparing them to other software options I’ve tested from brands like Line 6, Neural DSP, Positive Grid, and IK Multimedia. As I browsed through the presets, one particularly catchy title caught my attention: ‘Big Mean Green’.
It responds beautifully to my pick attack and the guitar’s volume adjustments.
This preset features a Marshall-inspired tone paired with a 4×12 cabinet and a Nobels overdrive pedal at the front. I quickly turned off the delay and reverb effects to achieve a tighter sound, resulting in a satisfying distorted rhythm tone. It responds beautifully to my pick attack and the guitar’s volume adjustments, and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t need to tweak the built-in gate while adjusting the volume.
Next, I navigated to the ‘Ambient’ section of the preset browser and selected ‘Clean JBF Analog Ambi’, which gave me a first taste of the Enigmatic model.Having previously reviewed the Universal Audio Enigmatic 82 Overdrive pedal, I had some expectations. The sound is reminiscent of a classic Fender clean tone, rich in low-end and sparkling highs. Even when I switched to the series circuit on my guitar, it maintained clarity while providing a thick sound without sacrificing articulation.
I found myself immersed in playing for over twenty minutes with just this preset.
This preset also provides a delightful stereo spread, thanks to the combination of a 57-style dynamic mic and a 414-type condenser, along with micro pitch delay and spring reverb. The delay creates a ping-pong effect across my headphones, while the core amp tone feels centered in the stereo field. It’s a gorgeous sound, and I found myself immersed in playing for over twenty minutes with just this preset.
For lead tones, I selected the Gilmour-inspired ‘Comfortably Sustained’, which utilizes the latest Showtime 64 amplifier from UA’s individual plugin releases. The resulting tones are colossal, enhanced by a compressor and a Big Muff clone at the front, producing epic lead sounds. I was diving into big bends, extracting every ounce of sound through vibrato, likely making some amusing faces in the process.
Final Thoughts
universal Audio’s Paradise Guitar Studio is a fantastic addition to their guitar lineup, aligning its usability with what brands like Line 6, Positive Grid, and IK Multimedia have been offering for years. The plugin provides a rich array of guitar amp tones and effects, executed in the signature UA style, delivering exceptional sound quality that rivals any other guitar plugin available today.
It would be great to have the option to swap out mics or adjust their angles and distances, as I can in other software.
However,the plugin offers fewer options compared to others in terms of amp and effects sounds,particularly in the cabinet section.During my testing, I found myself wishing for the ability to swap mics or adjust their angles and distances, which is a feature available in other software. Additionally, the absence of an IR-loader feels like a missed opportunity, especially as these are becoming increasingly popular among guitarists.
Guitar World: Universal audio Paradise Guitar Studio provides a treasure trove of modeled guitar tones that cater to virtually every guitarist. The sounds are exquisite, whether you’re playing clean ambient pieces or cranking up the saturation for lead tones and heavy riffs. While it may not satisfy tone tweakers with its limited cabinet options and lack of a built-in IR loader, it excels in delivering record-ready guitar tones at the click of a button.
recommended Alternatives
Video Reviews
John Nathan Cordy
Watch On
