Universal Audio UAFX 2.0

MIDI connectivity and more have now been added to UA’s pedal range.

Almost five years after the launch of Universal Audio’s stompbox range, I’m pretty sure no‑one was expecting this: a free firmware and software 2.0 upgrade that they describe as “the biggest update to our pedals yet.”

Overview

The headline feature, regarded by many as a major omission from the original spec, is the addition of MIDI capability: MIDI control can now take place via the onboard USB‑C connector, which was previously used only for registration and firmware updates. But even if MIDI isn’t something you’ve been longing for, there’s also a Bluetooth connection to the app that works more reliably; and even better, for some at least, there’s also now the option of a wired USB connection to mobile devices. (There’s still no desktop version of the UAFX Control app, though; I won’t be alone in feeling that would be a more convenient solution for studio users.)

All the double‑footswitch UA effects and amp pedals can now be upgraded to firmware v2 (already at 2.02 at the time of writing) to support class‑compliant USB MIDI control via any ‘host‑capable interface’ (the compact, single‑footswitch units, are not included in this upgrade). This means almost any suitable pedal parameter can now be switched or controlled in real time via MIDI CC messages, and pedals with tempo‑dependent features can now be sync’ed to an external MIDI Clock. Pedals with onboard preset capability also have instant recall access to 128 assigned preset slots via MIDI Program Change messages.

Everything MIDI‑related that I tested worked as expected... Even switching virtual cabs whilst playing worked fine.

Whilst this MIDI implementation is officially described by UA as currently in “open beta” testing, everything MIDI‑related that I tested worked as expected. Real‑time control of live audio parameters — gain, volume, tone controls etc — was rendered smoothly and without any glitching noises. Even switching virtual cabs whilst playing worked fine. In fact, I couldn’t generate any audible anomalies even with deliberate discontinuities in the data. We might have waited a long time for this, but it does seem to have been done well.

In addition to updating the firmware via the UAFX Connect desktop app, access to the newly added facilities requires an update to the UAFX Control mobile app. Even without using MIDI, the amp emulation pedals (Dream ’65, Ruby ’63, Lion ’68 etc) have enhanced footswitch‑preset modes, allowing onboard switching between four user presets, with two alternating on each footswitch, so as to enhance live performance capability. Pedals like Max or Del‑Verb, which don’t have presets, can also now recall saved sounds using MIDI CC snapshots from capable MIDI foot controllers.

The UAFX Connect desktop app takes care of registration and firmware updates.

Who Wants MIDI...