If you had to pick 3 UAD plugins what would they be?

api vision for sure newest code, best tone and features and unison technology for sure

verb pick your poison, the lex is the most expensive and rich and long but you can set your own user resets

re201/ ep-34 both classics, which format appeals to you more ?

left field, the ampex is killer and you can get tape fx from it too

The best plugin UAD has ever had IMO is Ocean Way Studios. It does something that no other dsp has ever gotten close to. That said, it's not for everybody. It's hard to use and can do as much damage as it can do good if that makes sense.

My top 3 must haves are..

Pultec
LA2A's
1176's

And these are the MKII versions.

Then the Fairchild MKII is also close to a must have. But the three mentioned are lathered all over every mix I do. Wouldn't want to work without them. The Fatso is good on Electric guitars as well for saturation. If you're working ITB and need some harmonic distortion, the tape sims are nice. I don't use them much though because my outboard gear adds more than enough.

I think you should just go for the best three you can get...that are expensive. Mine would be this...

1. Fairchiild
2. LA2A Collection
3. 1176 Collection

But - since you can get the last two for $99 apiece right now, I would do this:

1. Fairchild - just fantastic...replaced the Fatso on the Drum Bus for me
2. API Strip - I don't really see using the compressor that much, but the EQ is just fantastic.
3. EMT 140...maybe the 224
3b. Pultec collection

The mkII's are really better than absolutely anything out there. If you are interested in what you would use EVERY MIX, I would do the first mix. If you're concerned with getting the best deal, I'd do the second.
I never really bonded with the Manley MP - just such a hog I never ended up choosing it. I know Cowboy loves the Ocean Way - but I've demo'd it twice and I just don't hear how it's better than some of the room sounds I get with Altiverb or VVV. It could certainly be user error, but I thought I had tried it in every mode. The UA verbs are great, but nothing I couldn't get by with on another good verb. Most of the EQ's weren't any better than others - until these mkII's...The LA2's and 1176's are on every mix I do over and over.

UAD really needs to make a synth plugin. Emulate the Virus TI2 or somethin'! If they had a public API similar to apple has with iOS and OS X so users could develop, i'd totally give it a good hard try. but they don't.

I was really impressed with the 610 too - just in mixing. Slap that sucker on a kick...Problem is it's a hog. BTW - I think I like the B better than the A

If you've got an apollo quad or duo and you bought it 2014 that's the bundle they give you. This is the one in my plugins list www.uaudio.com/store/compressors-limiters/la-2a.html

Hi Jerome ( & everybody, first time poster here )
as mentioned before API Vision is excellent, UA released this a bit after their MKII versions which are a huge step up the classics included in your bundle, and a little before their Unison (610) so regarding preamp emulation it might be in the same ballpark....damn need an Octo card now to have 32 of these....
Neve 33609 is another must have imho, can add subtle glue to your mixbus to heavy weight + regarding non-UAD alternatives....there are none I can think of...
I know the idea is to get maybe the most expensive plugs with that deal, but all the MKII versions are worth it, my preference would go to the 1176 MKII...can somebody say SMACK that snaredrum....or push those vocal in yourface......or make that bassline purrrrr all the way
UAD plugs are awesome, it's a tough choice Jerome !
best
Nico

thanks mister Admin

I've got to say that a day after I ordered my Octo Card, I'm in the same boat. I'm basically married to the Lexicon, and I want one of the channel strips. I'm leaning towards the Neve, but the SSL is really attractive. I probably have the exact opposite issue with the plugs then most, as I shy away from precisely modeled signal paths, opting rather for the simply modeled curves. So all the Analogue classics like the 610, 670, 1176. LA2A are more preferable to me than the updated ones with more "character". That's why I'm leaning towards the Neve. At the end of the day I'll probably spend the next two months demoing everything before making a decision.

I have to say - I pulled the trigger on the API strip and just like I thought...I think I would have gotten better use out of something else. The free 610-B is nice...It's a great changeup to the built in pres and can really get some great distortion and punch on drums...The A is a little distortion monster...Wish I had gone with something like the A800, Fatso or 250...

API channel strips are hard enough to use in the real world for me.  The plugin just drove me nuts.  Dual concentric knobs should be outlawed in plugin form.  

I'd say all the mkII stuff is mandatory. But if hard pressed, I'd go for these first, to get me started:

1176 mkII bundle
EMT 140
Roland Space Echo