RAC’s Top 5 UAD Plug-Ins for Remixing

André Allen Anjos, better known as RAC, has created official remixes for the likes of Lana Del Rey, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bob Marley, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Phoenix, Peter Bjorn and John, U2, and Kings of Leon to name just a few. RAC has remixed nearly 200 songs — 22 of which have garnered number one on Hype Machine — and he has just released an EP, his first of all original material, entitled Don’t Talk To.

Here, RAC has shared with us his Top 5 UAD Powered Plug-Ins that he relies on to create his masterful remixes.

I used to be a bit of a snob about plug-ins because I didn’t think they could achieve the sound of the classic gear that I was used to. But with UAD plug-ins, they not only sound amazing, but they’re also based on all of the vintage gear I’m comfortable with, so I feel right at home using them.

Below are a few of my most used UAD plug-ins and a few practical applications. I created some short loops so you can hear the effect. Here is the loop with all of the instruments.

1. UAD MXR Flanger/Doubler Plug-In

I love this thing. I often place it on a bus and send entire group tracks to it, especially in Doubler mode. It immediately adds motion and grit to the tracks. Don’t overdo it though. You don’t want it to sound like you put flange on the entire mix. What you’re looking for is a light whirling that’s almost indistinguishable. For example, you can use it on drums, if not the entire kit, just the hi hats and cymbals. You could even play with automation to make it freak out before a big chorus.

Here is an example of using the MXR Flanger/Doubler plug-in on the main acoustic rhythm guitar. It’s subtle, but it adds a nice wash and accentuates the imagery a little bit.

2. UAD EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverberator Plug-In

This is one my go-to reverb plug-ins. I use it on literally everything. Depending on the feel of the song, I’ll choose between the three types of plates, but I mostly stick to the A plate. I’ll cut out all the input lows so it doesn’t get out of control. The EMT 140 is one of those plug-ins that doesn’t really need tweaking, just put it on a return track and play with the send levels. It can add a subtle flavor, or provide a full-on environment or mood to a song.

3. UAD EMT 250 Classic Electronic Reverb Plug-In

I mostly use this one on drums to create that Phil Collins-type gated reverb effect. Similar to the MXR Flanger/Doubler, it can be used pretty tastefully to add some stereo field to stale drum samples.

4. UAD Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb Plug-In

There’s a reason this unit is seen in every single classic studio photo. I mostly use it for very long reverbs. I set it to Vocal Plate and set the Mid Time to 24s+. Whenever I’m recording something that calls for an icy and dark flavor, this plug-in works wonders.

5. UAD Cooper Time Cube Mk II Delay Plug-In

The Cooper Time Cube is really great at subtle and short delays. It can certainly do the drawn out feedback thing, but it excels at the short slap back-type of texture. I sometimes use it to add a stereo layer to a sound as well. Some bass and guitar sounds can really “pop” out of the mix if you do it right.