Choose a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator unit that suits your studio computer. Visit Universal Audio's website at www.uaudio.com to see the different options. The UAD-2 DSP Accelerators are processing units optimized to run UAD plug-ins. There are three different connection protocols available: PCIe, ExpressCard and FireWire.
Install the UAD software and plug-ins first. The installation procedure will differ, depending on your platform. Detailed installation instructions will be bundled with the hardware.
Install the Accelerator unit. This procedure will differ depending on your operating system and the connection protocol you chose. The ExpressCard and FireWire options require an available external slot of the appropriate type. PCI cards require a desktop tower-style computer with an available PCI slot for interior installation. Each installation type is covered in detail in its accompanying documentation.
Open your host application. This will typically be a DAW application such as Logic, Pro Tools or Reaper, though many less-comprehensive host applications exist. UAD plug-ins are VST-, RTAS- and AU-compatible. Most available hosts will be able to use them.
Load the UAD plug-ins as normal. With the Accelerator hardware installed, they will function like any other plug-in within your host environment. The only significant difference is that UAD plug-ins will require little to no processing resources from your system, freeing up CPU and RAM for other operations.