Universal Audio has released native versions of its EMT 140 plate reverb and EMT 250 electronic reverb plug-ins, according to Live Design Online. The announcement was made public on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
The new plug-ins are native, meaning they run without the need for Universal Audio’s dedicated DSP hardware, such as UAD-2 or Apollo interfaces. This expands access to these classic reverb emulations for a broader range of users who rely on standard computer processing power.
Live Design Online reports that the EMT 140 and EMT 250 are well-known hardware units from the history of studio recording. The EMT 140 is a mechanical plate reverb, while the EMT 250 was an early digital reverb unit. Universal Audio’s plug-in versions aim to recreate the sound and behavior of these original devices in software form.
The release follows a trend in the audio industry where manufacturers are increasingly offering native versions of previously hardware-dependent plug-ins. This move allows musicians, producers, and engineers to use these tools in a wider variety of setups, including live sound and home studio environments.
For those interested in classic reverb tones, the native availability of these two plug-ins is a significant step. The exact pricing, system requirements, and compatibility details were not included in the initial report.
What to watch next: Whether Universal Audio plans to bring additional legacy hardware emulations to the native format in the coming months.
