The Broadway hit Stereophonic just cemented its legacy in theater history, sweeping five Tony Awards, including coveted honors for Best Play and Best Sound Design. Set in a 1976 recording studio, Stereophonic follows a rising rock band as they record their breakout album. To bring the sound of that vintage era to life every night, the production leaned heavily on the same technology that shaped music back then: Universal Audio’s Apollo interfaces and UAD plug-ins.
Read The Full Story Via Universal Audio’s Blog
Directed by a powerhouse team and featuring music that captures the raw energy of ’70s legends like Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, Stereophonic has redefined the sound of Broadway. And that’s no exaggeration. The show’s creators, led by sound designer Ryan Rumery and music director Justin Craig, used UA’s cutting-edge gear to turn each night’s performance into a masterclass of real-time, analog sound.
Vintage Sound for a Modern Broadway Stage
“Pulling off something this ambitious every night requires a certain shorthand,” said Rumery. “The Apollo interfaces, UAD plug-ins, and Console app are tools we use every day. These are the same plug-ins I’ve used in my studio work, and the fact that we could use them to transform a theater into a vintage ’70s sound studio is remarkable.”
The entire setup was designed to mirror the exact sonic textures that would’ve been heard in a classic recording studio from 1976. Songs like “Masquerade,” “Seven Roads,” and “Bright” featured lush guitars, rich keyboard sounds, and puffy kick drums – all processed live, with the same clarity and depth you’d expect from the golden age of rock.
“It was all about recreating that ’70s polish,” Rumery explained. “Every instrument, every vocal went through Apollo x16 interfaces, and everything was processed in real time using UAD plug-ins like the Neve 1073 preamp, Pultec EQs, EMT plate reverb, and Ampex mastering tape. The plug-ins carry the same harmonic qualities and sonic depth as the original gear. It’s like time-traveling through sound.”
The team’s commitment to analog warmth and accuracy didn’t just pay off with the audience—it paid off at the Tonys. Stereophonic’s innovative approach to sound earned them the Tony for Best Sound Design, a rare achievement for a show that blends music and drama so seamlessly.
The Secret Behind Stereophonic’s Sonic Success
What makes Stereophonic stand out isn’t just its engaging storyline or its dynamic cast—it’s the sound that lingers with the audience long after the final curtain falls. The show’s creators took the same obsessive care that engineers used when recording Rumors or Band on the Run, creating an auditory experience that’s just as much a character in the play as any actor.
Universal Audio’s tools played a major role in this sonic success. “We’re thrilled to see our gear in the hands of the talented artists behind Stereophonic,” said Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio. “It’s an honor to be part of such a groundbreaking production, and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate their incredible achievement.”
From the instantly recognizable tones of a Neve preamp to the shimmering highs of a Pultec EQ, the Stereophonic team created a soundscape that felt organic, immersive, and true to the era. But while the music paid homage to a golden age, the tech driving it was anything but outdated. Using UA’s modern Apollo interfaces and UAD plug-ins, the production achieved the perfect blend of vintage sound and modern reliability—ensuring that every note, drum hit, and vocal line came through with pristine quality.
More than just a nostalgic nod to the past, Stereophonic is a testament to how technology and artistry can come together to elevate storytelling. The show’s success lies in its ability to bring the audience into the heart of the recording process, not just visually but sonically, with a warmth and clarity that’s unmistakably UA.
For Broadway sound designers, musicians, and tech enthusiasts alike, Stereophonic offers a glimpse into what’s possible when top-tier talent meets the best in audio technology. The Tony Awards might just be the beginning for this trailblazing show, and if the success of its sound is any indication, we’ll be hearing about Stereophonic for years to come.
FAQs
How does Universal Audio’s Apollo and UAD plug-ins enhance Broadway sound design?
Universal Audio’s Apollo interfaces and UAD plug-ins allow sound designers to recreate the warmth and depth of classic analog gear in real time. In Stereophonic, these tools processed live sound, ensuring the audience heard authentic, 1970s-quality audio with modern reliability.
What kind of UAD plug-ins were used in Stereophonic?
The production used several iconic UAD plug-ins, including Neve 1073 preamps, Pultec EQs, EMT plate reverbs, and Ampex mastering tape emulations. These tools helped capture the rich, analog sound that defined 1970s rock recordings.
Why is Stereophonic’s sound design considered groundbreaking?
Stereophonic stands out for its ability to turn a Broadway theater into a live ’70s recording studio. Using Universal Audio’s cutting-edge tech, the sound design bridges the gap between live performance and studio-quality sound, offering an immersive experience that has rarely been achieved on Broadway.
Hello from the Magnetic editorial desk.
