| Universal Audio 2-610 Details
The Universal Audio 2-610 is a two-channel tube microphone preamplifier based on the legendary Universal Audio 610 modular console. Third in the Universal Audio Classics product line, the 2-610 follows the 1176LN Limiting Amplifier and Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier in our commitment to authentic analog recording technology.
Designed by Bill Putnam, the Universal Audio 610 was among the first modular recording consoles. Early Universal Audio consoles were used in all of Putnam's studios including Universal Recording in Chicago and United Western in Los Angeles. Many prominent engineers such as Bruce Swedien began their careers in these studios with this classic rotary knob console. The UA 610 was particularly well noted for its preamplifier, and has left its mark on countless classic recordings from Sinatra to Pet Sounds to Van Halen to LA Woman.
We carefully modeled the UA 2-610 after the microphone amplifier section of the 610 console. Unlike many vintage "style" mic pres, the 2-610 is true to the design of its predecessor. Our expertise in analog design translates into a classic tube preamplifier with all of the character of its vintage predecessor, yet designed for the requirements and rigor of the modern studio. We've taken great care to preserve the quality and character of the original, while adding functionality with more boost/cut settings, phantom power, direct inputs and impedance controls.
The Universal Audio 2-610 Mic Pre is the perfect tool for tracking and ideal when used in conjunction with a Universal Audio compressor such as the 1176LN and Teletronix LA-2A. Whether you're running pure analog or seeking to enhance your digital audio workstation, the 2-610 will bring classic tube character to your recording.
Universal Audio 2-610 Features
- Classic sound of legendary 610 modular console
- Mic, line, and hi-Z inputs
- Variable input gain and output levels
- -15dB pad, phase reverse, and two bands of shelving EQ
- Multiple impedance settings
- Optimized frequency response as requested by users
- Updated silver-face cosmetics and enhanced build quality
- Custom wound double sized alloy transformers
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Ultra-quiet operation
Universal Audio 2-610 Reviews
What We Think
"The 610 preamp is the quintessential tube-mic pre. Some of the most sonically influential and interesting recordings ever made were crafted through Universal Audio consoles packed to the gills with 610 preamps; Pet Sounds, anyone? The famed 'green Wally Heider board' that is mentioned throughout Neil Young's biography "Shakey" is in fact, a 610 equipped Universal Audio console. Sonically, the 610 has is thick without being in your face. It's BIG without being 'too big'. But most of all, it is extremely musical without having too much character for most folks. It's the perfect preamp to help feature a vocal, acoustic guitar, or nearly anything that needs to exhibit a truly inspiring and very dimensional sound, front to back. The high and low shelving equalizer is really a big bonus. Is the sound of a mic good but just a little too bright? Just cut the highs a touch. The eq is not designed for surgery, but it sure does help to shape the inital sound. It is just a really musical 'essential' equalizer. Do you need the boost to start a little Plug a bass into it and dig the really round body this preamp imparts on the sound. It doesn't have the most headroom in the world, but it doesn't have to. The 610 is the only pre that sounds like it does and once you have one, you'll wish you had a rack full of them."
Alan Moon - Front End Audio |
