Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Universal Audio

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Product Code: 9999-03761
$3,499.00
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The Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip combines a 610 preamp with an 1176 style comp, creating a rich charactered channel strip, perfect for vocals, bass, drums, and more.

The Universal Audio 6176 combines the alluring, all-tube sounds of the legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 microphone preamp, with the signature FET compression of our 1176LN, to create the ultimate recording channel strip - an excellent cure for the sterile two-dimensional sound that digital recording can sometimes exhibit. The warm, smooth tones of this mic preamp design — employed to record everyone from Frank Sinatra to Van Halen — and the unique characteristics of the compressor, are two major reasons why the 6176 is found in studios around the world.

Two Classics in One
Thanks to its straightforward controls and hallmark sound, the 6176 is the signal path of choice for engineering heavyweights like Vance Powell and Joe Chiccarelli, plus artists including Chris Martin of Coldplay, Norah Jones, Wyclef Jean, and James Mercer of The Shins. The ability to “Split” or “Join” the preamp and the compressor sections via a simple switch gives the 6176 added flexibility. This is truly UA’s premier channel strip, and among the world’s finest.

Universal Audio 610 Mic Preamp
The 2-610 microphone and instrument preamplifier has received praise from many corners. Michael Cooper, in his review for Mix Magazine, called it "hands-down, the most dimensional mic preamp I've ever heard". Peter Wade, engineer/producer who has worked with acts ranging from Wyclef Jean to Jennifer Lopez, said simply, "This box rocks." The 6176 mic preamp sections maintains the quality and character of the 2-610 while adding high-tension power regulation for improved bass response and a front-panel 15db pad switch.

Universal Audio1176LN Limiting Amplifier
As legendary engineer/producer Andy Johns put it, "The 1176LN is the workhorse compressor." The 1176LN may well be the most loved compressor in history. Its trademark lightning-quick attack and release times and the tone of it's Class A output amplifier have enhanced countless recordings over the last thirty-five years. Universal Audio has recreated the 1176LN for the compressor section of the 6176 with the same exacting, attention to detail and tradition we use on our 1176LN. The resulting character, heritage and tone simply cannot be found on other channel strip units.

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip Features

  • All-tube mic preamp section derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
  • Signature 1176LN Class A FET compressor section — heard on countless hit records for more than 40 years
  • "Split" or "Join" switch allows separate or series operation of the preamp and compressor
  • High and Low frequency shelving EQ
  • Variable impedance Input, Gain, and Output levels
  • Mic, balanced Line, and Hi-Z inputs
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Stereo interconnection via 1176-SA
  • Hand-built in USA; backed by 1-Year limited warranty

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip Includes

  • Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip
  • IEC Cable
  • Manual
  • Manufacturer Warranty

5 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 5
    UA 6176
    Shark Studio

    This is by far one of my favorite units for tracking vocals. 610 preamp with an 1176 compressor you really can't go wrong

  • 5
    vintage-y goodness
    Anonymous

    For a long time I was wondering why my digital recordings were sounding so harsh and brittle. Then I got one of these. Night and day. Just gobs of character. Maybe too much character for some, but if you're looking for that classic vintage tone, here it is.

  • 5
    Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip
    MICHAEL GOODROE

    Multiple communications to keep me updated and an extra friendly phone manner kept my confidence that I was working with professionals. Great price as well on an expensive item!

  • 5
    Built Like a Brick
    Larry Matthews Studio 405

    This is the second UA piece in my rack. It's good buddy is the 610SE. As with all of their equipment, the build quality is super and all swithces and knobs are firm. This will perform just like you want it to. Join the UA fan club!! :0)

  • 5
    Great strip for overdubs
    Brandon Swafford

    I have owned this unit for a while and it gets tons of use by me every day in the studio. It's a great unit to have if you have a 003 or MBox (come in through the Line-Ins) and want to have one really great preamp and compressor for overdubs. The 610 is a classic preamp, and you can't go wrong with the 1176 limiter that is built in. What's great is you can use the two together, or separate, depending on what flavor you want. The 6176 sounds great to me on vocals, acoustics, just about anything, but especially bass! The only thing you have to watch is the headroom for the 610 preamp, but with a 15 db pad, and -10, -5, 0, +5, and +10 preamp gains, you can still get a great signal without clipping.

What We Think

avatar

The Universal Audio is undeniably one of our favorite channel strips out there. The 610 preamp loves compression and the 1176LN gives it in spades. The 610 preamp's character is such that it has become one of my favorite pres for use on acoustic guitar and vocals. But it is most certainly the sound of the history of rock and roll. Everyone from The Beach Boys, The Doors, Van Halen, and many, many more have had their albums benefit from the sound of these classic preamplifiers. And when it comes to the 1176LN, well, that list expands exponentially to a point that makes it impossible to even begin to start going through. There probably isn't a serious studio in the world that doesn't have at least one or a pair of the 1176LN. Universal Audio has made the 6176 a piece worthy of the professional studio while also being within the range of the discriminating home studio user. The 'Split' and 'Join' modes of the 6176 make this unit a perfect 'rack buddy' since you can simultaneously access either the preamp or the compressor separately or use them together for the same signal. Every studio needs at least one piece of UA hardware. And if you could only choose one, the Universal Audio 6176 really makes the perfect choice.

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