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Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II Classic Tube Recording Channel  

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    $1,999.00
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    $159900
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Universal Audio

An industry-standard channel strip from the father of pro audio, updated with user-requested features.

The LA-610 by Universal Audio defined the affordable, ultimate vintage tone channel strip. So how can UA improve on tonal perfection on what was already a hit product? Enter the sequel...LA-610 Mk II, a second-generation revamp of the original 2005 LA-610 design. While the preamp and compressor are identical to the original LA-610 that professionals have come to know and love, additional features have been added such as true compressor bypass, larger metering, improved output signal, and an auto-sensing power supply. The LA-610 Mk II also features the highly popular black-on-black cosmetics of the LA-610 Signature Edition.

The original UA 610 tube mic pre and EQ have been used to record artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Eddie Van Halen. It's a sound that never gets old — just better — thanks to the spirit of Bill Putnam and modern advances in electronics design.

Features

  • Based on Legendary Bill Putnam 610 Tube Mic Pre and EQ Used on Countless Classic Recordings
  • Authentic Teletronix LA-2A-style T4 Opto-Compressor
  • Complete vintage channel-strip at groundbreaking price within project studio reach
  • Mic Pre with Gain and Level controls, variable impedance switching, and Instrument DI for recording tone "color"
  • Mk II Features such as True Bypass, Larger Metering and Improved Signal Output
  • UA build quality and heritage, audiophile components, hand-assembled in the USA
  • MK II Improvements:
  • True Bypass of the Compressor Circuit
  • Larger and Better Lit Metering
  • Improved Output Signal Performance
  • Auto-Sensing Universal Power Supply
  • Improved stability with feedback-style shelving EQ
  • Improved consistency with Input Gain values
  • LED Jewel Light Never Needs Replacing
  • General:
  • Mic, Line and Hi-Z Input, Line Output
  • Dual Impedance Mic and Hi-Z inputs (Mic: 2K, 500OHMS, Hi-Z: 2.2M, 47Kohms)
  • 5 position Stepped Preamp Input Gain, Continuous Preamp Output Level
  • -15dB Pad Switch (15dB Pad/Off)
  • Phase reverse (0/180°)
  • 48 volt Phantom Power switch (+48v/Off)
  • ± 9 dB stepped High Shelving Filter (4.5, 7, 10 kHz)
  • ± 9 dB stepped Low Shelving Filter (70, 100, 200 Hz)
  • T4 Optical Compressor with Continuous Peak Reduction and Makeup Gain
  • Compress/Limit/Bypass Modes of Dynamic Operation (3:1 / ∞: 1)
  • Meter Source Selector Switch (Preamp/Gain Reduction/Compressor)
  • Front Panel Power switch (On/Off)
  • Custom Altran and Cinemag Transformers

Get Universal Audio's hit-making tube/optocompressor sound to warm up your DAW on cold nights — and pay an incredibly low price for this premium pro audio gear!

LA-610 Mk II Classic Tube Recording Channel Specifications:

  • Microphone Input Impedance: Selectable, 500 Ohms or 2k Ohms
  • Balanced Line Input Impedance: 20k Ohms
  • Hi-Z Input Impedance: Selectable, 2.2M Ohms or 47k Ohms
  • Maximum Microphone Input Level: -8 dBu (2K input Imp. & 15 dB Pad in)
  • Maximum Output Level: 80 Ohms
  • Recommended Minimum Load: 600 Ohms
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.5dB
  • Maximum Gain: 40 dB (Line), +77dB (Mic)
  • Noise Floor: -72 dBu 20 - 20kHz (Line In, unity Gain)
  • Compressor Ratio: 3:1, soft knee, program dependent
  • Limiter Ratio: ∞: 1, soft knee, program dependent
  • Attack Time: 10 ms, program dependent
  • Release Time: Dual stage: 60 ms for 1st release, then 1 - 15 sec.
  • Tube Complement: (3) 12AX7, (1) 12AT7, (1) EL84
  • Power Requirements: 100V / 120V / 240V
  • Power Consumption: 30 Watts
  • Power Connector: Detachable IEC power cable
  • Dimensions: 19" W x 3.5" H x 12.25" D (two rack spaces)
  • Weight:12 lbs.
Write a Review Overall Rating Customer Reviews 8 See all 8 customer reviews...

Beautiful!

| Review By: Russell Reiter | 3 months, 3 weeks ago

0 people out of 0 found this review helpful

Features:

HAs everything that you really need in a "channel strip" type unit.

Quality:

Well, it's classic UA gear - built like a tank, feels and sounds wonderful.

Value:

The most expensive pre that I own (but also comes with a comp). Worth every penny. Quality sometimes costs more (but not always!). This unit is my go-to for important tracks, such as lead vocals.

Has many subtlties that can be had by changing gain stucture, drive, etc. If you can afford one, you won't be disappointed.

Overall:

LIke the title of my review says: BEAUTIFUL!  UA is a long-time class act. Getting a killer pre and compressor together (plus EQ) is perfect for tracking. Can bring out subtlties and clarity/color (depending on how set) that most mixers or lesser pre's could never muster even in their dreams.

Do you own the product?:
Yes
Have you used the product?:
Yes
Musical Experience:
40 years
Style of music you play:
Most
Where you live:
Desert S.W.

Did you find this review helpful? yes no1110326

Vocals final frontier!!

| Review By: Daniel-ZERKE | 1 year, 7 months ago

1 people out of 1 found this review helpful

Features:
Quality:
Value:
Overall:
I bought this unit coupled with a Mojave 201-FET. Now, perhaps it was the combo of great mic and great mic pre, but the newest vocals I have recorded with this pair are night to day with what I was using before. I went from a Presonus Tube Pre and an AT 3035 to thyis combo and the sound difference was astonishing. However, it must be noted that I tried using the direct in for both guitar and bass and have to say that the sound was not better (if not worse) than going in through my more budget set up. Admittedly there is a possiblity I was "doing it wrong" but this unit didn't help my DI sound much. I still gave 4.5 rating b/c the dramatic increase in vocal recording quality alone makes this unit worth the $$!!
Do you own the product?:
Yes
Have you used the product?:
No
Musical Experience:
Audio engineer, guitarist
Style of music you play:
All styles
Where you live:
Sacramento

Did you find this review helpful? yes no835295

your next step!

| Review By: Gwamba | 2 years, 2 months ago

1 people out of 1 found this review helpful

Features:
Quality:
Value:
Overall:
if its good enough for Frank, and Templeman, well.. this was a favorite of the best in the bizz TOM DOWD! you just cant go wrong.i own the older brother, and the new mk 2, not much difference at all. seriously, this and a tlm 103, and your golden! mot much more to say, if your recording on a mini m-box, or some other cheap gadgetry, stop here. but if your looking to upgrade on your already somewhat cool studio, this is the next step!
Do you own the product?:
Yes
Have you used the product?:
No
Musical Experience:
life
Style of music you play:
life
Where you live:
north east

Did you find this review helpful? yes no1041994

Amazing. Completely changed my recordings.

| Review By: NeonRainMusic | 2 years, 4 months ago

1 people out of 1 found this review helpful

Features:
Quality:
Value:
Overall:
I have owned this for about 3 months.  It is now probably one of my favorite pieces of gear I own.  I record a lot of acoustic guitar, vocals, and percussion (cajon, djembe, tabla, etc.) and I am always blown away by the sounds I get from this thing. With acoustic guitar I found that with some dead strings on my taylor and a Rode NTK tube mic, I get very Nick Drake -esque (pink moon) acoustic guitar sound.  It is very warm and very full.  There is little need for editing the sound once it's in the computer.  I also love it on vocals.  The compression works great for a lot of things and is pleasing to the ear as it is a very musical compression (not harsh or too drastic).  Sometimes for percussion tracks (using an AKG c-414 xls) I will use the preamp with -10 gain in the preamp (the lowest tube saturation) but not the compressor which allows me to warm up the sound but still keep the clarity without too much tube saturation which is more suited for vocals and acoustic guitar IMO. If you are looking at channel strips and want something that will give you a bigger, warmer, more vintage sound...this is THE product for you.  Seriously the LA-610 is awesome!  The 6176 is now on my wishlist...once i can afford it.
Do you own the product?:
Yes
Have you used the product?:
No
Musical Experience:
Active Musician, Audio Engineer
Style of music you play:
acoustic, alternative, rock
Where you live:
Nashville, TN

Did you find this review helpful? yes no863097

Probably the best out there....

| Review By: Chris-E24PV | 2 years, 8 months ago

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Features:
Quality:
Value:
Overall:
I've owned this thing for very little time, but I've used its older brother ( the mkI ) quite often. It sounds great, that's for sure. The tube character is obvious but not overwhelming which means it can be transparent or coloring depending on your settings. It's very easy to dial by the way and that's one of the strengths of this machine. You can't sound bad through it unless you set it blindfolded, and if you do sound bad there's something seriously wrong with the rest of your signal chain. It's a mellow, somewhat vintage sounding device, but it sounds very full and accurate. On acoustic instruments and vocals, it's amazing. It's also pretty good as a D.I box, but other channel strips can do just as good for cheaper in that regard. If you can afford it, and your recording environment is good enough ( please don't patch this into an M-box mini, it's not designed for this kind of usage and that would just be wasting money ), then it's the kind of gear that you'll keep for a lifetime.
Do you own the product?:
Yes
Have you used the product?:
No
Musical Experience:
Pro musician
Style of music you play:
Rock and Metal
Where you live:
Paris, France

Did you find this review helpful? yes no872304

See all 8 customer reviews...
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