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LA-610 MKII Overview

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Universal Audio

collapse expand iconDescription

The Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II channel strip combines the legendary sound of 1960s-era tube preamps and compressors with innovative updates for today's recording needs. The LA-610 Mk II provides the full-bodied warmth and richness of Universal Audio's classic 610 tube mic preamp and T4 opto compressor in a single 2U rack-mountable unit. Universal Audio is proud to offer this channel strip, which brings sought-after vintage tone within reach of any serious home or project studio.

Pristine Tube Preamp Capture Any Source

The LA-610 Mk II's tube mic preamp, based on Bill Putnam's original 610 design, delivers the colorful, dimensional sound that defined '60s-era recordings. With 60dB of gain, it has enough headroom to capture vocals, acoustic instruments, drums—any sound source—with stunning realism and depth. variable input impedance gives you further tonal shaping control.

Musical T4 Opto Compressor

The LA-610 Mk II's T4 opto compressor, also descended from Putnam's original designs, provides smooth, musical dynamic control. With threshold, attack, release, and ratio controls, you can dial in the perfect amount of compression for any track. Opto circuitry and tube makeup gain provide a lush, saturated sound with rich harmonics. New to the Mk II, a compressor bypass switch lets you compare compressed and uncompressed signals.

Enhanced Features for Modern Workflows

While the LA-610 Mk II channels vintage tone, its features cater to today's recording needs. Larger metering offers precise visual monitoring. An auto-sensing power supply provides consistent performance anywhere. Increased output gain gives you more flexibility in your signal chain. With a simple, intuitive layout, the LA-610 Mk II is easy to use but yields complex, professional-caliber results.

Affordable Channel Strip for Any Studio

The LA-610 Mk II brings Universal Audio's sought-after vintage sound within reach of home, project, and commercial studios alike. Capture vocal, instrument, and drum tracks with the dimensional, full-bodied tone that defined '60s era records.

Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II Classic Tube Recording Channel
Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II Classic Tube Recording Channel
Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II Classic Tube Recording Channel

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 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, 500 ohms, Hi-Z: 2.2M, 47 kohms)
    • 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)
    • ±9dB stepped High Shelving Filter (4.5, 7, 10kHz)
    • ±9dB stepped Low Shelving Filter (70, 100, 200Hz)
    • 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

    collapse expand iconSpecs

    • Microphone Input Impedance: Selectable, 500 ohms or 2 kohms
    • Balanced Line Input Impedance: 20 kohms
    • Hi-Z Input Impedance: Selectable, 2.2 Mohms or 47 kohms
    • Maximum Microphone Input Level: -8 dBu (2k input Imp. & 15dB Pad in)
    • Maximum Output Level: 80 ohms
    • Recommended Minimum Load: 600 ohms
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz ± 0.5dB
    • Maximum Gain: 40dB (Line), +77dB (Mic)
    • Noise Floor: -72dBu 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 lb.

    collapse expand iconWarranty

    One year parts and labor warranty on all U.A. products and Kind of Loud products.

    Featured Articles

    collapse expand iconReviews

    5

    5 Reviews

    100%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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    Reviewed by 5 customers

    • Excellent compressor and eq for all mics

      5

      submitted4 years ago

      byDaniel F

      fromSan Antonio, TX

      I am using to different sounds with my variety of mics giving unique tones and textures

    • Silky smooth

      5

      submitted14 years ago

      byChris Cortez

      fromSan Francisco, CA

      I own several boutique pre-amps to compare to and the LA-610mkII stands shoulder to shoulder with them. It possesses a tone unlike the others especially on male vocal...Silky highs with punchy low mids and just enough air. The preamp and compressor work very well together where you can hit 10db of compression and barely hear it working. Very smooth and musical for tracking vocals. Like an LA2a it is very easy to set up. Everything feels solid. Switches and knobs have a positive feel and seem high quality. For a vintage modeled piece it actually has a pleasing modern tone and not dark like some reviews have stated. It's definitely warm but possibly because of the smooth mid range. If anything it has a well-balanced tone that will work well on many lead sources. On the bad side, the preamp can be overdriven slightly if not careful. Watch your loud passages and set your gain for that. All in all, I'm loving this piece. It has a color unlike my neve style preamps and it fills that lush and opulent side of my tool kit. Smooth and punchy. Delicate and tough. UA has a winner here. I'm in.

    • LA610MKII kicks big time

      5

      submitted14 years ago

      byMHB

      fromChicago

      So after months of research on pre-amps/ channel strips and after watching UA's video on the original UA 610 console. Takes some getting used to for vocal/mic settings, but it has a TON of sounds from clean to colored. Built like a tank and will be in my studio set-up as a main piece for years, if not the rest of my life. Highly recommend it.

    • Wonderful unit

      5

      submitted16 years ago

      byJohne

      fromPortland, OR

      When first building my recording rig, I spent a *very* long time reading up on which preamp I wanted to start with. I was already using a Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 and 10, so something a bit colored was where I was aiming. I went ahead and went with Universal Audio because I was familiar with their higher end hardeware already. Aside from my beloved Cort MGM, this is the best bit of money I've ever spent on something music-related. The sound is incredibly smooth and a bit on the darker side. The compressor is beyond excellent and the EQ gets used a lot more than I had expected. The only real flaw is that it sounds so good, it becomes your go-to pre -- using it on too many tracks on a single song can muddy things up.

    • A MUST HAVE FOR ALL STUDIOS

      5

      submitted16 years ago

      byCruz

      fromGA

      Its a excellent preamp and the optical compressor side is just unbelieveable, no distortion at all and very warm sound, Universal Audio hasnt let me down yet.

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