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Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II Tube Channel Strip

Vacuum Tube Microphone/Instrument/Line Preamp with EQ and Optical Compressor
$1,999.00

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Legendary LA-2A and 610 Mic Pre in One!

The LA-610 MkII brings Universal Audio's legendary vintage all-tube sound into a modern channel strip format by combining their 610 mic pre/EQ/DI and T4 opto compressor into a single 2U chassis with a pricetag any serious project studio can afford. The Mark II version of UA's famous LA-610 sports true bypass on the compressor circuit, larger metering, increased output signal, and super-cool black-on-black cosmetics. If you're looking for incredible sound that's steeped in history, check out the LA-610 MkII.

A modern studio classic

The LA-610 MkII is a re-tooled version of UA's best-selling professional audio channel strip. Audiophiles here at Sweetwater particularly appreciate the MkII's compressor circuit true bypass and the optimized output signal. The MkII has also been given a unique exterior cosmetic upgrade, and its distinctive look sets it clearly apart from the classic LA-610. The unit packs tremendous sonic versatility and is an ideal front end for tracking with modern DAWs and the serious project studio seeking authentic UA sound. Handcrafted in Universal Audio's Scotts Valley, California labs, the '610 offers weapons-grade build quality and colorful sonic character at an accessible price.

An ideal front end for your studio

The tube preamp/DI/EQ section of the LA-610 MkII is based on the legendary console modules developed by Bill Putnam in the late 1950s and early '60s. From The Beach Boys to Van Halen to Coldplay, countless classics have been recorded using these preamps, noted for their musical character and warmth. After the preamp section, the '610 offers a T4 optical compressor with true bypass. The electro-optical detector (T4 cell) is the very heart and soul of the Teletronix LA-2A. The unique combination of electroluminescent panel and photo-resistors inside the T4 are the crucial circuit components that give both these compressors their signature sound. The simple operation and program-dependent nature of the T4 compressor provide the same extremely musical control that has made the LA-2A such a well-loved classic for over 50 years. As a channel strip, the LA-610 MkII packs tremendous sonic versatility and value. It's an ideal front end for commercial, project, and home studios alike.

Universal Audio LA-610 MkII Features:

  • Complete vintage tube channel strip at a project-studio-friendly price
  • Mic pre/DI with gain and level controls, high- and low-frequency shelving EQ, variable impedance switching
  • Legendary Bill Putnam 610 tube mic pre and EQ used on countless classic recordings
  • Authentic Teletronix-style T4 opto compressor
  • Record your tracks with variable, vintage-style tonal color
  • UA build quality and heritage, audiophile-grade components
  • True bypass for compressor circuit
  • Large, instantly readable meter; increased output, auto-switching power supply
  • Handcrafted in UA's Scotts Valley, California labs

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • EQ: Yes
  • Compressor: Yes
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x XLR (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 3.5"
  • Depth: 12.25"
  • Width: 19"
  • Weight: 12 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: LA610

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Completely Satisfied

I've owned this for a couple weeks and I've recorded vocal guitar through a variety of microphones and was completely satisfied with the sound every time. I really enjoyed the compression while recording vocals, very musical and easy to use. Bass going through DI sounds great when you dial in the right amount of tube character (my sweetwater sales guy Mike Godlove tipped me on this, thanks Mike!). Overall I'm very happy with the purchase.
Rated 5/5

DOPEST!

Shot out to my sales representative Ben robinson! This piece of gear is one of the best preamps I have ever heard! It's got the Drip Dripping wet with character the way it sits in the mix of your song is AMAZING. It's helping all my music turn into radio ready albums with just a touch of some plug ins but this is a fantastic piece of gear. It really took my songs to the next level.
Music background: song writer, rapper, singer, producer
Rated 5/5

There's nothing quite like it

We have a decent selection of mic pres in our studio. Everything from hand made boutique pres, to console racked channels, to prototypes of things that never made it to market, theres something for everyone and every situation. This pre tends to get a lot of hate usually from people that don't know how to use it. We have one studio client that sends us mixes / master jobs and cursed us for recommending the pre to them since is sounded "mid rangey" and "squeezed" and other weird non-sensical descriptions for this thing that only happen when you're using it like first year intern thats majoring in accounting. READ THE MANUAL. There is a VERY specific way this pre is to be treated. Deviate from that, and you get problems. Respect it, follow its directions and you'll get some of the best sounding tracks ever. Heres a hint... the GAIN knob is should normally be set to -10 and only brought up if when you get to the top of the level dial its not enough (the only mic ive ever run into that on was a SM7B with a quiet singer that insisted on using that mic and even then it was only moved up to -5). I've NEVER used the EQ on the pre either. Theyve been at 0 since the day I got it and will remain there for eternity. And make sure you set the impedance on the pre appropriately for the type of mic you're using. One setting does not fit all.
Music background: 20+ years engineer
Rated 5/5

LA-610

If you want that PERFECT WARMTH of a large blanket made of processing love wrapped around your vocals, the LA-610 is for you.
Absolutely Love This Thing!
It's not gear. It's an investment in a lifetime of easy and perfect vocal tracks.
Music background: Gigging performer since 1982
Rated 5/5

LA-610 Mk II Tube Channel Strip

A very nice piece of gear.
Music background: Berklee College of Music

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Yuval Fuchs

This unit combines the original 610 preamp with an LA-2A compressor and a killer DI, along with big vintage style knobs and the look and feel of the timeless classic 610 console. I'm able to use this on just about any audio source. This is probably the most versatile piece in my studio rack.

Carson McClain

This is one of the most popular preamps here at Sweetwater. The LA-610 combines tweakability with consistant reliability for the engineer that really knows what he is doing. The secret to this legendary box is pairing it with the right mic and the right settings. The longer you spend with the LA-610 the more you will fall in love.
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