Universal Audio LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Microphone Preamplifier

zZounds' Take on Universal Audio LA610 MKII

In today's recording studios, software plug-ins are such well-established tools for audio processing that even classic outboard-gear creators like Universal Audio have become big players in the plug-in game. But while well-designed plug-ins can model compressors, limiters and EQ, there's no piece of software that can faithfully model a classic tube microphone preamplifier. Think about it: once a microphone's signal shows up in your DAW to be processed by a plugin, it's already been preamped, whether by your console's preamp section, or your audio interface's built-in pre. You can't undo that first crucial step, or replace with a plug-in what you didn't capture in the first place -- which is why it's so important to record through the mic preamp that does the most for your source.

A formidable front end for any DAW, the Universal Audio LA-610 MkII combines a clear, warm all-tube microphone preamplifier, a rich and musical EQ section, and a bypassable opto compressor. With a few notable improvements to the hit original LA-610, this "Mark II" version is a pleasure to use when tracking vocals, voiceovers, guitar, bass, kick drum and more. When you plug a microphone or instrument into the LA-610 MkII and start turning those fat knobs, it's nearly impossible not to sound good. And on mixing projects, you can use the LA-610's line input to apply its smooth compression and EQ to any recorded signal after the fact. Combining a legendary preamp with a legendary compressor, Universal Audio's LA-610 MkII is an ideal first step in your recording chain.

Uncompromising Build Quality

Before you even start warming up its 5 hand-selected tubes, the first thing you'll notice about the LA-610 MkII is its attention to design detail. For example, an internally switching power supply means it can be used in any part of the world, on voltages from 100 to 240 VAC. No wall-warts here, just the standard included IEC power cord -- the mark of a truly professional piece of gear. Standard XLR mic input and XLR line-level I/O complete the back panel. The front panel is just as simple and easy to use, with a larger, more stable VU meter lit by LEDs -- with no bulb to replace. Hand-assembled in the USA, it's evident that the LA-610 MkII is an investment-quality piece of hardware.

Sweet, Creamy or Crunchy . . .

No, we're not talking about peanut butter -- we're describing the sound of the venerable LA-610 tube preamp. Inspired by the preamp section of Universal Audio's classic 610 console, once used to record everyone from Sarah Vaughn to Van Halen, this pre is capable of clear, open sound and serious warmth that can expand your sonic palette and make the most out of your mic collection. The MkII version improves the accuracy of the stepped Gain knob's dB value. Crank it up to +10 for an edgy "bark," set it to a low -10 for clean, uncolored signal, or aim near the middle for signature rich, full warmth. The Level control brings the preamp's output up to a healthy level to hit your DAW (or the compressor section). Engage the musical EQ, adding presence and air with the high shelving filter, or cut unwanted rumble with the smooth 70, 100, or 200 Hz rolloff. Complete with +48V phantom power, switchable polarity inversion, switchable -15 dB pad, 5 impedance settings to match any mic or Hi-Z input, and a 1/4-inch instrument jack on the front panel, this preamp can handle any source -- whether you're plugging in a dime-a-dozen dynamic, a vintage condenser, or your favorite axe.

Teletronix T4 Optical Compressor

The Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier is one of the world's most-loved classic tube compressors, developed in the early 1960s to smooth out the human voice's "peaks and valleys" to a consistent level ideal for broadcast radio. Fluctuations in the incoming audio signal illuminated an electro-luminescent panel to varying strengths: the louder the incoming signal, the brighter the light. A photosensitive cell picked up this light, and responded by lowering resistance on a gain-reduction circuit controlling the output signal. A quieter input signal would produce only a dim light, causing a great deal of resistance in the gain-reduction circuit and resulting in no gain reduction at all. The amount of compression, therefore, varied constantly depending on the program material, resulting in a smooth, natural, musical sound that became hugely popular for recording dynamic sources. The LA-2A's electro-optical circuit was known as a T4, and it's this very same T4 that you'll find at the heart of the LA-610 mkII's optical compressor, built to the exacting specs found on the LA-2A.

To Compress Or Not To Compress?

Back in the all-analog days, the reduced dynamic range of tape meant that serious compression "on the way in" was a necessity for recording dynamic sources like horns, drums or vocals without clipping. If you've not tried using front-end compression, the T4 within the LA-610 is a great place to start -- it's capable of everything from gentle, nearly undetectable peak reduction to severe brick-wall limiting. For low-output sources like ribbon microphones, try turning peak reduction to 0 while you use the compressor section's gain knob to provide an additional 15 dB of microphone gain. Of course, today's digital systems can handle a much wider dynamic range than analog tape, allowing you to capture an uncompressed signal with the option of compressing later in mixing. That's why this second-generation version of the LA-610 has a true compressor bypass switch -- so you can capture the sweet, warm sound of the 610 preamp with zero compression applied. Once recorded, you can always mix with the LA-610 mkII's compressor as an insert, to tame the dynamics on a line-level signal from your DAW. The possibilities are endless!

Features:

- Updated version of Universal Audio's best-selling LA-610 tube preamp and compressor
- An ideal analog front-end for your DAW
- T4 optical compressor identical to the legendary Teletronix LA-2A
- True bypass of the compressor circuit
- Larger, more stable meter
- Auto-sensing power supply -- for use with voltages all over the world
- Suitable with any any input -- instrument, mic, or line-level
- One great preamp channel to make the most of your mic collection

Manufacturer's Description for Universal Audio LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Microphone Preamplifier

The LA-610 defined the affordable, ultimate vintage tone channel strip. So how can UA improve on tonal perfection in 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 users have come to know and love, user-requested features such as true compressor bypass, larger metering, improved output signal, an auto-sensing power supply have been added bringing the end user an enhanced user experience. The LA-610 Mk II also features the highly popular "black on black" cosmetics of the LA-610 Signature Edition.

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

The LA-610 Mk II packs tremendous sonic versatility and is an ideal front-end for tracking with modern DAW's and the serious project studio looking to get the UA sonic experience: Real quality and character at an accessible price. The LA-610 Mk II is based on the legendary console modules developed by Bill Putnam in the 60's. Noted for their musical character and warmth, countless classics from Sinatra to Van Halen have been recorded using these preamps.

After the preamp section, the LA-610 Mk II offers the T4 optical compressor. The simple operation and program dependent nature of the LA-610 T4 compressor provides the same extremely musical control that has made the LA-2A such a well-loved classic for over 40 years. The electro-optical detector or "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 cell are the crucial circuit components that give both compressors their signature sound. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Universal Audio products.

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: 600ohms
- 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: Infinity: 1, soft knee, program dependent
- Attack Time: 10 ms, program dependent
- Release Time: Dual stage: 60 ms for 1st release, then 1-15 seconds
- Tube Complement: (3) 12AX7, (1) 12AT7, (1) EL84
- Power Requirements: 100V / 120V / 240V
- Power Consumption: 30 Watts
- Power Connector: Detachable IEC power cable
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 19 x 3.5 x 12.25 in. (two rack spaces)
- Weight: 12 lbs

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Base Item

Shipping Weight: 15 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 9 in