Universal Audio 4-710D 4-Channel Microphone Preamp
Add 4 channels of Twin-Finity mic preamps to your recording studio rack! The 4-710D's hybrid signal path lets you blend solid-state clarity and tube warmth.
$1,999.00
- 12 payments of$166.58/mo
Overall User Ratings (based on 5 ratings)
Submitted November 23, 2013 by a customer from gmail.com in Charlotte, NC
""if you have the means...GET one' - Ferris Bueller"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
This is all that and then some! I've used it on vocals, guitars bass, DRUMS and it is now my go-to pre. So many USEFUL features. I'm running 4 other pre's into the 4 1/4" ins and feeding the ADAT line to my interface for an all in one unit. The 4 inserts are sweet for adding noise gates to mics if needed or any other rack unit. The compressor is sweet...gets the job done without over doing it. The tube/Trans feature is SWEEEET! his unit made one helluva an impressive sonic change in my sound and recordings. And I DO love that UA sound! I see another in my future!
Highly recommended....U DIG...!
Musical Background:
Playing since the 70's. Producer, engineer, multi-instrument musician, technical analyst, mixing, etc, etc...
Musical Style:
rock, reggae, blues, hip-hop, country, jazz, classical, pop, Christian, R&B, funk, soul...
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Submitted July 30, 2025 by Bill A in Kalamazoo, MI
"Workable/As expected"
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I only just received this unit today and spent a few hours tracking with it. I haven't used its digital functions. Obviously, I can't speak to its longevity. I had to sell a bunch of gear to deal with some debt. I'm primarily using Rupert Neve and Aurora Audio pres for vocals and guitars. I view the 4-710d as a budget option for replacing some of the Phoenix and Manley channels that I parted with. I'll be primarily using it for bass and drums, though I did test it with vocals. For my needs it works, but if I were to buy only 1 mic preamp, this wouldn't be it.
Sound
At 100% the solid state sounds are slightly shrill on most sources. It's tube character is pretty subtle compared to most of the other tube mic pres I've used. It's a little less distinct, quieter and noisier. Decent results can be obtained for drums and bass, but it wouldn't be my choice for vocals or guitars.
Features
The built in comp is useful. It's not an 1167, but it's great for tracking. Most of the time the input gain is set from 11 - 1 O'clock. Too much and it'll get farty fast. The VU meters are useful and work well. At 75hz, the hpf is subtle, but it works. The extra inputs and A/D conversion should be a great addition (I haven't used them yet).
Ease of Use
The DIs are clean, quiet and punchy. For the mic inputs, it's a bit of a juggling act to find enough volume without introducing excessive noise. These issues can be fixed by connecting a Soyuz Launcher (luckily I happen to have 4 of them)f. The Launcher adds needed punch, tone and clarity. Makes it sound/function on par with higher value pres.
Quality
I've only had it for a day, but it seems reasonably well built. Maybe on par with Heritage, Drawmer, SSL etc.
Value
I guess it's worth the price, definitely if it lasts me at least 10 years. If it only lasts 1 or 2 years, then no. The unit gets fairly warm. We'll see...
Manufacturer Support
No experience dealing with UA.
The Wow Factor
My interests in this piece are purely functional. If I could afford it, I'd opt for a Sebatron - QuadVMPplus, 2 Distressors a UBK Fatso - and an Audient - ID48. That's a lot to outlay for racking drums!
Musical Background:
30 + years of gigging and recording
Musical Style:
folk, blues, experimental, ambient, punk, metal
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Submitted November 28, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"It could have been a nice addition to the studio if it wasn't for the terrible quality control of these units."
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
See above.
Sound
Sound was good. Very clean.
Features
The tube blend feature is nice. It added fullness, maybe a touch boomy on the 100-200Hz range. We tried it on acoustics and vocals. Many cool output and insert possibilities.
Ease of Use
After a little tweaking you can get some decent tones.
Quality
We tried three units!! From noisy inserts, to wacky input levels between channels and terrible gain stages like moving the knob a hair and the gain would jump up.
Value
WIth these quality control issues for a 2000 dollar unit I can not recommend it. And I had high hopes for it because Universal Audio makes great products. Very disappointed.
Manufacturer Support
I just returned it to Zzounds. I lost a month over these three attempts. Gotta give kudos to Zzounds with the Returns department. They were prompt and no hassle.
The Wow Factor
See above.
Musical Background:
Over 25 years. Performer, Guitar Instructor, Recording Engineer.
Musical Style:
Rock, Metal, Fusion
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Submitted March 10, 2022 by a customer from gmail.com
"UA 4-710d so far so amazing"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Stacked two of these for 8 ch on drums. Line outs of the bottom 4ch. into the top preamps 5-8 so all 8 ch. coming in ADAT to the ferrofish pulse 16dx. Clarity, so much clarity. With no EQ on drums, just some fast comp turned on some channels, sounds amazing pre mixing. Tube and solid state blending is amazing for dialing in your tone. All tube drum recordings are changing my life. Price keeps going up so really its a high end preamp and a great investment. I have 2 and they are both great, never heard of manufacturing problems anywhere except the other review on zZounds.. maybe user error or a heavy handed approach? 4 to 5 stars all around
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Submitted July 21, 2014 by Bob W in Murphy, TX
"Amazing!!!!"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Bang for the buck is an understatement!!!
Musical Background:
Les Paul electric, Taylor Aco
Musical Style:
Rock and Blues
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