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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection
Studio & Recording > Preamps > Single-Channel Preamps > Universal Audio M-610

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Universal Audio M-610 (No Longer Available)

Item ID: M610

Sorry, the Universal Audio M-610 is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.

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From Our Research Team:

The Universal Audio M610™ is mono version of the 2-610, with a simplified EQ section. Other than that, the sound and features are identical to the 2-610. It has the same vibrant high frequency response and deep, gorgeous low end that has graced countless recordings and continues Universal Audio’s reputation for sonic excellence. Designed by Bill Putnam, the Universal Audio 610 was among the first modular recording consoles. Early Universal Audio consoles were used in all of Putnam's studios including Universal Recording in Chicago and United Western in Los Angeles. Many prominent engineers such as Bruce Swedien began their careers in these studios with this classic rotary knob console. The UA 610 was particularly well noted for its preamplifier, and has left its mark on countless classic recordings from Sinatra to Pet Sounds to Van Halen to LA Woman. Universal Audio carefully modeled the UA M610 after the microphone amplifier section of the 610 console. Unlike many vintage "style" mic pres, the M610 is true to the design of its predecessor. Their expertise in analog design translates into a classic tube preamplifier with all of the character of its vintage predecessor, yet designed for the requirements and rigor of the modern studio. Universal Audio took great care to preserve the quality and character of the original, while adding functionality with more boost/cut settings, phantom power, direct inputs and impedance controls. The Universal Audio M610 Mic Pre is the perfect tool for tracking and ideal when used in conjunction with a Universal Audio compressor such as the 1176LN and Teletronix LA-2A. Whether you're running pure analog or seeking to enhance your digital audio workstation, the M610 will bring classic tube character to your recording. The affordable M610 is perfect for the pro and project studio.

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Reviews

delicious

by Anonymous
October 1, 2005
Music Background:
This is definitely a high end piece of gear. Acoustic guitar sounds quite delicious through it. It's full, robust and simple to use. I seriously doubt you'll find a better tube preamp for less than ... read more [+]a grand. The only complaint I have is that it doesn't have a clip led, which seems like it wouldn't be that expensive to have included in the product design. A very nice mic pre indeed. close [-]

Look in the Inside!

by Yuriy Machinskiy from Seattle, WA USA
April 1, 2005
Music Background:
In the inside of UA M610 you will see huge (4 inch)toroidal power transformer. The whole right side is the power supply. (parts cost ~$250-350)
At the left side you will see stepped regulators... read more [+] + input and otput transformers + plate with two tubes and huge VIMA capasitors.(parts cost ~$500-600)
That power supply would power the whole Home Theater system or two Mackie 1604 mixers. Well, than you will get that Mackie sound as well.
By changing stock 12AX7a with NOS Mullard tube (~$30) I was able to get that "Green Day" kind of sound. I was told Green Day did used an original 610 board.
From the point of value it is better to own two M610s than one of their stereo versions. Yes Universal Audio trows you a "better" EQ in the stereo version. But think about that power supply with no limits and cross talk of two channels. You do not need an EQ at that altitude of gear, ask high end people what do they think about gear with more than a volume control. Almost forget, cheap mikes sound much much better with M610. But, M610 will also show you the diference between $100 dollar mike, $ 1,000 dollar mike and $10,000 Telefunken mike. close [-]

Universal Audio M610

by Anonymous
September 1, 2004
Music Background:
Universal Audio may not be as well known to the home recording community as other brands, but it's pedigree will quickly be apparent to anyone using it for the first time. Having used the M610 fo... read more [+]r several months, on diverse sources such as vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, and even an ancient Native American ceremonial drum, it has been a joy to work with. Although not equipped with the bells and whistles that most channel strip devices include, and with a simplified EQ, the M610 still more than holds it's own against the competition. Unlike many competitors who use the "starved plate" approach, the tubes in this unit actually do the amplification. (Safety Note: Keep your hands the hell out of the insides of this unit, as there is some serious voltages running to the tubes) Hearing is believing, and although I have only a few other preamps to compare it to, I have to say that it is by far the best in my collection. The input impedence adjustment has been a great feature for loading ribbon microphones, and every mic in my collection, from the 57s to the U195 are putting out better sound than I have ever heard from them. The bottom line: This thing just plain works! I want another one!! close [-]

UA M610

by Eric from CT
September 1, 2004
Music Background:
Sweet piece...


...in all actuality, this unit is known by EVERYONE in home recording- it's just that they can't afford it. This is a great mic pre that gives your trac... read more [+]ks that extra -something- ...it'll add a little zing to the high end, giving your tracks a nice sweet sound. The real reason to get this thing would be the way that it reporoduces low end. It's all too common to have your bass or kick disappear into the mix. Adding EQ only craps up the mix, and taking away other frequencies on other tracks screws with your whole mix and causes it to suffer. The solution? Tubes. Add a mic pre like this and your low end will be tighter, have more punch and sit on the mix. As a vocal pre, you can and should find better. It sounds pretty good on a mic, but lacks gain stages that will give you a lot of sounds to work with. This is a better mic pre for your instruments---- especially anthing with a little (or a lot of) low end. close [-]
See Also: Universal Audio , Universal Audio Single-Channel Preamps

Universal Audio M-610

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