I use a traditional recording console for my recordings and I was pretty happy with the way everything sounded. My perception has definitely changed after experiencing the Universal Audio LA-610. It worked great for revitalizing old recordings. I reamped keyboard, acoustics, bass guitar, and vocals.
The first things that catch your attention on the LA-610 are the large knobs. The faceplate design has a straight-forward layout with the preamp on the left, and compressor on the right. The rotary knobs “click” as you move between settings and makes you feel like you’re doing something amazing! I found that it really made it easy to experiment with or accurately recreate previous settings.
As you wait for it to warm up, you feel like it’s alive and the anticipation is killing you. Engage the 48 volt phantom power and the signal comes in. I heard things that I had never heard before. The room sounded like it opened up. Everything that you have read about this preamp is true. The 610 tube pre has smooth mids, robust lows, as well as a clarity on the top end. It also adds even order harmonic content to the signal. The selectable input impedance gives you more options to dial in your tone. It makes your current microphones sound more expensive! I will never use an inexpensive mixer for vocals again. Whether you are tracking, performing live, or revitalizing old recordings, the LA-610 can handle it. I own it, this item is a must-have.
