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Overview

6176 Vintage Channel Strip

A Classic Tube Microphone Preamp and 1176-Style Compressor in a Single Unit.

The 6176 Vintage Channel Strip combines the alluring, all-tube sounds of the legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 microphone preamp, with the signature FET compression of our 1176LN, to create the ultimate recording channel strip. The warm, smooth tones of this mic preamp design — employed to record everyone from Frank Sinatra to Van Halen I — and the unique characteristics of the compressor, are two major reasons why the 6176 is found in studios around the world.

  • All-tube mic preamp section derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
  • Signature 1176LN Class A FET compressor section — heard on countless hit records for more than 30 years
  • "Split" or "Join" switch allows separate or series operation of the preamp and compressor
  • Hand-built in USA; backed by 1-Year limited warranty
  • View All Features

Thanks to its straightforward controls and hallmark sound, the 6176 is the signal path of choice for engineering heavyweights like Vance Powell and Joe Chiccarelli, plus artists including Chris Martin of Coldplay, Norah Jones, Wyclef Jean, and James Mercer of The Shins. The ability to “Split” or “Join” the preamp and the compressor sections via a simple switch gives the 6176 added flexibility. This is truly UA’s premier channel strip, and among the world’s finest.

610B Mic Pre

The 2-610 microphone and instrument preamplifier has received praise from many corners. Michael Cooper, in his review for Mix Magazine, called it "hands-down, the most dimensional mic preamp I've ever heard". Peter Wade, engineer/producer who has worked with acts ranging from Wyclef Jean to Jennifer Lopez, said simply, "This box rocks." The 6176 mic preamp sections maintains the quality and character of the 2-610 while adding high-tension power regulation for improved bass response and a front-panel 15db pad switch.

1176LN Limiting Amplifier

As legendary engineer/producer Andy Johns put it, "The 1176LN is the workhorse compressor." The 1176LN may well be the most loved compressor in history. Its trademark lightning-quick attack and release times and the tone of it's Class A output amplifier have enhanced countless recordings over the last thirty-five years. We've recreated the 1176LN for the compressor section of the 6176 with the same exacting, attention to detail and tradition we use on our 1176LN. The resulting character, heritage and tone simply cannot be found on other channel strip units.


Features & Specs

6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Features:
  • All-tube mic preamp section derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
  • Signature 1176LN Class A FET compressor section — heard on countless hit records for more than 30 years
  • "Split" or "Join" switch allows separate or series operation of the preamp and compressor
  • High and Low frequency shelving EQ
  • Variable impedance Input, Gain, and Output levels
  • Mic, balanced Line, and Hi-Z inputs
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Stereo interconnection via 1176-SA
  • Hand-built in USA; backed by 1-Year limited warranty
6176 Join Split Diagram

In "Join" mode, a single input signal is fed through the microphone/instrument preamp and then through the compressor. In "Split" mode, one signal can be fed into and out of the preamp/EQ section while a second can be fed into and out of the compressor section.


Reviews

Reviews

1 of 4
  • Matt Appleton

    (Foxy Shazam)

    "If I could only have one piece of gear, I would choose the 6176 hands down. I NEED it."

    05/2010

    Gareth Jones

    (Erasure, Mogwai)

    "As soon as we started with the 6176 there were smiles all around, so it stayed on the session. Thanks UA!"

    Rik Simpson

    (Coldplay)

    "Chris' [Martin of Coldplay] vocals always go through a 6176."

    Corey Rooney

    (Destiny's Child)

    "Breathy voice sounds particularly amazing through the 6176; it is fat and soft like a ball of cotton"

    James Mercer

    (The Shins)

    "I love that thing [the 6176]. I mean everything that I record goes through that."

  • Gary Paczosa

    (Allison Krauss)

    “I bought two of the 6176s because we just loved the sound of them."

    Gareth Jones

    (Grizzly Bear, Depeche Mode)

    "I love my 6176 which gets used all the time wherever I am tracking. A practical & great sounding workhorse."

    11/2009

    Ed MacFarlane

    (Friendly Fires)

    "[I use] the 6176 as my preamp & compressor, and I've been using the UAD plug-ins once the track's in the computer."

    Review
    10/2009

    Dave Martin

    (Audio Media)

    "The real strength of the 6176 is simply that it delivers that sound we all know from a lifetime of listening to records."

    06/2003

    Barry Rudolph

    (Mix Magazine)

    "The 6176 is a true original with deep retro roots in an updated and modern form and capable of a huge, impressive sound."

    06/2003
  • Garacino

    (Recording Musicien)

    "Quality de fabrication dans le respect de la tradition"

    05/2003

    Brian Ahern

    (Mix)

    “The 6176 has a powerful and articulate midrange lens, and the compression has always been one of my favorites.”

    05/2003

    Larry Crane

    (TapeOp Magazine)

    "I almost don’t see this so much as a 'Channel Strip', but as a couple of really great pieces of gear in one box."

    05/2003

    George Shilling

    (Resolution Magazine)

    "Overall this [6176] is a terrific Unit"

    05/2003

    Mitch Gallagher

    (EQ Magazine)

    "The [6176] unit is tremendously flexible, both functionally and tonally."

    03/2003
  • Mitch Gallagher

    (EQ)

    “The [6176's] preamp sounds awesome ... the 1176 section provides sought-after compression & limiting characteristics."

    03/2003

    Mitch Gallagher

    (EQ Magazine)

    "With the 6176, Universal Audio has created a box where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

    03/2003

    Alan Moon

    (Sweetwater)

    "The 6176 is a piece of gear that I never want to record without again."

    10/1999

User Ratings

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Average Rating (16 Reviews)
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    by D. Skoglund (Saturday 12 May, 2012)

    Wow, what sonic joy! I recorded a Strat direct to a track using the 6176. I sent that out to a Rivera Quiana, tweaked the sound at the amp, set up an AT 4033 in the sweet spot, plugged the mic into the 6176 then recorded that to another track. Great sound and so much fun! I would buy it again in a h … Read more

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    by J. Cottini (Friday 25 November, 2011)

    Chaleur / efficacité / Gros sons & qualité sont aux rendez-vous ! Sur voix comme instruments J'adore le 6176 !!! STUDIO EAST SELEK-CION … Read more

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    by P. Stephan (Tuesday 1 November, 2011)

    This Channel Strip is amazing! Its extremely versatile and sounds incredible. I was able to achieve any sound that I could think of just by tweaking the gain stage and the EQ. The EQ sounds really musical and even though the parameters are limited I couldn't ask for more during recording. What I als … Read more

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    by T. Rivers (Sunday 18 September, 2011)

    I love it ! Anything i record through it sounds amazing ! Cant wait to buy another 6176 and a 2-1176. Universal Audio makes the best gear ! Also i love my UAD-2 Quad ! Thank you UA. … Read more

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    by C. Harris (Sunday 26 June, 2011)

    Dear Uaudio, I purchased the 6176 as part of the deal which included the UAD-2 Quad card. I use a Mindprint DTC and Vintech X73i for audio tracking at present. The 6176 is just better as a single channel. I love the EQs on the Mindprint and the X73i, but the combination of the mic pre and 1176 comp … Read more


Artists
  • Paul Epworth

    Epworth on producing Adele's Grammy-winning album, her all-UA vocal chain, and his unique production aesthetic. Read more

    Rik Simpson

    Simpson has worked on three of Coldplay's albums, including Mylo Xyloto, which he co-produced, engineered, and helped mix. Read more

    Jacknife Lee

    An Irish musician, remixer, producer, and engineer, Jacknife Lee has worked with legendary rock bands... Read more

  • Rik Simpson

    It was a great treat to interview UK producer/engineer Rik Simpson on his use of UA gear with the band Coldplay. Read more

Docs

UA 2011 Product Catalog.pdf

6176 Manual.pdf