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A classic tube microphone preamp and 1176LN 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 — and the unique characteristics of the compressor, are two major reasons why the 6176 is found in studios around the world.

Record through the all-tube mic preamp derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console

Compress signals with the 1176LN Class A FET compressor section — heard on countless hit records for more than 40 years

Use the "Split" or "Join" switch for separate or series operation of the preamp and compressor

Shape your tracks through vintage UA, "handmade in the USA," circuits

Two Classics in One

Two Classics in One

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.

The 610B — A World Renowned Mic Preamp

The 610B — A World Renowned Mic Preamp

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.

The 1176LN — A Compressor with Tone

The 1176LN — A Compressor with Tone

As legendary engineer/producer Andy Johns put it, "The 1176LN is the workhorse compressor." In fact, 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 strips.

Key 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 40 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

Parameters

Preamp:

Microphone Input Impedance: Selectable, 500 Ω(ohms) or 2k
Balanced Line Input Impedance: 20k Ω
Hi-Z Input Impedance: Selectable between 2.2 M Ω or 47 k Ω
Maximum Microphone Input Level: +18 dBu (2k input impedance and 15 dB Pad in)
Maximum Output Level: +20 dBm
Internal Output Impedance: 80 Ω
Recommended Minimum Load: 600 Ω
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -1 dB
Maximum Gain: 65 dB (500 Ω input impedance)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio > 90 dB (@ maximum gain)

Limiting Amplifier:

Input Impedance: Selectable, 15k Ω (ohms) or 600 Ω
Output Load: Impedance 600 Ω (floating)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1 dB
Gain: 40 dB, ± 1 dB
Distortion: > 0.5% T.H.D. from 50 Hz – 15 kHz with limiting, at 1.1 seconds release setting. Output of +22 dBm with no greater than 0.5% T.H.D.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 75 dB
Attack Time: Adjustable, from 20 to 800 microseconds
Release Time: Adjustable, from 50 milliseconds to 1.1 seconds
Stereo Interconnection: Optional, using 1176SA stereo interconnect accessory

General:

Tube Complement: (1) 12AX7A, (1) 12AT7A
Power Requirements: 115V/230V
Power Connector: Detachable IEC power cable.
Fuse: 400 mA time delay (slow blow) / 115 V200 mA time delay (slow blow) / 230 V
Power Indicator Light: 28 V bulb (type 1819)
Dimensions 1: 9" W x 3.5" H x 12.25" D (two rack unit)
Weight: 12 lb.

Customer Reviews

6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Overall Rating

4.8/5
(82)

F. Fiore

November 9, 2017

Great warm tube sound

Sounds flawless it's preamp and compressor in one machine really the right choice. It will be better If I could find still the LA 2 A Compressor not as plug in but the true device. Thanks uaudio

J. Harris

November 4, 2017

6176

Adding the 6176 channel strip gave me a vibe I was missing in my studio. Big Ups UA! Thx
@DoctaJ504

G. Justen

October 29, 2017

you have to like it

I like this channel very much because it brings a lot of possibilities to change the sound of voices (vocal, instruments) and it looks very good and makes joy. And it sounds great!

B. MAHONEY

October 9, 2017

Love at First Sight.

When you need a tool that does it all...

B. Watts

October 7, 2017

Classic!!!

The 6176 is an awesome front end and if need be, one stop solution for vocals, guitar and bass! The option to separate the sections and use them individually, gives you great flexibilty!

l. fiol

September 6, 2017

Preamp

I love this Channel Strip... sound better than the Avalon

m. buchbinder

August 7, 2017

Peace of Mind In My Front End

Since I acquired the 6176 I have peace of mind that my front end is not gonna let me down. Whatever I put through it just shines. Hence I record more live vocals more live guitar, all analog gear, live percussion. I take pride in owning such a classic recording gear in today's modern technological playground, cause whatever madness I do to the sound inside the box I know I did my best in capturing it at the source. Thanks UA!

M. Grumeza

August 5, 2017

Best channel strip EVER!!!

EPIC! Use this for both recording and mixing. Absolutely love the "split" function and the ability to link another 1176 for stereo.

P. Karlsson

August 1, 2017

My best friend

With a warm and musical touch 6176 being my best friend for vocal and bass.

M. Menghi

July 29, 2017

Special Channel Strip

6176 has that certain Je Ne Sais quoi. I have a LA 610 MKII and didn't think I could justify the 6176 cost diff. given the pre-amp is the same. I don't think I'll be returning this to Guitar Center. The 1176 FET compressor provides a different sound with the Dr. Pepper Settings than the T4 Optical. Both are great. I'm going to have to keep both. You don't need plugs outside of some reverb or delay.

J. Higuera Del Moral

July 18, 2017

Amazing!

The sound is excellent. The preamp is hot and clean I use it now for everything! Vocals, guitar, bass. The compressor is very clean. I would like a second 6176!

M. Buracchi

June 25, 2017

My instrumental album Reborn

The preamplifier with the Universal Audio Limiter was definitely the touch that gave mastodontic sound to my rock guitar. I'm in love with what this machine can do in pre-amplification as an external hardware for both electric and acoustic guitar sounds, the kind that I play. Thank you guys MB

C. Bjorsell

April 26, 2017

Always amazing!

I've had this in the studio since day one and would never replace it with anything else.
No 1.
That's it.

R. Wheelock

April 11, 2017

it's my go channel strip for vocal takes

it's really great for many things, so it's my go to for kick drums, clean electric guitar sounds and vocals, all kinds of vocals just sound amazing thru the 6176, I also love using the 1176 side of it for clean compression duties...

K. Péter

April 8, 2017

Warm, Fat, heavy

Expensive but almost perfect gear.
Sometimes I use after Pultec eq and La2A on the channel i recorded with it and nothing else is need. Vocals, snare, guitar mic, even guitar line with some amp emulation (Softtube or others from UAD) it is just perfect!!!!! For bass record I use my Manley Core .
6176's eq is simple but effective, after the recording only a few cutting needs sometime for accuracy, but many times nothing - friends are wondering to see, there is no any plugin on my tracks and the sound is still fat, powerful, sensitive and detailed.
Also the compressor part: Usually I put the 1:4 but sometimes, for rocky vocals and guitars I put the allbutton mode. Uh - what this gear can make is an other world. :))) It would be better to have 4 or 8 pieces of this but unfortunately I have only one unit. Sometimes I sleep with her....

p. dwyer

April 2, 2017

Analog Heaven

This all in one channel strip is my first choice for Vox Or Anything that needs that Vintage Sounding Sprinkle Of Gold Dust - Amazing Flexibility and sounds to match - Perfect Front End For Digital Recording

M. Grzella

March 29, 2017

Super

It's great I have been working on it for many years.
Recommendable.

M. Kremer

March 24, 2017

Plug and play at its best

Although it's not the most inexpensive gear out there, I finally decided to get one. I can only say that this channel strip is worth every single penny, dime, or cent. I use it in combination with my Neumann TLM49 mic and without spending too much time tweaking knobs it get huge and excellent sounding results. I use it mainly on vocals and acoustic guitars. When dialing in the right EQ settings and compression with fast attack and release, I'll get the impression that the singer is right in front of my ear drums. This is, at least for the musical style that I mainly produce, probably THE best piece in my signal chain so far. Although, if you're searching for a perfectly clear and transparent channel strip, this preamp might not be the right choice for you. The 610B always adds some color and (more or less) tube distortion/harmonics to the signal - in my opinion, I'd better call it character.

S. Gregg

February 12, 2017

Perfect

It's the best you can get and I love it. I'd recommend to anyone period. With my c12 and u47 it's a match made in Analogue heaven. Get one, or two :-)

P. Johannessen

January 25, 2017

Amazing!

I was lucky to get hold of a 10 year old "new" 6176 from an artist that had used it only a couple of times. Have to say, it sounds wonderful. I have a lot of UAD plugs, but nothing beats the real thing. Absolutely the best sounding amp/compressor I´ve ever had in my studio. The only thing that irritates me is that I didn't buy it 10 years ago! :)