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Overview

LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel

A Classic Tube Microphone Preamp & LA-2A-Style Compressor in a Single Unit

The LA-610 MkII combines an all-tube, vintage mic preamp design — heard on classic albums ranging from The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds to Van Halen I — with authentic Teletronix T4 opto-compression circuitry. This classic channel strip design, with its warm preamp tone and smooth, natural-sounding compression, is updated with modern, user-requested features like true compressor bypass, larger metering, increased output, and an auto-switching power supply.

The LA-610 MkII also boasts much lower noise specs versus vintage models. Elegant and highly popular “Black on Black” cosmetics complete the package. For the serious project studio looking to get the UA sonic experience, the LA-610 MkII offers tone, quality and character at an accessible price.

  • All-tube mic preamp design derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
  • Authentic Teletronix LA-2A-style T4 opto-compressor section
  • Complete vintage channel strip at groundbreaking price within project studio reach
  • UA build quality and heritage, audiophile components, hand-assembled in-house
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The LA-610 MkII is based on the legendary console modules developed by Bill Putnam in the 60's. Noted for their musical character and warmth, innumerous classics by artists ranging from Sinatra to Van Halen have been recorded using these preamps. After the preamp section, the LA-610 MkII offers the T4 optical compressor. The simple operation and program-dependent nature of the LA-610 T4 compressor provides the same extremely musical control that has made the LA-2A such a well-loved classic for more than 40 years. The electro-optical detector, or "T4 cell,” is the heart and soul of the Teletronix LA-2A. Its unique combination of electro-luminescent panel and photo-resistors are the crucial circuit components, giving the compressor its signature sound.

In use, the LA-610 MkII packs tremendous sonic versatility and is an ideal front-end for tracking with modern DAWs.

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Features & Specs

LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel

Features:
  • All-tube mic preamp design derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
  • Authentic Teletronix LA-2A-style T4 opto-compressor section
  • MkII exclusive features include: true compressor bypass, larger metering, increased output, and auto-switching power supply
  • Mic pre with Gain and Level controls, variable impedance switching, and instrument DI for recording tone “color”
  • High and Low frequency shelving EQ
  • Complete vintage channel strip at groundbreaking price within project studio reach
  • UA build quality and heritage, audiophile components, hand-assembled in the USA
  • Backed by 1-Year limited warranty
MkII Improvements:
  • True Bypass of the Compressor Circuit
  • Larger and Better Lit Metering
  • Improved Output Signal Performance
  • Auto-Sensing Universal Power Supply
  • Improved stability with feedback-style shelving EQ
  • Improved consistency with Input Gain values
  • LED Jewel Light Never Needs Replacing
General:
  • Mic, Line and Hi-Z Input, Line Output
  • Dual Impedance Mic and Hi-Z inputs (Mic: 2K, 500Ω, Hi-Z: 2.2M, 47KΩ)
  • 5 position Stepped Preamp Input Gain, Continuous Preamp Output Level
  • -15dB Pad Switch (15dB Pad/Off)
  • Phase reverse (0/180º)
  • 48 volt Phantom Power switch (+48v/Off)
  • +/- 9 dB stepped High Shelving Filter (4.5, 7, 10 kHz)
  • +/- 9 dB stepped Low Shelving Filter (70, 100, 200 Hz)
  • T4 Optical Compressor with Continuous Peak Reduction and Makeup Gain
  • Compress/Limit/Bypass Modes of Dynamic Operation (3:1 / ∞: 1)
  • Meter Source Selector Switch (Preamp/Gain Reduction/Compressor)
  • Front Panel Power switch (On/Off)
  • Custom Altran and Cinemag Transformers
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Reviews

Reviews

1 of 3

  • Carl Glanville

    (U2)

    "The sonic picture is completed with the output of the 610 being connected to my LA-2A or 1176 before being committed to tape."

    Carl Glanville

    (U2)

    "Simultaneously familiar, complimentary and satisfying, [the 610] captures the moment, but also adds a unique color."

    Ariel Borujow

    (P-Diddy, TI, Black Eyed Peas)

    "The LA-610 MkII is my go to front end pre/compressor for all my vocals. It gives me the warmth that i'm looking for before I hit the DAW. I highly recommend it!"

    09/2010

    Jonathan Herrera

    (Bass Player Magazine)

    "The LA-610 Mk II sounds colorful, dynamically sensitive, and warm."

    07/2006

    George Shilling

    (Resolution Magazine)

    "Anyone who believes there’s no action in high-end outboard should be introduced to the UA range of processors."

    Review
    11/2005

  • Hugh Robjohns

    (Sound On Sound)

    "The new LA-610 Mk II represents a very welcome addition to the modern studio equipment list."

    05/2005

    Myles Boisen

    (Electronic Musician)

    "LA-610 Mk II stood up to the competition in a studio that included vintage UREI LA-series compressors and an LA-2A clone."

    Review
    05/2005

    Huw Price

    (Music Tech UK)

    "Forget those phoney retro recording channels with a placebo valve, the LA-610 Mk II is the real deal."

    04/2005

    Michael Cooper

    (Mix Magazine)

    "The LA-610 Mk II has its own beautiful voice. Don't let the low price fool you, [it] belongs in a rack with the priciest gear."

    Review
    03/2005

    Mitch Gallagher

    (EQ Magazine)

    "No matter how you set it [LA-610 Mk II] up, you'll get low noise, great-sounding results."

    12/2004

  • George Shilling

    (Resolution Magazine)

    "The [610 combines] beautifully with the T4 compressor for ample flexibility in most recording situations."

    11/2004

    Matt Still

    (Elton John, Outkast)

    "The LA-610 Mk II has a nice curve line, and a nice, overall warm compression ... it just has a nice, smooth sustain to it."

User Ratings

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Average Rating (45 Reviews)
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    by D. Ganev (Sunday 13 May, 2012)

    Hi its perfect I m very happy with it,but can you tell me please what is the best mic for this preamp? Thank you! … Read more

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    by D. Setaro (Monday 7 May, 2012)

    I cannot say enough about this mic pre/compressor. It has changed the way I record vocals and made the great sounding mics I own sound even better. It truly adds the human warmth back to vocals that digital recording can take away. The EQ points are at the perfect spots for what I do. I have used a … Read more

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    by M. Little (Saturday 5 May, 2012)

    Amazing. . .put everything you record through the LA-610 MkII. . .I mean everything from mics, to bass, to synths and samplers. Plugins are fantastic but they sound even better on material originally tracked through a quality analog recording channel ala the LA-610 MkII. Never recording again withou … Read more

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    by V. Mihailescu (Saturday 5 May, 2012)

    I've had the LA-610 MK2 for a couple of months now and I can tell you already that it's a studio must have! Vocals sound smooth and musical and it's really easy to find the sweet spot for EQ and compression. Good job UA! … Read more

    • 1 Star
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    • 5 Star
    by N. Angus (Thursday 26 April, 2012)

    Great Product, As a A&R in the music business I have come across alot of quality music but the LA-610 MkII Classic Tube has proven to me its very much worth its high end price range it packs a great punch and does what its built for "QUALITY". A++ A&R NIGEL ANGUS LYME LIGHT MUSIC PUBLISHING L … Read more

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Artists

  • Rik Simpson

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

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Docs

UA 2011 Product Catalog.pdf

LA-610 MkII Manual.pdf

Custom Insert Cable.pdf

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Andrew Scheps

Andrew Scheps

Engineering Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mixing Adele. Read the interview…

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