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, as 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 Vintage Channel Strip
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.
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
All-tube mic preamp section derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
Signature 1176LN Class A FET compressor section, as 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
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.
CONNECTIONS
Preamplifier Section
Microphone (Female XLR)
Inputs
Balanced Line (Female XLR)
Unbalanced Line/Instrument (1/4" jack) (D.I.)
Outputs
Balanced Line (Male XLR) for use in "Split Mode"
Compressor Section
Input
Balanced Line (Female XLR) for use in "Split Mode"
Output
Balanced Line (Male XLR)
CONTROLS
Preamplifier Section
Microphone: 500 ohm, 2 kOhm
Input Select
Balanced Line
Hi-Z instrument: 47 kOhm, 2.2 MOhm
Variable Gain
(Input Feedback Control)
5 dB increments @ -10, -5, 0, +5, +10 dB
Output Level Control
HF Shelf EQ
Switchable boost/cut: 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 9 dB
Corner Frequency Select: 4.5 kHz, 7 kHz, 10 kHz
LF Shelf EQ
Switchable boost/cut: 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 9 dB
Corner Frequency Select: 70 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz
Other
-15dB Pad Switch
Polarity Reverse Switch
48 Volt Phantom Power Switch
Join/Split Switch (for joint or independent compressor/preamplifier operation)
Compressor Section
Input Gain
Output Gain
Attack
Release
Bypass
1:1
4:1
Compression Ratio
8:1
12:1
20:1
and "All Button" mode
Preamp Output
Meter Select
Compressor Gain Reduction
Compressor Output
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Microphone (selectable)
- 500 ohms or 2K ohms
Input Impedance
Balanced Line – 3.8K ohms
Hi-Z (selectable)
-2.2 Meg ohms or 47K ohms
Vacuum Tubes
(1) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 per channel
Power Requirements
115/230 volts
Weight
11.75 lbs.
Dimensions
19" Rackmount chassis, 2U
Alan Moon (Sweetwater)
"The 6176 is a piece of gear that I never want to record without again."
10/1999
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
Brian Ahem (Daily News)
“The 6176 has a powerful and articulate midrange lens, and the compression has always been one of my favorites.”
05/2003
Corey Rooney (Destiny's Child)
"Breathy voice sounds particularly amazing through the 6176; it is fat and soft like a ball of cotton"
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
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!"
Gary Paczosa (Allison Krauss)
“I bought two of the 6176s because we just loved the sound of them."
George Shilling (Resolution Magazine)
"Overall this [6176] is a terrific Unit"
05/2003
James Mercer (The Shins)
"I love that thing [the 6176]. I mean everything that I record goes through that."
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
Mitch Gallagher (EQ Magazine)
"The [6176] unit is tremendously flexible, both functionally and tonally."
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
Rik Simpson (Coldplay)
"Chris' [Martin of Coldplay] vocals always go through a 6176."
Mitch Gallagher (EQ)
“The [6176's] preamp sounds awesome ... the 1176 section provides sought-after compression & limiting characteristics."
03/2003
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.”
