Analog Heaven: Universal Audio Launches LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip Plug-In

The best of UA's 610 tube preamp, LA-2A, and 1176 compressors, combined into a single Unison-enabled plug-in.

SCOTTS VALLEY, CA • May 28, 2024 — Universal Audio Inc. (UA), a worldwide leader in audio production tools, is proud to introduce the LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip plug-in, combining the company's famed 610 tube preamp, 1176 FET compressor, and LA-2A tube compressor into a single Unison-enabled plug-in, available in both UADx (Native) and UAD-2/Apollo formats.

The LA‑6176 plug‑in gets its name from the classic hand‑built 6176 Tube Channel Strip, a professional studio staple and an essential ingredient to the sound of hit records by artists including Coldplay, Adele, and Pharrell*, thanks to its ability to quickly add warmth, presence, and analog vibe on vocals, guitars, bass, and more.

Unlike the original UA 6176 hardware unit, the LA‑6176 plug‑in lets users select between fast, punchy 1176LN Limiting Amplifier compression, and slower, gentler LA‑2A Leveling Amplifier compression, a feature never before found in a UAD plug‑in that lets music creators "tune" the channel strip to better match the source.

“This is really a 'what if we just…' type of plug‑in," said Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio. "It started out as a 100‑percent faithful emulation of our original 6176 Channel Strip in celebration of it's 20th anniversary. But our team couldn't help but add in the LA‑2A circuitry that we couldn't actually fit into our 2U channel strip in the physical world."

The UAD LA‑6176 Signature Channel Strip is Unison‑enabled for use with Apollo interfaces, precisely matching mic input impedance and gain staging of the original hardware for a sound indistinguishable from analog.

LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip

Key Benefits:

• Record and mix with three of the most historically‑significant pieces of analog gear ever made, in one elegant channel strip
• Get the smooth harmonics and rich overdrive of a vintage UA 610 tube preamp on vocals and instruments
• Instantly get the famous punch of the 1176, or the smooth warmth of an LA‑2A, at the flip of a switch
• Record in realtime with Apollo interfaces, putting three legendary processors in a single Unison slot

Exclusive Introductory Price: Half Yearly Sale from May 28‑June 30, 2024

The LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip plugin is priced at $299 MAP, but for a limited time, customers can take advantage of a special introductory offer of $99 during UA’s Half Yearly Sale from May 28‑June 30, 2024.

*Use of artist names does not constitute official endorsement of LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip software. All trademarks are property of their respective owners and used only to represent the effects modeled as part of LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip software.

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