Best Plug-In Chains with the UA 610

Get inspiring sounds for vocals and guitar.

The 610 channel strip was one of UA founder Bill Putnam Sr.’s earliest designs. Used on countless iconic recordings, from Ray Charles to Neil Young to Van Halen, it's known for adding warmth and tube saturation.

The UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection gives you the same timeless analog character right in your DAW. In this article we’ll walk you through some of our favorite 610-based signal chains for vocals and guitar.

Bill Putnam Sr.'s 610 modular console was the first of its kind. To this day, the tube channel strips at the heart of the 610 are known for adding warmth and presence to anything that passes through them.

What is a plug-in chain?

A plug‑in chain is any combination of effects added to a track in your DAW.

In a recording studio, producers typically add multiple plug-ins and analog processors to tracks, depending on the genre and desired sound. While complex chains can feature many processors, great sounds can often be achieved with just a few effects.

What is a preamp?

Microphones produce a very low-level signal that isn’t strong enough for recording on its own. It needs to be boosted. That’s the job of a microphone preamp.

Mic preamps brings the mic’s signal up to a usable level, often referred to as line level, so it can be recorded or processed cleanly. And different mic preamps leave their own sonic imprint on your signal.

Recording interfaces typically include built-in preamps — usually IC/op-amp designs — that aim to impart as little coloration as possible.

Analog preamps can be quite colorful. Classic studio preamps like those found in Neve or UA 610 consoles use tube or solid-state designs that introduce rich harmonics and smooth out transients.

“The preamp is your base coat. If you get that right, all your other effects sound better.”

Will Shanks, Sr. Product Designer at Universal Audio

The 610 UAD plug-in is known for adding pleasing tube warmth and saturation to vocals.

UA 610 Plug-In Chains for Vocals

Singer-Songwriter

UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection > Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection > Capitol Chambers

You can add subtle warmth and compression to a delicate vocal recording by pairing the UA 610 with a tube compressor like the LA-2A. This combination allows you to control dynamics while letting the natural performance shine.

The Capital Chambers reverb plug-in is perfect for finishing things off. It features time-tested room sounds that add the ideal space and dimension for vocals.

R&B/Hip-Hop

UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection > 1176 Classic Limiter Collection > Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb

The UA 610 is an indispensable tool for genres that require a more present vocal. When you add a fast compressor like the legendary 1176, you’ll get recognizable FET sizzle that seats vocals on top of the mix. Add a touch of space from the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb and you have a winning vocal chain.

Rock/Modern

UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection > 1176 Classic Limiter Collection > Hitsville Reverb Chambers

When your track needs a high energy vocal performance, pushing the gain on the UA 610 gives you rich harmonics and character. When paired with an 1176 limiter for quick compression and ambience from the Hitsville Reverb Chambers, you’ll have no problem cutting through heavy drums or huge synths.

Analog preamps can be quite colorful. They add warmth and presence so tracks can stand out in a dense mix.

When recording guitar, choosing the right preamp can bring out the best in your performance and tone.

UA 610 Plug-In Chains for Guitar

Acoustic

UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection > Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection > Hitsville Reverb Chambers

If you want to mellow out the transients on a bright acoustic guitar sound, try pairing the UA 610 tube preamp with the Teletronix LA-2A tube compressor and Hitsville Reverb Chambers.

Rock/Metal

UAD Lion ‘68 Super Lead Amp > UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection > Galaxy Tape Echo

Countless rock recordings have started with a cranked Marshall amp. The UAD Lion ‘68 is the perfect foundation for a killer distorted guitar sound. Then you can use the UA 610’s tube goodness after your amp to add weight and roll off harsh top end. If more space is needed, you can reach for a classic delay like the Galaxy Tape Echo.

Modern

UAD Ruby ‘63 Top Boost Amplifier > UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection > Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb

For a modern guitar sound, start with the sparkle and chime of the UAD Ruby ‘63 Top Boost Amplifier. Using the UA 610 channel strip second gives you just enough character to slot your guitar in the mix. When huge reverb effects are needed, the Lexicon 224 delivers in spades.

— Austin Lyons