UAD Spotlight: UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ

Everything you need to know about getting classic tube tone in your DAW.

Now available natively, our UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection has long been a go-to for engineers looking to add warmth, depth, and character to their recordings. 

In this UAD Spotlight episode, join Drew Mazurek as he explores what makes the UA 610-A and 610-B channel strips such powerful tools, and how you can use them to add undeniable vintage warmth to your mixes.

The First of its Kind

Originally designed by Bill Putnam Sr. as the input section of his modular 610 recording console, the UA 610 tube mic preamp was revolutionary for its time. Initially released in 1958, it was among the earliest preamps to include built-in EQ.

The 610-A UAD plug-in faithfully models this original design — delivering the vintage warmth of the original circuit. The 610-B gives you a slightly brighter and more modern sound, with additional flexibility found in classic hardware units like the LA-610 and 6176 channel strips.

Colorful Tube Sound for Your Entire Mix

On a single track, the differences between mic preamps can be subtle. But it becomes more clear when layered across an entire mix. Both the UA 610-A and 610-B add harmonic saturation, owing to their tube circuit design. And while their sound is similar, each is unique in the way it adds weight and presence to a mix. 

The 610-A gives tracks a warm, vintage feel. The 610-B adds clarity and punch. And when used together in a mix, you can hear the contrast right away.

"The difference between preamps can be subtle. But there’s a cumulative effect when they’re used multiple times in your mix."

Drew Mazurek (Linkin Park, GWAR, Jawbox)

Musical EQs That Are Hard to Get Wrong

Both plug-ins feature simple EQs designed for fast and intuitive tone shaping. The 610-A gives you low and high-shelf options at fixed frequencies. The more modern 610-B expands on this, with multiple frequency choices for greater control.

Because these EQs are part of a feedback based design, your EQ moves also influence saturation. So making even small adjustments feels musical and intentional.

Enjoy Authentic 610 Sound with Apollo

If you own an Apollo audio interface, you can use the 610 UAD plug-ins with Unison technology. This means you get the unique preamp characteristics that truly make the original hardware so special. And you get it all with extremely low latency monitoring, since you offload processing from your computer to your Apollo.

The result is a more realistic, hardware-like recording experience. While effective on any source, Unison technology is especially noticeable when tracking vocals or DI instruments like bass and guitar.

Tube Tone for Your Next Project

The UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection is great on nearly any source — but it excels on vocals, bass, drums, and guitars. Whether you’re tracking with Unison technology through an Apollo, or mixing your next record, these plug-ins give you a simple toolset with tremendous power.

If you’re looking to add character, warmth, and timeless tone to your productions, try the UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection today!

– Austin Lyons

Related Articles:

• Discover the Legacy of Universal Audio in Muscle Shoals

• Five Reasons Microphone Preamps Matter

• Best Plug-In Chains with the UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ

• UA 610: The Console That Changed Recording Forever