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Universal Audio SOLO/610 Tube Desktop Microphone Preamp

All-tube 1-channel Mic Preamp and DI Box
37 Write review Item ID: Solo610
$1,199.00

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Universal Audio SOLO/610 Tube Desktop Microphone Preamp
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All-tube Preamp/DI with Classic UA Sound

The SOLO/610 mic preamp/DI box from Universal Audio brings the best of their preamp designs to a single-channel format. The SOLO series features the solid build and audiophile components that define UA quality. Its portable form factor is convenient for use in the studio and control room, onstage, and on your desktop. The all-tube SOLO/610 imparts its alluring, characteristic warmth to all your digital recordings. Vocals take on new life; direct bass sounds huge and round; drums sound fat and punchy. Take it from Sweetwater: if you want to make great-sounding music, you need the right front end: the Universal Audio SOLO/610.

Related Videos: SOLO/610 Tube Desktop Microphone Preamp

Classic Putnam Sound in a portable package

The SOLO/610 delivers the classic Putnam 610 console sound in a single channel format with a rugged, highly versatile form factor, at a price every project studio can afford. Unlike stationary rack gear, the portable "go anywhere" design of the SOLO/610 makes it perfect for laying down great-sounding tracks at home, in the studio, and on the road. Functionally lean but sonically mean, the SOLO/610 was carefully created to maintain all of the character of its vintage predecessor and has the same solid build and audiophile components professionals expect from UA.

Vintage sound, modern flexibility

The SOLO/610 gives you extended-range, continuous Gain and Level controls for precise gain staging that yields a versatile sonic palette ranging from warm cleans to tasty vintage coloration. The SOLO/610 delivers all the essentials: a classic Putnam 610 console mic pre with switchable 48V phantom power, direct instrument input, highpass filter, polarity reverse, and flexible dual impedance selection for Mic and DI inputs. For maximum flexibility, the SOLO/610 also includes a convenient DI throughput plus a Ground Lift and a Line/Mic level output switch.

Universal Audio SOLO/610 Mic Preamp/DI Features:

  • Record through a legendary tube circuit
  • Classic Putnam 610 console mic preamplifier and DI with throughput
  • Add tube euphonics and girth to any mic or direct input
  • Gain, Level, and impedance selection for maximum tonal versatility
  • Portable design for studio, desktop or stage
  • Rugged steel chassis
  • Switchable Mic/Line level output
  • Legendary UA build quality and heritage
  • Handcrafted in UA's Scotts Valley, California labs

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Studio Preamp Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" (DI Thru)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Height: 5"
  • Depth: 14"
  • Width: 5.75"
  • Weight: 9 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: S610

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Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5

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My 2nd 610

Bought my first Solo 610 in 2022 (see my previous review) & instantly fell in love. So after a year in use, I decided it was time for a second unit. Here are some thoughts based on my year experience with the Solo 610 recording acoustic music. On vocals it delivered just what I hoped for. A large full bodied warm image. On acoustic guitars, mandolin, dulcimer etc it was pretty much the same results. All the sonic sharp edges that get produced on steel strings were nicely rounded off. Lastly, as a DI for bass and electric guitar the 610 was nothing less than amazing. FINAL THOUGHTS: First & foremost before buying the 610 you need to understand the 610 is going to change the sound coming from your mics. So be prepared for adjustments. This is not the unit to buy if you seek a clear & transparent transfer of sound. When I want transparent, I use my Focusrite ISA TWO. That being said, I love the 610 and I bought my 2nd unit because I want to take that vintage old school sound fully stereo. Are there plug ins or less expensive options out there that can do the same..probably. However, I am from the days of tape and hardware so the 610 totally made sense to me. Keep it Simple & Less is More.
by Vince E from Philadelphia on
Music background: project studio, composer, multi instrumentalist

Absolutely Amazing

I fell in love with the 610 Solo the moment I heard it. I have been using a Focusrite ISA Two for years and love it's amazing transparency but I was really craving a unit that would add some high quality old school tube character to my vocals without turning into mud. WOW..The 610 totally delivers. I use an Austrian Audio OC818 for vocals and the 610 just turned it into a luscious beast. BUT WAIT THERE"S MORE...... The 610 is a stunning DI Box. It just blows my mind..totally gorgeous results. The build quality is top notch..this unit is worth every penny..
by Vincent E from Philadelphia on

wow what the heck

Had I known what this could do for my recordings sooner, this would've been the first piece of equipment I would have bought. Amazing.
by Martin West from DE on
Music background: Lifelong musician/songwriter.

Amazed

I've used as a mic pre before, and knew what that was all about.
That DI feature on the SOLO is nothing short of amazing. I've been pushing it with pedals, getting gnarly distortion, and doing things you're not supposed to do.
It all comes out sounding beautiful...
by Jeremy Ray on

Stunning!

The Universal Audio SOLO/610 is terrific—I use it for everything. Coming from a world of analog and tape, I have been hard pressed to find something that makes a difference with digital recording at home (on a budget). Considering the price, it is worth every penny. I can't recommend it enough.
by BTL on

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Paul Allen

I've owned a SOLO/610 for years now and there's nothing else at this price point that offers the amount of vintage sound and detail that the 610 pre does. I use it first as my go-to tube pre on vocals, however many people (myself included) also use the DI for bass, keyboards, and guitar. I've even used the 610 as a DI live several times because nothing else seemed to get me the warm sound I wanted for bass.

Mitch Gallagher

Universal Audio's involvement in the professional audio business goes back a long way - the original company's products date back to Bill Putnam Sr.'s groundbreaking designs back in the 1950s. Now Universal Audio has added two new preamps to its line-up: The Solo/110 and Solo/610. The two Solos are nearly identical externally; but inside they're very different animals. The tube-based Solo/610 is based on the historic original 610 console Putnam built, which was used by artists ranging from Sinatra to Van Halen. The solid-state Solo/110 is a discrete Class A preamp based on Universal Audio's high-end Precision 8110 and 4110 models. Both models are housed in the same rugged steel "desktop"-style enclosure, which has a convenient handle on top and an angled front panel that makes seeing settings easy. This form factor makes it easy to grab a Solo and place it in the studio near a microphone, to take it on location, or to position it near your computer, recorder, or mixer. You can rackmount up to three units side-by-side using an optional rackmount shelf. Aside from the fact that the two units have different circuits inside, each has its own types of switches and knobs - the 610 goes for big "vintage"-style knobs and toggle switches, the 110 has lighted pushbutton switches and streamlined "modern" knobs. Both preamps have a DI input (with a DI thru connection for routing the signal to a guitar or bass amp), high and low input impedance settings, switchable phantom power, a low-cut filter, and a phase (polarity) switch on their front panels. Knobs are provided for controlling input gain and output level; a tri-color LED shows signal present, near clipping, and clipping. Around back, each has a power switch and IEC power cable connection, an XLR mic input, and an XLR output with switchable mic/line level setting and ground lift switch. You might think that "straight-ahead" preamps like the Solo series have just one sound. But in fact, these are quite versatile units. First up, you can alter the tone of the preamps by changing the input impedance. Beyond this, you can dial in the tone to taste using the gain structure of the preamp. By running the input gain control lower and the output level higher, you get a clean, transparent tone. Turn up the input gain and turn the output down, and you get a fatter, more harmonically rich tone. It works sort of like a guitar amp - turn the preamp up for more drive, and use the output control to set the final volume. Although they're operationally identical, naturally there are tonal differences between the 610 and 110. The 110 tends toward a clear, pristine, sound, without a lot of coloration - perfect for when you want to capture a natural, realistic sound. I found that it compared favorably to some of the high-end "straight-wire" preamps in my studio. As you turn up the gain, the 610 has all the tube "girth" and punch that you'd expect from a vintage design - we're talking fat, with a smooth top end. It's great for rounding out and warming up a signal. Whether you're looking for a pure, clean sound or a vintage tube-ified tone, the Solo/110 and Solo/610 deliver. They're compact, convenient, and decidedly affordable. In fact, you'll want both; I found the two units were perfectly complementary to one another. Where one wasn't right for a signal, the other stepped right in and sounded great. Both are clean, quiet, rugged, and easy to use. Universal Audio has a pair of winners on their hands with the new Solo preamps!
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See also: Stu Preamp, Universal Audio, Universal Audio Preamps
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