6176 Vintage Channel Strip
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A classic tube microphone preamp and 1176LN 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 — and the unique characteristics of the compressor, are two major reasons why the 6176 is found in studios around the world.Now You Can:
Record through the all-tube mic preamp derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
Compress signals with the 1176LN Class A FET compressor section — heard on countless hit records for more than 40 years
Use the "Split" or "Join" switch for separate or series operation of the preamp and compressor
Shape your tracks through vintage UA, "handmade in the USA," circuits
Two Classics in One
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.
The 610B — A World Renowned Mic Preamp
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.
The 1176LN — A Compressor with Tone
As legendary engineer/producer Andy Johns put it, "The 1176LN is the workhorse compressor." In fact, 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 strips.
“Chris Martin's [of Coldplay] vocals always go through a 6176.”
– Rik Simpson (Coldplay, Portishead, Jay Z)Customer Reviews
M. Fulwider
June 13, 2014
Link in the chain.
I have had my 6176 for 7 or 8 years now. I wanted to buy a chain of components that would create the widest range of popular sonic reproduction I could; based on the recording history of...
Read More.
November 24, 2013
Like opening a window
Picked my first UA product up less than a month ago, I had been paying down on the Layaway balance for months.I would come to the store, have them pull the box out of the back, sing my...
Read MoreM. Tahirovic
August 5, 2013
Little Beast
This channel strip is an absolute solution for recording vocals, el. guitars, bass, etc. In my home studio the 6176 plays a key role when it comes to input signals. In combination with some...
Read MoreP. Stephan
November 1, 2011
This Channel Strip is amazing! Its extremely versatile and sounds incredible. I was able to achieve any sound that I could think of just by tweaking the gain stage and the EQ. The EQ sounds...
Read MoreK. Browne
June 18, 2011
The 610 is a huge sounding pre. If not driven hard it is clean and sparkly, but crank it and it is easily pushed into a musical distortion. For me this has been a blessing and a curse as...
Read MoreR. Wheelock
June 17, 2011
The preamp is quite good for female voices, specially jazz singers. The compressor part has low noise but lacks a bit of the character from the original Urei units.
Read More -
Key Features
All-tube mic preamp section derived from legendary Bill Putnam-designed 610 modular console
Signature 1176LN Class A FET compressor section — heard on countless hit records for more than 40 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 warrantyParameters
Preamp:
Microphone Input Impedance: Selectable, 500 Ω(ohms) or 2k
Balanced Line Input Impedance: 20k Ω
Hi-Z Input Impedance: Selectable between 2.2 M Ω or 47 k Ω
Maximum Microphone Input Level: +18 dBu (2k input impedance and 15 dB Pad in)
Maximum Output Level: +20 dBm
Internal Output Impedance: 80 Ω
Recommended Minimum Load: 600 Ω
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -1 dB
Maximum Gain: 65 dB (500 Ω input impedance)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio > 90 dB (@ maximum gain)
Limiting Amplifier:
Input Impedance: Selectable, 15k Ω (ohms) or 600 Ω
Output Load: Impedance 600 Ω (floating)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1 dB
Gain: 40 dB, ± 1 dB
Distortion: > 0.5% T.H.D. from 50 Hz – 15 kHz with limiting, at 1.1 seconds release setting. Output of +22 dBm with no greater than 0.5% T.H.D.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 75 dB
Attack Time: Adjustable, from 20 to 800 microseconds
Release Time: Adjustable, from 50 milliseconds to 1.1 seconds
Stereo Interconnection: Optional, using 1176SA stereo interconnect accessory
General:
Tube Complement: (1) 12AX7A, (1) 12AT7A
Power Requirements: 115V/230V
Power Connector: Detachable IEC power cable.
Fuse: 400 mA time delay (slow blow) / 115 V200 mA time delay (slow blow) / 230 V
Power Indicator Light: 28 V bulb (type 1819)
Dimensions 1: 9" W x 3.5" H x 12.25" D (two rack unit)
Weight: 12 lb.
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Customer Reviews
6176
M. Fulwider
Link in the chain.
I have had my 6176 for 7 or 8 years now. I wanted to buy a chain of components that would create the widest range of popular sonic reproduction I could; based on the recording history of the music I am most passion about. The products I choose for my recording chain are:
Neumann U87 AI Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic
Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip
RME Fireface 800 Audio Interface (use optic throughout)
RME HDSP 9652 52-Channel 24-Bit/96kHz PCI card
I Run Digital Performer (Now on a PC)
I write on a Yamaha XS 88 KEY Workstation
Hear my words...
I have never regretted my purchase of any component listed. The 6176 is everything I hoped it would be as a signature link in my recording chain.UAD User
Like opening a window
Picked my first UA product up less than a month ago, I had been paying down on the Layaway balance for months.I would come to the store, have them pull the box out of the back, sing my preamp a song, wrote poems to it, bought it a steak. The usual infatuation and blush. Yadda yadda. Thoroughly enjoying this latest addition to my humble recording setup now, and can hardly wait to lure prospective artists to perform for it. In other words, having a blast. If you've had trouble in the past discerning the differences in your microphones, the 6176 will put all ambiguities to rest. The nuances of each mic stand out like a color for your sonic palette.
M. Tahirovic
Little Beast
This channel strip is an absolute solution for recording vocals, el. guitars, bass, etc. In my home studio the 6176 plays a key role when it comes to input signals. In combination with some of the UAD-2 power plug-ins (Manley MP, LA2A, etc.), this channel strip provides amazing results! A definite recommendation for future users.
Without exaggeration, Universal Audio solutions like the 6176 Vintage Channel Strip make life easier :)
Best Regards,
MirzaP. Stephan
This Channel Strip is amazing! Its extremely versatile and sounds incredible. I was able to achieve any sound that I could think of just by tweaking the gain stage and the EQ. The EQ sounds really musical and even though the parameters are limited I couldn't ask for more during recording. What I also really like to do is use the preamp in a mixdown situation to give certain instruments (synths, samples...) that lack warmth, a little bit of life.
The 1176 style compressor sounds just like the 1176 only more transparent and a little more modern. I have used the original 1176 and I must say that I can't say which version I like better (6176 or 1176).
Overall I have to say that this is the most impressive Unit that I have come across. I have tried a lot of preamps and channelstrips (Neve, SSL, Mindprint...) and eventhough Neve and SSL sound amazing the 6176 is a perfect combination of great sound and high usability. It will always have a spot in my rack!K. Browne
The 610 is a huge sounding pre. If not driven hard it is clean and sparkly, but crank it and it is easily pushed into a musical distortion.
For me this has been a blessing and a curse as being mainly a media composer I
spend most of the time recording myself. This means that I end up having to set the sound using headphones and I have had quite a few mishaps. The good news is that most mistakes have been happy ones with distorted electric guitar being the only thing that doesnt take well to a bit of drive from the pre.
The other problem I have had is that my vocal mic is an SE Gemini which is a valve driven beast that is much more suited to a cleaner pre as there is too much harmonic distortion going on with the 610. The tops become a bit out of control and I have to insert an EQ to calm it down.
It is nice to be able to use the pre and comp independently
The 1176 is a must have. The only drawback of it being matched with the 610 is that
they are both capable of creating a lot of dirt,so things can get a bit out of hand if you
are not paying proper attention.
Overall though I love it and have hopefully got another one on the way.
Now I know not to over valve the chain and watch the gain,everything comes out sounding greatR. Wheelock
The preamp is quite good for female voices, specially jazz singers. The compressor part has low noise but lacks a bit of the character from the original Urei units.
A. Cannon
Apollo 8 Thunderbolt
Not a bad unit especially if you know what you are doing
and know the sound your looking for.R. Ryda
10yrs+ a straight 5-star friend!
I have this amazing unit for more than 10 years and I absolutely love how it works with any microphone I plug into it. However I got my tubes replaces from the very day one I owned it. Thats also a little secret to opening its headroom and decrease input distortion these units are so prone to. Hey it works for me every time and I also reamp solo/mono signals so I get a signal similar to the artists that record at my studio. Universal Audio I love you!
D. Turner V
Pass on this one
I just couldn't find anything the preamp sounded good on. It's too slow, and boring. The EQ was a nice addition to the pre-amp. The compressor isn't a real 1176, and doesn't perform like one either. I sold mine after 3 months.
m. herbert
Oh Yes!
Got hold of mine about a month ago as i wanted something to compliment my SSL Alpha channel which is ultra clean and has that classic SSL aggression, i was not disappointed!
It sounds completely different to the SSL, even pushed hard it has a smoother distortion as expected and a less 'pinched' sound.... even gives rough vocals just thrown down with an sm57 that 'classy sheen'.
Very pleased with mine!R. Chirinos
6176
Someone please help me or send a video to how hook up my 6176 behind Apollo 8 Guitar Center say one thing and Sweetwater say different thing I can't take anymore
R. Chirinos
6176 Vintage Channel Strip
Definitely this is the best decision to buy 6176 Hardware everything is just easy and beautiful color, thank you UA for that great Ideas to creates great product
t. samuel
nice one
the next level for my recording setup..
M. Brisset
Great Tone
Great tone, beautiful piece of gear
A. Naceta-Susic
6176 Vintage it is..
This is my second 6176, so that should say it all. I like this combination a lot.
For guitar and vocals it gives me the silky sheen I was always looking for.
Using "only" a Rode NT1A modded with the RK47 capsule and getting
a Brauner Phantera in addition. I also will try the 1176SA stereo link - just for the Colour of this channel strip (1176's) also on the 2Bus. Get one as early as possible it's worth !
A. Naceta-Susic
Warm, pristine and with very high resolution
Just got my 6176 today, using it on my project for acoustic guitar/vocals and I was truly blown away. For me the best sound is without the 1176LN but it is great you can split or join as you like and I will use the 1176 later as insert. Sweet that we can do so!
The EQ section is just perfect for me, smart choice of frequencies.
I need to get a second one for sure!
Now I can hear so much more precise using my Focal Alpha 80 / Yamaha MSP 5 speaker combination. It is all about opinions, and for me that is my match!A. Naceta-Susic
Warm, pristine and very high resolution Pre-Amp
Just got my 6176 today, using it on my project for acoustic guitar/vocals and I was truly blown away. For me the best sound is without the 1176LN but it is great you can split or join as you like and I will use the 1176 later as insert. Sweet that we can do so!
The EQ section is just perfect for me, smart choice of frequencies.
I need to get a second one for sure!
Now I can hear so much more precise using my Focal Alpha 80 / Yamaha MSP 5 speaker combination. It is all about opinions, and for me that is my match!F. Fiore
Great warm tube sound
Sounds flawless it's preamp and compressor in one machine really the right choice. It will be better If I could find still the LA 2 A Compressor not as plug in but the true device. Thanks uaudio
J. Harris
6176
Adding the 6176 channel strip gave me a vibe I was missing in my studio. Big Ups UA! Thx
@DoctaJ504G. Justen
you have to like it
I like this channel very much because it brings a lot of possibilities to change the sound of voices (vocal, instruments) and it looks very good and makes joy. And it sounds great!
