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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.

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

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 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

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.

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 warranty

Parameters

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.

Customer Reviews

6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Overall Rating

4.8/5
(82)

J. Liberg

January 13, 2017

British mode

I will never use another preamp and limiter ever. It's always in british mode and together with classic akg 414 c uls I have the best vocal sound in Sweden probably. Let's see how the uad version plays out. Time for A - B testing soon.

A. Shevchenko

January 1, 2017

Fist class channel strip!

If you need all in one solution, I think it is best way! Great Mic Pre, very smooth EQ and of course - legendary 1176.

R. Bakalovski

December 16, 2016

great stuff

great mic pre and compressor

M. Petrus

November 27, 2016

The 6176 is fantastic!

I've had this about a month now and love this on everything. My current vocal chain is Audio Technica AT5040 - 6176 in join mode - Warm Audio EQPWA - Apollo Twin. I find the combo of the eq on the 6176 great in conjunction with the EQPWA after the 1176. The 1176 is fantastic on all things: percussion, vocals,bass.
Really happy!

K. Péter

November 16, 2016

Wow in love with this

Vocals-guitars-snare,-bass, or any other source this is simply unbeatable

V. Gurin

November 3, 2016

Great Pre-Amp and Compressor

This is a great Pre-Amp and Compressor. Absolutely amazing experience tracking vocals and guitars.

V. Gurin

November 3, 2016

Great Pre-Amp and Compressor

This is a great Pre-Amp and Compressor. Absolutely amazing experience tracking vocals and guitars.

C. Posada

September 22, 2016

A new Color to my sound

Just turn up the level knob if you need hot classic tube sound. Very musical with great harmonic distortion.
But if you need it to be clean, you can do it definitely. Always has its own color that I really love. This preamps is not my first choice for very detailed acoustic instruments, but I think it could record many sources with great results.
This preamp really shines on vocals. It rocks on basses, kick, snares. I like the way the tubes rounds the transients. The 1176 compressor is extremely musical. A MUST!!!!! It would be nice to have a 2:1 ratio and more specific numbers on the attack and release knobs. But once you realize how they work, you can do whatever you want with this thing.

A. Lein

June 16, 2016

Does everything it says it does....

It's great to have a good front end for tracking everything. This is it.

As primarily a vocal or guitar tracker for me, it's very easy to use (at the same time, it can be a tough one too) and sounds great.

I try to find a middle ground on the pre into the compressor and then let it be without adding too much color.
Sometimes correcting for a mic or the room with the eq

More than one vocalist has said it's the best they've sounded coming through this.
I like it because I can get really clean tracks into my daw and then play with the tracks via the UA card afterward.

E. Foshee

May 17, 2016

Gorgeous in every facet.

Were it legally or physically possible I would marry my 6176. She would have to be willing, of course, but I'd do it. That being said, I could not find a single complaint about this piece of hardware and the beautiful sounds that emanate from my monitors as a result. If you're unsure about taking the plunge please dive in. Easily worth every penny.

C. Baek

March 14, 2016

the best gear!

the best gear! the best gear! the best gear! the best gear! the best gear! the best gear!

G. Jackson

February 20, 2016

This is my favourite!

This gear makes me speechless. I think its the 1176 compression on the unit that really makes it stand out and the tones are just amazing. The pre is excellent but the fact that you can use another pre then throw the 1176 into the mix is fantastic. Love this unit!

A. Moore

January 20, 2016

Win Win for me

I own the M610 now a demo 6176 and the promotion got the satellite 2 thru my symphony it the best I've ever owned. you can't fall on doing a record and not a demo

S. YUN JAE

January 7, 2016

6176 Channel Strip and satellite Purchase//lucky~~

I purchased an inexpensive event to the 6176 Channel Strip and satellite Purchase

Uad plugin and compressing recorded with being too satisfied

Ua-610b may talk tough and transparent sound is never light, cool and light feeling

Inde plugins feel like it is difficult to express with words, ua-610b

S. Brown

January 1, 2016

Amazing!

Man I've been wanting to get into the UAD world for so long now. Now that I'm in I love all of their products! Plugins take your mix to the next level and with this 6176 analog gear amazing, just wonderful to my hear. Thanks UAD!

p. sitter

November 24, 2015

Great!!

when I was searching for a channel strip I stopped at UAD´s temporary offer for 6176 + UAD2 card.
now I am really happy for this decision. great sound from the 6176 recording voices, acoustic & electric guitars, horns,...
but also the UAD2 card with the plugs is a great upgrade for my home studio!

.

November 22, 2015

songwriter / performer point of view

6176 review

I am an amateur musician - songwriter. So my review is oriented to those who have background as myself, by no means I am not a professional engineer , but I tried to educate myself over last few years, with the purpose to create demos and publishing. While trying to record my music the quality of the recording was a factor that downgraded most of my efforts. When it comes down for acoustic recording I tried several interfaces, software plugins. However, results were non-consistent. I got to the point that I had to upgrade my setup with good microphones and the quality preamp. While making decision to buy this product I asked my connections in the industry I had and I have been told that I can hear 610 or 1176 on the most classic recordings I listen to.

Recording with 6176 immediately changed my perception of how I need to sound. We talk stereotypes here, that what it might be, but my voice, my acoustic guitar finally started to get close to that core sounds I was leaning towards. I never got an experience to record in professional studio, so that was my eye opener. With polishing and working with EQ and mastering plugins I am astonished with results, where in the end it took me. I have more motivation and inspiration in what I do now.

I can record guitar trough Hi-z inputs, and process it on board while all house asleep. I reamp it later. Hi-z input is much more useful then I expected. My voice recording result is much closer to what I hear "inside" , and I my performance also improved as I can apply my findings to it.

While using emulation plugins I have no opportunity to compare to a real staff, a hardware to plugins, but now I know better what to listen to. While plugins is a phenomenal opportunity to save on space and money, I am glad I can reference to a true source, a real thing I can rely upon. I am using 6176 for vocal, acoustic guitar, electric guitar tracking, and a bus compression. This hardware become a corner stone of my tiny studio.

G. Peterson

October 27, 2015

Sounds as if I'm standing in front of the source.

I've spent a lot of time and money looking for a Channel Strip to let me succeed in giving my ears on playback what I'm hearing from my source. I have Golden Age, Avalon and now my own 6176 Universal Audio Channel Strip. I use it on everything saxophones ,acoustic guitar,electric bass and guitar, vocals, everything! The others have taken the back seat. Together with my Universal Audio Apollo interface, UAD plugins and 6176 Channel Strip, I have the "right stuff" for success.

Thank you
G. Peterson

D. Webster

October 16, 2015

Everything just sits

Fantastic bit of kit. Brought the best out of my Gemini 2, a mic that before the 6176 I was thinking of getting rid of. It is also great with the TLM103. Some find the 103 a little harsh in the top end, the pre rounds it off nicely. The advantage of having an 1176LN to track with or insert in the mix is a joy. I bought another 6176 strait away for mixing stereo sources. If you want a pro sound you need the right gear!

F. Mangiaracina

October 11, 2015

My UAD 6176 Fantastic!

sensational sound! I suppose it mostly for vocals recordings but also bass, acoustic guitar and percussions. It always provides a nice fat warm sound as earlier in the analog era. I'm already looking forward to another UAD devices!