The LA-610 brings UA’s legendary vintage "all tube" luxury sound into a modern channel strip format by combining the 610 Mic-Pre/EQ/DI section and a T4 Opto-compressor into a single 2U unit with a ground-breaking price.

The 610-tube preamp,DI and EQ is from UA's TEC award winning 6176 and is based on the legendary console modules developed by Bill Putnam in the 60's. Countless classics have been recorded using these preamps, noted for their musical character and warmth.

The simple operation and program dependent nature of the LA-610 T4 compressor provides the same extremely musical control that has made the LA-2A such a well-loved classic for over 40 years.

The LA-610 packs tremendous sonic versatility and is an ideal front-end for tracking with modern DAW’s and the serious project studio looking to get the UA sonic experience : real quality and character at an accessible price.

In collaboration with Dennis Fink, one of the original UREI® analog design engineers, the LA-610 was carefully designed to deliver the essence of the “LA” sound but without the costs of being an exact LA-2A component clone. The LA-610 uses three 12AX7A’s, a single 6072A and a single 6AQ5 tube for amplifier warmth and overall tonal balance.

After the preamp section, the LA-610 offers a new T4 optical compressor. The electro-optical detector or "T4 cell”, is the very heart and soul of the Teletronix LA-2A. The unique combination of electroluminescent panel and photo-resistors inside the T4 cell are the crucial circuit components that give both these compressors their signature sound.

LA-610 US Retail Price: $1795

More info at http://www.uaudio.com

I just picked this up.

I've used or owned boxes ranging from API, GML, Neve, Summit, Avalon, Focusrite and boy - this box is just killer. The equal of anything I've tried.

In a world where there are lots of Neve and API clones, this has its own amazing, distinctive sound. In a recent shoot out, I found it to be far richer and more "3-D" than the other preamps.

I still love API, but this is right up there now. Very highly recommended.

Mickgael: I was considering this unit or 6176 and may still buy one in the future. Are you primarily using it for vocals? What mics do you like with it and in what application? Thanks.

Hi GraceJames,

Currently, my primary uses are acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals, and as a DI. Have not had the chance to try it on drums yet.

As for mics, I've had excellent results with an AT-4047 and a Mojave MA-200. I'm currently checking out the new NADY Ribbon Tube Mic, so we'll see how they like each other.

What pres do you currently have?

Currently using an X73. It sounds good with the V69ME for vocals. I was using a 103 and i like that better as an OH mic. Its either a 1176 or Distressor so the 6176 would be a nice combo.

I used to own a Distressor, and I adored it. I certainly would not try and talk you out of it.

That said, you might find the LA-610 a bit more flexible. I'm considering getting another one...

I was thinking of getting the LA-610 a while ago but for some reason i was distracted and got a neve-clone. Would you consider the T4 comp in the LA unit very close to an LA2A? I'm a little surprised that you would consider the LA610 to be a little more flexible then a distressor. In what way? I am guessing it is more of a 'color-box' then a distressor but i haven't a/b the units.

thanks!

I find the compressor to be very close to the LA-2As I've used. Not perfect on everything, but damned close

To clarify, by "more flexible" I meant that the LA-610 has a preamp and DI (and not simply a compressor). And as a result, I think you'd have to say it has a broader range of uses.

Purely as a compressor, the Distressor is far more flexible (though the T4 is close to perfect for so many things).

I can tell you that the preamp is definitely different from the Neve's (clones and originals) I've owned and used. If you have mostly Neve-style preamps, I think you'll love the new color the LA-610 would bring.

>I find the compressor to be very close to the >LA-2As I've used. Not perfect on everything, >but damned close

You rule Mickgael...thanks.
This is what i needed to hear.
I will definately look into this.
In you opinion, are you happy with how
the LA610 handles the drums..especially the
snare? I think that is one of the strong
points of the distressor.

Glad to help

I've not used the LA-610 on drums, but I have used LA-2As on some sessions.

To my ears, they can sound a bit "pillowy." They'll give you a well-behaved, rich sound, but you may find it a bit "soft." Even though the LA-610 compressor seems a tad more aggressive than an LA-2A, it would not my first choice for an in-your-face drum sound (something the Distressor does extremely well).

That said, for most uses I don't think you'll be disappointed at all, and you do get a preamp that is gonna sound quite different from what you're used to hearing with Neve's and their clones (at least to my ears)

Lemme know what you pick!