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Description

Dive into the heart of your music with the Universal Audio 2-610, a dual-channel tube preamp that marries vintage warmth with modern clarity. Perfect for artists seeking to inject their recordings with the legendary Putnam-designed tube tone, this preamp shines across microphones, instruments, and line-level sources. Its smooth EQ section and versatile front-panel DI offer a spectrum of sound, from classic bass to a polished mix glow, making it an essential tool for both tracking and mixing phases.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel tube preamp for versatile use across microphones, instruments, and line levels.
  • Inspired by the iconic Putnam-designed console module, blending classic tone with modern functionality.
  • Smooth and flexible EQ section suitable for a wide range of sound shaping and enhancement.
  • Front-panel DI provides ample gain for low-output pickups and headroom for active basses.
  • Line operation mode for running entire mixes through its circuitry, adding a final touch of warmth to your 2-bus.

Product specs

Brand Universal Audio
Model 2-610 Dual Channel Mic Preamplifier
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What type of inputs and outputs does the Universal Audio 2-610 preamp have?

The Universal Audio 2-610 preamp features microphone (XLR), balanced line (XLR), and unbalanced line/instrument (1/4" jack) inputs. It also includes balanced line (XLR) outputs.

Does the Universal Audio 2-610 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Universal Audio 2-610 preamp includes 48V phantom power, which is necessary for powering condenser microphones.

What EQ options are available on the Universal Audio 2-610 preamp?

The Universal Audio 2-610 offers HF and LF shelf EQ with switchable boost/cut options. HF shelf allows adjustments at 4.5kHz, 7kHz, and 10kHz, while LF shelf offers corner frequency selections at 70Hz, 100Hz, and 200Hz.

How does the variable gain control work on the Universal Audio 2-610?

The Universal Audio 2-610 features a variable gain/input feedback control with 5dB increments at -10, -5, 0, +5, and +10 dB, allowing precise control over the input signal level.

What are the vacuum tube specifications for the Universal Audio 2-610?

Each channel of the Universal Audio 2-610 is equipped with one 12AX7 and one 6072 vacuum tube, contributing to its warm, vintage sound character.

Rockstar Rant

Rockstar Rant

Universal Audio 2 610 Tube Preamp

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio 2 610   Tube Preamp by Rockstar Rant

Universal Audio 2 610 Tube Preamp

Rockstar Rant

Rockstar Rant

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio 2-610 | VintageKing.com by Vintage King

Universal Audio 2-610 | VintageKing.com

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for API vs Universal Audio on DRUMS! by Johan Segeborn

API vs Universal Audio on DRUMS!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio 2-610.

Use cases and applications

  • The 2-610 excels on vocals, providing a huge, slightly colored sound, ideal for adding character to recordings.

    Source
  • The 2-610's tube saturation is particularly favored for bass and vocals, making it a classic choice despite its lack of versatility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the 2-610 is praised for its vocal applications, some prefer the 710 twin-finity for its flexibility and lower price.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2-610 offers a signature sound due to its coloration, making it desirable for specific applications rather than as an all-purpose preamp.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Universal Audio: 2-610 Tube Mic Pre | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Universal Audio 2-610 Tube Mic Pre is a vintage-inspired gem that adds a rich color and character to recordings, reminiscent of classic consoles used by legends like Frank Sinatra. While it excels in delivering a warm, "tubey" sound with impressive low and mid frequencies, it may not satisfy those seeking a transparent audio profile. Despite lacking a visual signal indicator, its robust build and retro aesthetics charm users who appreciate tactile controls and variable impedance options. Ideal for capturing drums, vocals, and various instruments with flair, this preamp is a must-have for those valuing sonic coloration.

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Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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wanya7

Best Smooth Valve Tube Pre EVER!

Smooth Tube Vocals (Bruce Swedien's Favorite) Michael Jackson, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Count Bassie, Sarah Vaughn, Duke Ellington etc

Huge Open Transformer Impedance

Tight Hard Transformer Impedance

5 Huge differences in Tube Gain - can sound as Clean as a Modern 'Solid' State of The Art R&B/Pop Vocal Record or Huge Tube Classic of 1960's Frank Sinatra Sound

Best Rock DI old school with nice crunch on bottom end (Eddie Van Halen's Favorite Classic DI)

Pultec Style Eq is Handy in any Basic way

Hands down the Best 'Svelt' Type Tube Pre Unit ever made

From Gear Setup
L

vintage

A couple of channels on the road ... driving a classic Cadillac while Frank Sinatra sings "My Funny Valentine"

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Universal Audio 2-610

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Mixonline

This article on the making of Marr's 2018 Call the Comet album by MixOnline.com touches on some of the gear used during the recording process. "The Beyer is mainly placed outside drummer Jack Mitchell’s kick drum. An SM57 is placed at the top of the snare, with Coles 4038 and Neumann KM 184 as overheads, equidistant from the snare. These might have some compression through a UREI 1178, all going through the Neve 1081 preamp, with a few of the microphones going into a UA 2-610." (While the engineer is providing this feedback, the gear is housed in Marr's own Crazy Face studios, which contains gear he's collected over his decades in the music industry.)

See how Ray Toro uses Universal Audio 2-610

Ray Toro

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Twitter

"Main Rack." The 2-610 can be seen upper center.

See how Bootsy Collins uses Universal Audio 2-610

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this January 21, 2018 Facebook post.

See how Tommy Lee uses Universal Audio 2-610

Tommy Lee

Drummer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via YouTube

There are four of these in Tommy Lee's studio rack, used for microphones on Hi-Hats, Toms and Overheads.

See how Sturgill Simpson uses Universal Audio 2-610

Sturgill Simpson

Singer, Guitarist

Sunday Valley

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used for the acoustic guitar on A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, as stated by producer David Ferguson in this May 4, 2016 Mix Online interview.

On the songs that include acoustic guitar, such as the second track, “Breakers Roar,” Simpson plays while he sings and Ferguson captured his guitar with an AKG 451, into a UA 2-610 preamp, and to Pro Tools HD11.

See how Norah Jones uses Universal Audio 2-610

Norah Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Billie Joe Armstrong & Norah Jones

...
Verified via Uaudio

Used for Jones' Wurlitzer organ on "Feelin' the Same Way" and the background vocals on Come Away With Me, as stated by producer Jacquire King in this Universal Audio interview.

The 2-610 I used pretty extensively once we got back to her place for bass and Wurlitzer. I did some background vocals with it.

The 2-160 was later used for the "Wurlitzer, guitars, and bass" on The Fall, as stated by King in this February 1, 2010 Electronic Musician interview with Jones, King and his assistant engineer Brad Bivens.

The only thing I brought along was the Universal Audio 2-610. [“And the Massenburg MDW Hi-Res Parametric EQ to add extra fluidity to every channel,” Brad Bivens adds.] The Magic Shop and Sunset Sound have wonderful Neve desks and lots of outboard gear, and Norah has wonderful microphones. So instead of carting things around, I just brought guitar pedals undefined, speakers, and the 2-610, which is a tube mic pre with EQ. It was used for Wurlitzer, guitars, and bass. The vocals were recorded through a Neve 1073 module.

See how Timmy Trumpet uses Universal Audio 2-610

Timmy Trumpet

DJ, Trumpeter

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen beneath his left studio monitor

See how RAC uses Universal Audio 2-610

RAC

Music Producer

RAC

...
Verified via Facebook

RAC in this video show his gears for everybody: 2:18

See how Tony Visconti uses Universal Audio 2-610

Tony Visconti

Music Producer

T. Rex

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this Sound On Sound article there is a photo of Visconti's gear, which includes a Universal Audio 2-610.

See how Eric Cannata uses Universal Audio 2-610

Eric Cannata

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via reverb.com

Sold on Reverb.com.

From YTG: Great dual channel pre-amp used in my smoke free home studio! I've used this on stereo synths, vocals, and guitar, and It is in excellent condition.

See how Robbie Chater uses Universal Audio 2-610

Robbie Chater

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Avalanches

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Processors

Antares ATR1a Auto-Tune voice processor. Avalon VT747SP compressor/equaliser. Behringer Virtualizer multi-effects processor. Frostwave The Resonator filter, Funk A Duck envelope filter and Spacebeam. HHB Radius 20 equaliser. Lexicon Vortex multi-effects processor. Line 6 Bass Pod bass processor. Melos tape echo. RME ADI8 Pro A-D/D-A converter. Roland Space Echo. TC Helicon Voice Prism voice processor. TLA Fatman mic pre/compressor. Universal Audio 2-610 mic preamp.

See how Jason Lytle uses Universal Audio 2-610

Jason Lytle

Singer

Grandaddy

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in background rack throughout

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Universal Audio 2-610, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Avalon VT-737SP Preamps & Channel Strips
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Urei 1176 LN Revision H
Urei 1176 LN Revision H Effects Processors
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Auratone 5C Super Sound Cube
Auratone 5C Super Sound Cube Active & Passive Monitors
2
Shure SM7
Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphones
2
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
2
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
Roland RE-201 Space Echo Effects Processors
2
Universal Audio 2192
Universal Audio 2192 A-D & D-A Converters
2

Community setups

Show yours
rflob

rflob

Gear IQ 128

wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1822

wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1822

wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1822

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