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Description
Immerse yourself in the harmonious fusion of the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip. This premium studio gear combines the warm tones of the 610 tube microphone preamp and the powerful dynamics of the legendary 1176LN compressor. This dynamic duo offers the ultimate single-channel signal path for a diverse range of sounds, from soulful vocals to resonating vibraphones.
The 6176 Channel Strip is a marriage of two iconic studio classics, providing the ultimate channel strip experience. The preamp section is equipped with mic, line, and hi-Z inputs, two bands of shelving EQ, and a 15dB pad, offering a versatile array of sound adjustments. The dynamics section retains all the admired features of the classic 1176LN, delivering an authentic piece of recording history to your fingertips.
The Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip is handcrafted in Universal Audio's Scotts Valley, California labs. This ensures a unique build quality that is both robust and artistically pleasing, delivering a vibrant sonic character at an accessible price range.
Key Features:
- Combines Universal Audio's 610 tube microphone preamp and legendary 1176LN compressor
- Mic, balanced line, and Hi-Z inputs
- High- and low-frequency shelving EQ
- 15dB pad, polarity reverse, 48V phantom power
- Each unit has dedicated ins and outs
- Can be used independently in Split mode or in series in Join mode
- Handcrafted in Universal Audio's Scotts Valley, California labs
- Stereo interconnection of multiple units via 1176-SA
- Multiple impedance settings
- Variable input gain and output levels
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Classic Putnam 610 console mic/line preamplifier and 1176LN compression
- Offers weapons-grade build quality and colorful sonic character at an accessible price
Owner's manual
Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip User ManualProduct specs
| Preamp Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| EQ | Yes |
| Compressor | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x XLR (Preamp, Mic), 1 x XLR (Preamp, Line), 1 x XLR (Compressor, Line) 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x XLR (Preamp), 1 x XLR (Compressor) |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 12.5" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 12 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the main features of the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip?
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The Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip combines a tube preamp with a classic 1176LN compressor. It features a single channel with EQ, phantom power, and a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, making it ideal for high-quality vocal and instrument recording.
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Can the Universal Audio 6176 be used for both vocals and instruments?
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Yes, the Universal Audio 6176 is versatile and suitable for recording both vocals and instruments, thanks to its tube preamp, EQ, and compressor capabilities.
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How does the compressor in the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip enhance recordings?
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The 6176 includes a vintage-style 1176LN compressor, known for its fast attack and release times, which helps to control dynamics and add punch to recordings.
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Does the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip require external power?
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Yes, the Universal Audio 6176 requires an external power source and includes phantom power for use with condenser microphones.
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Is the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip suitable for a home studio setup?
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Yes, the 6176 is well-suited for home studios, offering professional-grade preamp and compression in a 2U rack space format, making it a compact yet powerful addition to any recording setup.
Videos
Universal Audio
6176 Vintage Channel Strip
Reviews
PROS
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Provides a classic warm tone with strong character
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Seamlessly combines 610 preamp and 1176 compressor in one unit
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Exceptional at adding warmth and fullness to vocals and instruments
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Offers a wide range of preamp tones from buttery to gritty
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Legendary 1176 compressor is excellent for dynamic control
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High-quality build with vintage aesthetic features
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Can be split for independent use of compressor and preamp
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Enhances the sound of both budget and high-end microphones
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Easily tailors sound for professional studio quality
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Offers a distinct analog warmth unmatched by digital plugins
CONS
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Requires time and exploration to find the perfect settings
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Expensive investment for home recording setups
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Limited EQ functionality with basic 3-way switches
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip.
Features and functionality
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The 6176 can alter audio significantly; user skill is crucial to avoid degrading sound quality.
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The LA-6176 combines a 610 preamp with 1176 LN and LA2A Silver compressors, giving it more versatility than standalone units.
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There are bypass switches for the preamp and compressor sections, allowing for flexible signal routing, though the preamp can't be fully bypassed.
Source
Use cases and applications
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A 6176 is not ideal for untreated rooms; a better microphone like the Sennheiser MKH50 is recommended for voice-over in such environments.
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Comparisons
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Users suggest that non-destructive processing in a DAW is more suitable for beginners than using the 6176 due to its complexity.
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The 1176 bundle offers three revisions, including the 1176 Rev A (blue stripe) and 1176 AE (anniversary edition), providing varied compression characteristics.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
129
Classic
This unit is a timeless piece of gear that will sound good on just about anything you run through it. I have yet to find something that I don't like on it.
Artist usage
Add artist
This vintage channel strip can be seen in a picture that Joel shared to his Instagram account.
The photo in this article show us a global view of Steve's recording studio (The Neon Future Cave) in his house in Las Vegas, NV.
As far as preamps and compressors go, I’ve got an Avalon VT-737SP in my Dim Mak studio. The Avalon gives me a warmer tone. In my home studio here [in Las Vegas] I have a different set up. I have a Universal Audio UA 6176, which is a combo of the classic 610 preamp and the 1176 compressor/limiter.
In the freeze-frame of Marshmello's music video to ritual, a UA 6176 can be seen on his desk.
Mentioned by producer Rik Simpson in this interview from the Universal Audio website, dated shortly after Coldplay's nominations for Viva La Vida & Death and All of His Friends for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.
Yes actually, in the studio we've got a couple of 6176s. Chris' vocals always go through a 6176. (...) It's generally fairly flat, actually. I just like the sound of it. I don't really pump the EQ too much, maybe shave 2 or 3 dB off, and it just gives a lovely character, a full sound. We actually moved around a fair bit during the last album. We did recordings in Barcelona, New York, and in L.A. Wherever I went, I could always find a 6176 wherever I worked, so could always recall my settings. Chris is very much a perfectionist, he'll always get the basic performance right, but there might be a few words that two or six months later, he wants to re-sing. Obviously, if I can't get the same sound that I had initially, it's going to sound off. So it was always great to be able to find the same equipment, and know that it would sound the same, so close. I could just drop in those few lines, and you'd never be able to tell that it wasn't part of the original performance.
It was also used for Mylo Xyloto, as mentioned in this 2011 UA interview.
We've got about eight 6176 Vintage Channel Strips, which cover everything from bass, vocal, piano. Generally I go through the same mic amps every time for the whole project, so I don't have to repatch stuff and everything is always ready to go.
in the "Warming Up" section of the interview where Scott talks about his Neve Gear, the UA 6176 can be visble in the image below the Neve Preamps
Used for Toto XIV, as mentioned by producer CJ Vanston in this March 5, 2015 Mix Online article.
The main mic preamp throughout was a Universal 6176, used for most of the vocals. “Either with a 47 or an Audio-Technica 5040,” Vanston says. “We used a Schoeps on some of the acoustic guitar tracks and also the Shure KSM44—that sounds fantastic. Then we used a 57 for the electric guitar. If Steve Lukather is happy with his guitar sound, I’m happy with it. And I have two Neve 1073s that we used a lot on the keyboards. I’ve got a Neve 8801, which is a great preamp that I like.”
Firebeatz rely on some outboard gear in the studio. At the top of their hardware stack is the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip (mic preamp and compressor).
Taken at DVBBS' apartment in Toronto, you can see the UA 6176 Channel Strip centre of the photo placed on a stand in between Chris' monitors. This unit includes a tube microphone preamp and a compressor modelled after a 1176, which explains why Alex appears to be recording vocals in the picture.
Used for vocals, as stated anecdotally by producer David Ferguson in this May 4, 2016 Mix Online interview about Sturgill Simpson's A Sailor's Guide to Earth.
Also in Simpson’s vocal chain: the same UA 6176 pre that Ferguson used with Johnny Cash, and a rented Fairchild 660.
Used for Mylo Xyloto, as mentioned by producer Rik Simpson in this 2011 interview for Universal Audio's blog.
We've got about eight 6176 Vintage Channel Strips, which cover everything from bass, vocal, piano. Generally I go through the same mic amps every time for the whole project, so I don't have to repatch stuff and everything is always ready to go.
Album Usage
The Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip has been featured on the following albums:
Treasure
Shuttle (2022)
Old Is New
Toto (2018)
Ritual (feat. Wrabel)
marshmello (2016)
A Sailor's Guide to Earth
Sturgill Simpson (2016)
Mylo Xyloto
Coldplay (2011)
Rolling in the Deep
Adele (2011)
Permalight
Rogue Wave (2010)
Kiss & Tell
Selena Gomez & the Scene (2009)
Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
Coldplay (2008)
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 6176 Channel Strip, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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