Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (27)
$2,999.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (3)
$2,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (15)
$2,899.00 New
$1,600.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$2,999.00
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$2,999.00
B&H
4.8 (4)
$2,999.00
Thomann
4.9 (33)
$3,177.00 $3,158.00 $19.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£3,065.00
Vintage King
5.0 (3)
$2,999.00

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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 Manual

Product 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

What are the main features of the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip?

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.

Can the Universal Audio 6176 be used for both vocals and instruments?

Yes, the Universal Audio 6176 is versatile and suitable for recording both vocals and instruments, thanks to its tube preamp, EQ, and compressor capabilities.

How does the compressor in the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip enhance recordings?

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.

Does the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip require external power?

Yes, the Universal Audio 6176 requires an external power source and includes phantom power for use with condenser microphones.

Is the Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip suitable for a home studio setup?

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.

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Video thumbnail for 6176 Vintage Channel Strip by Universal Audio

6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Review - Universal Audio 6176 Tube Preamplifier & 1176N Limiter by Production Expert

Review - Universal Audio 6176 Tube Preamplifier & 1176N Limiter

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for UAD 6176 Channel Strip by JRRShop

UAD 6176 Channel Strip

JRRShop

JRRShop

Video thumbnail for Best Channel Strip for Vocals | Universal Audio Vintage 6176 by Archie Beatz

Best Channel Strip for Vocals | Universal Audio Vintage 6176

Archie Beatz

Archie Beatz

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio 6176 (Demo and Overview) by Les Vegas

Universal Audio 6176 (Demo and Overview)

Les Vegas

Les Vegas

Video thumbnail for 2014 Winter NAMM Show - Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip by Musician's Friend

2014 Winter NAMM Show - Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for AUDIO TEST of Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip | MilkAudioStore.com by Mad Steex

AUDIO TEST of Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip | MilkAudioStore.com

Mad Steex

Mad Steex

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio 6176 Full Walkthough/Features/Setup. IS IT WORTH IT? by Fady Gergis

Universal Audio 6176 Full Walkthough/Features/Setup. IS IT WORTH IT?

Fady Gergis

Fady Gergis

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Tube Channel Strip Review by Higher HZ

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Tube Channel Strip Review

Higher HZ

Higher HZ

Reviews

PROS

  • Provides a classic warm tone with strong character

  • Seamlessly combines 610 preamp and 1176 compressor in one unit

  • Exceptional at adding warmth and fullness to vocals and instruments

  • Offers a wide range of preamp tones from buttery to gritty

  • Legendary 1176 compressor is excellent for dynamic control

  • High-quality build with vintage aesthetic features

  • Can be split for independent use of compressor and preamp

  • Enhances the sound of both budget and high-end microphones

  • Easily tailors sound for professional studio quality

  • Offers a distinct analog warmth unmatched by digital plugins

CONS

  • Requires time and exploration to find the perfect settings

  • Expensive investment for home recording setups

  • 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

  • The 6176 can alter audio significantly; user skill is crucial to avoid degrading sound quality.

    Source
  • The LA-6176 combines a 610 preamp with 1176 LN and LA2A Silver compressors, giving it more versatility than standalone units.

    Source
  • 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

  • A 6176 is not ideal for untreated rooms; a better microphone like the Sennheiser MKH50 is recommended for voice-over in such environments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users suggest that non-destructive processing in a DAW is more suitable for beginners than using the 6176 due to its complexity.

    Source
  • The 1176 bundle offers three revisions, including the 1176 Rev A (blue stripe) and 1176 AE (anniversary edition), providing varied compression characteristics.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the 6176 overkill for simple setups; investing in a superior microphone like the Sennheiser 416 is preferred for voice-over work.

    Source
  • The LA-6176's 610 preamp is described as clear sounding, and with minimal adjustments, it can be made to sound neutral.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The LA-6176's plugin versions are often repackaged algorithms of existing models, offering the same functionality in a digital format.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Universal Audio: 6176 Channel Strip | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip expertly combines the UA 610B tube mic preamp and the iconic 1176LN compressor, delivering a sound full of character and warmth. Its musical EQs, although not the most versatile, are effective for certain applications. The 6176 shines when you desire a "tube-y" sound, especially when driven hard. However, if you're searching for a transparent or solid-state sound, this might not be your ideal choice. Its ability to join two high-quality components in one box makes it a great addition to any studio, though it may leave some wishing for separate solid-state or tube options. Overall, it's a stellar tool for those who crave character in their recordings.

positive

Universal Audio Model 6176 Channel Strip

barryrudolph.com

The Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip marries classic analog warmth with modern enhancements, creating a versatile studio workhorse. Its combination of the 2-610 tube mic preamp and 1176LN peak limiter delivers impressive sonic results, offering tight low frequencies and a lively midrange. The build quality is robust, ensuring reliability. While the EQ is basic, it adds pleasant color to recordings. Despite its high price, the 6176 stands out in a crowded market for its retro charm and powerful sound, though it may not suit those seeking extensive EQ capabilities.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chase_bencin

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.

fbsstudio

SUPER SUPER FANTASTIC

SUPER SUPER FANTASTIC, it is a transparent sound and have a powerfull hot domain

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Photo

This vintage channel strip can be seen in a picture that Joel shared to his Instagram account.

See how Diplo uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Diplo

Music Producer

Major Lazer

...
Verified via Uaudio

Diplo uses a 6176 Vintage Channel Strip in his vocal chain.

See how Steve Aoki uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Steve Aoki

Music Producer, DJ

Rifoki

...
Verified via DanceFM

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.

See how marshmello uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

marshmello

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the freeze-frame of Marshmello's music video to ritual, a UA 6176 can be seen on his desk.

See how Chris Martin uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Chris Martin

Singer, Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Uaudio

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.

See how Tycho uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via MusicTech

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

See how Steve Lukather uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Steve Lukather

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Mixonline

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.”

See how Firebeatz uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Firebeatz

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

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).

See how DVBBS uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

DVBBS

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Johnny Cash uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Johnny Cash

Guitarist, Singer

The Highwaymen

...
Verified via Mixonline

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.

See how Guy Berryman uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Guy Berryman

Bassist, Music Producer

Coldplay

...
Verified via Uaudio

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.

See how Jon Bellion uses Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Jon Bellion

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

This can be seen throughout the video but most prominently at 9:16.

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.

Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
3
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
3
Yamaha NS-10M
Yamaha NS-10M Active & Passive Monitors
3
AMS Neve 1073
AMS Neve 1073 Preamps & Channel Strips
3
Avalon VT-737SP
Avalon VT-737SP Preamps & Channel Strips
2
TUBE-TECH CL-1B
TUBE-TECH CL-1B Effects Processors
2

Community setups

Show yours
apeiruss

apeiruss

Gear IQ 103

M

matthew_stein

Gear IQ 125

apeiruss

apeiruss

Gear IQ 103

1 alternative for Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip, curated by the Equipboard community.

Behringer 676 Tube Preamplifier and Limiting Amplifier

$435.00 - $619.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

The Behringer 676 is a new for 2025, Tube Preamp based off the legendary Universal Audio 6176. The Behringer offers custom made Midas Transformers and a similar user experience at a fraction of the price.

More Universal Audio Channel Strips

MILLENNIA STT1

$3,690.25 - $4,050.00

# 11

Rank

Martin Buttrich
1 artist using
SPL Track One

$1,199.00 - $1,399.00

# 21

Rank

 

Accessories & Related Items