Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip Universal Audio

The Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip comprises the legendary all-tube 610 preamp and 1176LN compressor for the ultimate vintage recording channel strip for vocals and instruments.

A member audio royalty, the 610 preamp traces its lineage back to the original 610 Modular Amplifier, the channel strip Bill Putnam Sr. designed for his custom consoles built for luminaries, such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and The Beach Boys. The rich tube warmth and dimensionality of the 610 is an integral part of the tonality of classic records that remains in our collective ear, defining what we all feel records should sound like. The 1176LN breathes the same rarified air that that only a handful of studio tools share, with a large portion of them coming from Universal Audio. An unbeatable combination, the Universal Audio 6176 gives you the sound and dynamic control of two of the industry’s most used and revered units.

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip—Just the Facts:

• 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

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip—Under the Hood

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 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. 

The 610B 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 Compressor 

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 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 the two major reasons why the 6176 is found in studios around the world.

What the pros are saying about the 6176

“Chris Martin’s (of Coldplay) vocals always go through a 6176.” — Rik Simpson (Coldplay, Portishead, Jay Z)

You can’t get any more classic than the Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip. If you’re looking for the real thing from the golden age of recording, the 6176 is it. Order yours today. For more information, call or chat online with your PAD Studio Consultant.

 

Specifications

Preamp:

• Microphone input impedance: Selectable, 500 ohm or 2k ohm
• Balanced line input impedance: 20k ohm
• Hi-Z input impedance: Selectable between 2.2M ohm or 47k ohm
• Maximum microphone input level: +18dBu (2k input impedance and 15dB pad in)
• Maximum output level: +20dBm
• Internal output impedance: 80 ohm
• Recommended Minimum Load: 600 ohm
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz +0, -1dB
• Maximum gain: 65dB (500 ohm input impedance)
• Signal-to-noise ratio > 90dB (@ maximum gain)

Limiting Amplifier:

• Input impedance: Selectable, 15k Ω (ohms) or 600 Ω
• Output load: Impedance 600 ohm (floating)
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz ± 1dB
• Gain: 40dB, ± 1dB
• Distortion: > 0.5% T.H.D. from 50Hz – 15kHz with limiting, at 1.1 seconds release setting. Output of +22dBm with no greater than 0.5% T.H.D.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 75dB
• 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

• Width: 19″ W
• Height: 3-1/2″
• Depth: 12-1/4″ (two rack unit)
• Weight: 12 lb.