Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip

Advances in digital recording technology are providing users with tremendous power and flexibility for increasingly less money. All too often, however, the audio quality of these systems is limited by their input stages. Many users who demand the power and flexibility of today’s recording technology find themselves yearning for the warmth and tone of yesteryear’s hand-built analog circuitry. Now with the release of the 6176, Universal Audio, for the first time, combines their highly acclaimed 610 tube microphone preamp with their legendary 1176LN compressor to create the ultimate single channel signal path for everything from vocals to vibraphones.

610B Mic Pre

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.

1176LN Limiting Amplifier

As legendary engineer/producer Andy Johns put it, “The 1176LN is the workhorse compressor.” 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 units.

Features

Audio Inputs--Mic Pre Section

• Microphone (Female XLR)
• Balanced Line (Female XLR)
• Unbalanced Line/Instrument (1/4" jack) on front panel

Audio Inputs--Compressor Section

• Balanced Line (Female XLR) for use in “Split Mode”

Audio Outputs--Mic Pre Section

• Balanced Line (Male XLR) for use in “Split Mode"

Audio Outputs--Compressor Section

• Balanced Line (Male XLR)

Front Panel Controls--Preamplifier Section

• MICROPHONE INPUT IMPEDANCE Selectable, 500 ohms or 2K ohms
• BALANCED LINE INPUT IMPEDANCE 13.8K ohms
• Hi-Z INPUT IMPEDANCE Selectable, 2.2 Meg ohms or 47K ohms
• HF Shelf EQSwitchable boost/cut: 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 9 dB
• Corner Frequency Select: 4.5 kHz, 7 kHz, 10 kHz
• LF Shelf EQ
• Switchable boost/cut: 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 9 dB
• Corner Frequency Select: 70 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz
• Polarity Reverse Switch
• 48 Volt Phantom Power
• Join/Split switch for joint or independent compressor/preamplifier operation.

Front Panel Controls—Compressor Section

• Input Gain
• Output Gain
• Attack
• Release
• Compression Ratio; Bypass, 1 to 1, 4 to 1, 8 to 1, 12 to 1, 20 to 1 and “All Button” mode
• Meter Select; Preamp Output, Compressor Rain Reduction and Compressor Output

Additional Features

• STEREO INTERCONNECTION: via 1176 SA Network accessory
• VACUUM TUBES One 12AX7A and one 12BH7 per channel
• DIMENSIONS 3.5 inches vertical, for mounting in standard 19-inch rack

In “Join” mode, a single input signal is fed through the microphone/instrument preamp and then through the compressor. In “Split” mode, one signal can be fed into and out of the preamp/EQ section while a second can be fed into and out of the compressor section.

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