Universal Audio 2108 User Manual

Universal Audio, Inc.

www.uaudio.com

PO Box 3800

Santa Cruz, CA 95063-3818

[phone] voice

[phone] fax

www.uaudio.com

The 2108 Microphone Preamplifier

Thank you for purchasing the 2108 Dual Channel Microphone Preamplifier. The 2108 was
inspired by the 1108 line amp developed by Universal Audio in the early sixties. The
original 1108 was the “father of the 1176 limiter”. The classic sound of the legendary 1176
starts with the line amp / output transformer of the 1108. In fact, the 1176 was born as a
result of my father’s (Bill Putnam Senior) desire to create a remote controlled pre amp.

Most of us at Universal Audio are musicians, recording engineers, or both and we wanted to
build a mic preamp that we’d be delighted to use ourselves. We love the recording process,
and we really get inspired when the basic tracks are beautifully recorded. Our design goal
for the 2108 was to capture the original character of the 1108 and to create a solid state
mic pre reminiscent of that era. Like all of the great vintage gear of that time, the 2108 is an
all discrete class A unit with input and output transformers. In addition to the output stage
used in the 1176, the 2108 features our best custom input transformer (featuring multiple
impedance windings) and a new FET front end with incredible sonic dynamics.

The controls on the 2108 are simple and essential: we added only those features required for
practical use without needless duplication of functionality found elsewhere in most studios. In
addition to the basic controls for phantom power, polarity and levels, the 2108 features a
unique Signal Indicator for each channel. The single translucent jewel glows brighter as
signal strength is increased, changing from green to amber then red. The indicator light can
monitor the Input Stage or the Output Stage of the 2108. Although more expensive than
some, the 2108 defines a break through value for a tool in this class. It is with great pleasure
that we bring another piece of “vintage soul” to the world of music makers.

In addition to the 2108, Universal Audio manufactures the 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, the
classic Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier, the 2-610 and M610 tube pre amps. We plan to
offer additional original designs, vintage reproductions, and digital products that meet the
demands of the modern recording studio, yet retain the character of vintage equipment.
Please see our Web Site for more information. www.uaudio.com

These products have been quite an enjoyable adventure to develop and we’re sure the next
phase will be even more fun! We thank you for your support and we thank my father, Bill
Putnam.

Thank you,

Bill Putnam

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Before using this unit, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and
safety suggestions. Afterwards keep them handy for future reference. Take special care to follow the
warnings indicated on the unit itself. as well as in the operating instructions.

Water and Moisture – Do not use the unit near
any source of water or in excessively moist
environments.

Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken
so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not
spilled, into the enclosure through openings.

Ventilation – When installing the unit in a rack or
any other location, be sure there is adequate
ventilation. Improper ventilation will cause
overheating, and can damage the unit.

Heat – The unit should be situated away from heat
sources, or other equipment that produces heat.

Power Sources – The unit should be connected to
a power supply only of the type described in the
operating instructions, or as marked on the unit.

Power Cord Protection – AC power supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them. Pay particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the unit. Never take hold of
the plug or cord if your hand is wet. Always grasp
the plug body when connecting or disconnecting it.

Carts and Stands – The unit should be used only
with a cart or stand that is recommended by the
manufacturer. The unit and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive
force and uneven surfaces may cause the unit and
cart combination to overturn.

Wall Or Ceiling Mount – The unit should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended
by the manufacturer.

Cleaning – The unit should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.

Nonuse Periods – The AC power supply cord of
the unit should be unplugged from the AC outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.

Damage Requiring Service – The unit should be
serviced by qualified service personnel when:

The AC power supply cord or the plug has

•
been damaged;

Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled

•
into the unit;

The unit has been exposed to rain;

•

Grounding of the Plug – This unit is equipped
with a 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having a
third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into
the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.

The unit does not operate normally or

•
exhibits a marked change in performance;

The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure

•
damaged.

Servicing – The user should not attempt to service
the unit beyond that described in the operating
instructions. All other servicing should be referred
to qualified service personnel.

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Notice

This manual provides general information, preparation for use, installation and operating
instructions for the Universal Audio 2108 Microphone Preamplifier.

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Universal
Audio, Inc. makes no warranties of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Universal Audio, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect,
special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.

Copyright

© 2002 Universal Audio, Inc. All rights reserved.

This manual and any associated software, artwork, product designs, and design concepts
are subject to copyright protection. No part of this document may be reproduced, in any
form, without prior written permission of Universal Audio, Inc.

Trademarks

LA-2A, 1176, 2-610, M610, 2108 and the Universal Audio, Inc. logo are trademarks of
Universal Audio, Inc. Other company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks
of their respective companies.

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