Universal Audio 2-610 User Manual

Model 2-610

Dual Channel

Tube Preamplifier

Universal Audio Part Number 65-0008

Revision 1.2/WS

The 2-610 Dual Channel Tube Preamplifier

Thank you for purchasing the 2-610 Dual Tube Microphone Preamplifier. The 2-610 is inspired by the microphone preamp section of the 610 console designed by my father, M.T. “Bill” Putnam, in 1960. The 610 was a rotary-control console and was the first console of a modular design. Although technologically simple compared to modern consoles, the 610 possessed a warmth and character that kept it in demand for decades. As a prominent part of my father’s United/Western Studios, the 610 was used on many classic recordings by Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan. The Beach Boys Pet Sounds, the Doors LA Woman, and Van Halen’s debut album were all recorded on the 610. The legendary Wally Heider used the 610 in his remote truck for many of his best known live recordings. At Ocean Way Studios (formerly United), the 610 is lovingly preserved and still used in Studio B.

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 2-610 was to capture the original character of the 610, creating a preamp that would induce that “a-ha” feeling we’ve felt when hearing music recorded in its most natural, inspired form.

The controls of the 2-610 are simple and essential: we added only those features required for practical use without needless duplication of functionality found elsewhere in most studios. The transformers and tubes received much of our R&D attention. We settled on a transformer design featuring double-sized alloy cores with custom windings. Our tubes are carefully selected and tested individually. This extra effort is well worth the time and cost because the result is a truly outstanding, easy-to-use mic preamp!

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.

-Bill Putnam Jr.

Wally Heider’s Remote Recording Rig, with 610 Console

In addition to the 2-610, Universal Audio has released reproductions of the classic Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier and 1176LN Limiter as well as the remaining 610 tube preamp family of products such as the TEC Award winning 6176 and LA-610. Modern tools such as the flagship 4110 & 8110 Precision Microphone Preamplifiers bring tonal flexibility to the multi-channel mic preamp, while the Desktop Console Series Remote Preamp and Monitor Master bring large format console features to desktop recordists. Universal Audio also creates software emulations of vintage hardware and innovative mixing tools that run on our UAD DSP platform. All of these products are designed to meet the demands of the modern recording studio, yet retain the character and quality of vintage equipment. See more at www.uaudio.com, including the SOLO mic pre series, and 2192 Master Audio Interface A/D and D/A.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

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

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

the enclosure through openings.

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

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

a. The AC power supply cord or the plug has been damaged: or b. Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit; or c. The unit has been exposed to rain; or d. The unit does not operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or e. The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

11. 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 instruction for the Universal Audio 2-610 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.

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.

Contents

This package should contain:

2-610 Preamplifier 2-610 Manual IEC Power Cable Registration Card

Warranty

Warranty for the 2-610 and all Universal Audio hardware is one year, parts and labor.

Trademarks

2-610, LA-2A, 1176LN, 6176, LA-610, 4110, 8110, DCS Remote Preamp, DCS Monitor Master, 2192, UAD 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

Table of Contents

Performance and Audio Specifications................................................................................................................ 1

Preamp Operation Instructions .......................................................................................................................... 2

2-610 Front Panel................................................................................................................................................ 2

Input Select ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Mic ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Hi-Z.................................................................................................................................................... 3

Line .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Gain .................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Level ................................................................................................................................................................... 3

-15 dB Pad .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Polarity ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

EQ Controls......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Frequency........................................................................................................................................... 4

Boost/Cut........................................................................................................................................... 4

+48 V .................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Power ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

2-610 Rear Panel................................................................................................................................................. 5

Input/Output....................................................................................................................................................... 5

AC Power ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

Internal Voltage Selector..................................................................................................................................... 6

Fuse/Mains/Bulbs ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................................... 7

Historical Notes .................................................................................................................................................. 8

The 610 Preamp.................................................................................................................................. 8

The 1176LN Limiting Amplifier and LA-2A Leveling Amplifier............................................................................... 9

The 1176LN......................................................................................................................................... 9

The LA-2A ........................................................................................................................................... 9

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