Universal audio LA-610 User Manual
Model LA-610
Channel Strip
Universal Audio Manual Number 65-0901
Revision 1.00
Universal Audio, Inc.
www.uaudio.com
330 Encinal St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 466-3737 voice
(831) 466-3775 fax
www.uaudio.com
The LA-610 Channel Strip
Thank you for purchasing the LA-610 Channel Strip. This unit combines a
modified channel of our 2-610 Mic Pre with an LA2A style T4 Optical
Compressor. Our 610 was inspired by the microphone preamp section of
the 610 tube console designed by my father, M.T. “Bill” Putnam, in the
1950s. The 610 was a rotary-control console and was the first console of
the 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.
The T4 Compressor element in the LA-610 is identical to the circuit
components housed inside the T4 optical cell used on the legendary LA2A compressor. The heart and soul of the LA-2A is mostly a result of this
special optical gain control element. The unique and musical behavior of
the LA-2A is present in the LA-610 as well, the main difference being a
more colored sonic signature with the LA-610. Unlike the LA-2A, the LA-610
offers a wide variety of tone and character by virtue of the dual stage
level controls and EQ section. The incredible price/value of the LA-610 is
the result of using the existing 610 tube amplifier and simply adding the T4
optical element creating a mono channel strip that can serve as a mic or
Instrument preamp with or without EQ and compression. In addition, the
LA-610 has a line level input for use as a dedicate compressor with or
without EQ and tube saturation.
In addition to the LA-610, Universal Audio has released reproductions of
the classic Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier and 1176LN Limiter as well as
the 610 tube preamp and 2108 microphone preamplifier, which is based
on the 1108 line amps that were used in my father’s studios. Universal
Audio also creates software emulation’s of our vintage hardware that run
on our UAD-1 DSP card as well as Digidesign’s Pro Tools platform. All of
these products are designed to meet the demands of the modern
recording studio, yet retain the character of vintage equipment. Please
visit www.uaudio.com to see and read about other great recording tools
from Universal Audio.
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
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. 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.
9. Wall Or Ceiling Mount – The unit should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
10. Cleaning – The unit should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
v
Notice
This manual provides general information, preparation for use, installation
and operating instructions for the Universal Audio LA-610 Channel Strip.
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
© 2004 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, 1176LN, 2-610, 2108, 6176, 2-1176, LA-610 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.
vi
Table Of Contents
LA-610 Specifications .............................................................................. 1
LA-610 Operating Instructions ............................................................... 2
610 Front Panel .......................................................................... 2
Input Select ........................................................................ 2
Gain ..................................................................................... 3
Level..................................................................................... 3
Pad....................................................................................... 4
Polarity................................................................................. 4
+48 V (Phantom Power) .................................................. 4
EQ Controls......................................................................... 4
T4 Optical Compressor Front Panel......................................... 5
Peak Reduction ................................................................. 5
Gain...................................................................................... 5
Limit/Compress................................................................... 5
Meter Function ................................................................... 6
Meter Calibration .............................................................. 6
Meter Function ................................................................... 6
Meter Calibration .............................................................. 6
LA-610 Rear Chassis ................................................................................. 6
Input/Output ................................................................................. 6
AC Power ...................................................................................... 7
Fuse/Mains ..................................................................................... 7
Voltage Select .............................................................................. 7
Compressor Theory of Operation..........................................................8
Compressor Basics ....................................................................... 8
Gain Reduction Circuits.............................................................. 8
Historical Notes ........................................................................................13
The 610 Preamp.......................................................................... 13
The 1176 and LA-2A Compressors .......................................... 15
The LA-2A ..................................................................................... 16
1
LA-610 Specifications
Microphone Input Impedance Selectable, 500 Ω or 2k Ω
Balanced Line Input Impedance 20k Ω
Hi-Z Input Impedance Selectable, 2.2M Ω or 47k Ω
Maximum Microphone Input Level -8 dBu (2K input Imp. & 15 dB
Pad in)
Maximum Output Level +20 dBu (120Vac line)
Internal Output Impedance 80 Ω
Recommended Minimum Load 600 Ω
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.5dB
Maximum Gain 40 dB (Line), +77dB (Mic)
Noise Floor -72 dBu 20 – 20kHz (Line In,
Unity Gain)
Tube Complement (3)12AX7, (1)6072, (1)6AQ5
General:
Power Requirements: 115V / 230V operation
Dimensions: 3.5” vertical, 19” rack (2RU).
Weight: 12 lbs. (Boxed,14.5 lbs.)
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