OK, I'm a wuss. I caved...LA-610 on the way.

[drbluezz]

Yep, I gave into all the advice and comments on the forum and I'm replacing my Focusrite Platinum VoiceMaster Pro. I just finished listing it on Ebay. I thought seriously about a Universal Audio Solo 610 but I'd like to have the compressor too so I called my guy, Jason Koons, at Sweetwater Sound and ordered the Universal Audio LA 610. But, man, am I having buyer's remorse?!! That puppie's expensive! Although my rationalization is that I'll not likely ever need another/better mic preamp since it's for my home studio and the Universal Audio line of gear is about as good as it gets. Anyone care to comment and make me feel better? LOL!!


Tom

 

[NL5]

the Universal Audio line of gear is about as good as it gets.

I know Sweetwater likes to push the LA-610. Heck, a good friend of mine got talked into one. It's one of the few higher end pices I just didn't like. Could never find anything it excelled on. The 610 sounded worse than the pre's in my ghost, and the "LA" compressor really misses the LA2A vibe. Maybe you will like it though. It does have a few fans. Just steer clear of Gearslutz.

 

[omtayslick]

I also have a friend who buys everything Sweetwater tells him to. He has one. I've done a few tracks through it. It has a certain vibe. If it's a vibe that you like, then you'll be good to go.

 

[carlosguardia]

I have the Solo 610 in the studio (most of the time) and I use it quite often. Price/Quality it's up amongst the best I've used.
That said, for the price of the LA-610 I would've gotten the TL Audio Ivory 5050 and saved over $800. IMHO the TL Audio has awesome Price/Quality.

Solo son mis dos centavos; hope you enjoy your LA 610.

 

[undrgrnd studio]

I have a 610 in my studio right now, I don;t own it but am fortunate enough to borrow it from a friend who has no place for his stuff. I also have Moog synth from him. Anyway, the 610 is a beautiful piece of equipment and certainly the best unit I have used. I can't really describe the sound other than warm and present. If I crank the compressor my vocals seem to get lost in the mix. But at a lower setting it sings. Hope you like it. Oh BTW I've tried three mics with it so far, a GT55, M Audio Luna, and AT4040. The 4040 sounds the best to my ears with the 610. Not sure if that'll help you in any way.

 

[bigtoe]

Yep, I gave into all the advice and comments on the forum and I'm replacing my Focusrite Platinum VoiceMaster Pro. I just finished listing it on Ebay. I thought seriously about a Universal Audio Solo 610 but I'd like to have the compressor too so I called my guy, Jason Koons, at Sweetwater Sound and ordered the Universal Audio LA 610. But, man, am I having buyer's remorse?!! That puppie's expensive! Although my rationalization is that I'll not likely ever need another/better mic preamp since it's for my home studio and the Universal Audio line of gear is about as good as it gets. Anyone care to comment and make me feel better? LOL!!


Tom

did you try it first? that would be the best thing to do.

that said, i'm sure you'll find a good use for it...quality gear is worth it if you know what you're doing with it. i'm mixing a record from mackie pres and ADATs and i'm used to higher quality stuff. it takes a WHILE to get it mixed proper...it has been a while since i've had to deal with that sort of a chain...not horrible but it just requires more work.

so in the end you'll probably save time and aggravation and it will be worth it. enjoy it...i think the 610 is actually pretty cheap!

Mike

 

[Supercreep]

I think with careful gain staging it will be an excellent preamp for most purposes.

 

[drbluezz]

I have a 610 in my studio right now, I don;t own it but am fortunate enough to borrow it from a friend who has no place for his stuff. I also have Moog synth from him. Anyway, the 610 is a beautiful piece of equipment and certainly the best unit I have used. I can't really describe the sound other than warm and present. If I crank the compressor my vocals seem to get lost in the mix. But at a lower setting it sings. Hope you like it. Oh BTW I've tried three mics with it so far, a GT55, M Audio Luna, and AT4040. The 4040 sounds the best to my ears with the 610. Not sure if that'll help you in any way.

Hey guys,


You're supposed to make me feel BETTER not WORSE!! LOL!! It's in your contract...read the fine print. Seriously, I appreciate all the feedback (no pun intended)...but especially the encouragement.


Tom

 

[Weasel9992]

I think with careful gain staging it will be an excellent preamp for most purposes.

Exactly. It's certainly blow the doors off the Voice Master...I don't think I've ever hated a preamp more than that one.

Weez

 

[Brian Whitten]

I personally love the la-610, my friend has 2 (and a gold record) and he likes them too. We have used them for bass (my favorite) overheads, kick, and vox. Sometimes I will use the line in from my Chameleon Labs 7602 and use the comp with the 7602, sweet vocal chain imho. Don't let any one sway you one way or the other, and I'm sure sweetwater has a return policy. Have fun recording!