Using 2 mono preamps?

[Ribspare]

Hi and welcome!

I am thinking about getting 2 Universal Audio LA 610s (preamp and compression combo units). They are single channel only units.

The reason why I would get 2 is so maybe I can experiment by recording with 2 different mics on one track or perhaps in stereo like 2 mics on one acoustic guitar and as I move across the fret board, I get a subtle pan.

Would this be OK?

 

[The Cancers]

The short answer is yes.
And those would be a couple of great preamps to have in your collection.
Their resale value probably wouldn't go down by very much and they would only become more useful as you got more experienced.

However, the nature and wording of your question makes me wonder:
What are you recording into?
If a computer, do you have an interface already?
If so, does it have multiple inputs?
Multiple preamps?
Are you thinking about using them for live work?

You appear (from the question) to be pretty noobish (no offense meant, just callin it like I see it), and the price of those two preamps seems really high for a beginner to go investing in.

Maybe use what you have now (assuming you do have an interface or mixer with two separate input channels) to experiment with stereo recording or with multi-mic recording.
If, on the other hand, you are crazy rich and can afford to drop $3200 on a couple of preamps to "experiment" with, go nuts. Then, if you can't get a sound you like with them, send them to me. I'll find some sort of use for them.

 

[Ribspare]

Thanks brother. Yes I am a noob!

Right now I am working on a Tascam digital multitrack recorder and will eventually work with computers as well. So I am in my experimental learning stage of course.

I plan on getting the LA 610s probably next year as I have to save up but the reason why I think I will like those products is because I like the vintage sound (sorry for the cliche!).

My goal is to sound as analog as possible or at least in that direction so that is why I am looking at the LA 610s for my channel strips to get.

 

[miroslav]

Why don't you just get the Universal Audio 2-610...which is a single unit but with two 610 preamps...rather than getting two individual units with one 610 preamp....?

I've wanted a 2-610 for awhile now...but always ended up getting something else instead. I just scored a Groove Tubes Supre, which is a 2-channel tube preamp...haven't even hooked it up yet in my studio, but I've heard good things about them.
Though now that Groove Tubes is owned by Fender they've discontinued all the GT high-end gear and are only selling guitar amp tubes.

Anyway...the 2-610 can get a bit grainy when pushed, from what many folks have said in the reviews I've tracked down about it...though that might just be what you want.

You might want to check out a Manley Langevin Dual Vocal Combo...which is a 2-channel preamp along with a 2-channel limiter. You can use them independently *at the same time*...or together as a chain.
So you get two units in one...and they sound really nice, though the DVC is a solid state preamp. It's in the same price range as the 2-610 and equally holds its resale value.
I will get one someday to add to my preamp options.

 

[Ribspare]

Yeah, thats a good point. I've considered the 2-610 unit but the LA 2A compression sound appeals to me. The LA 2A is only in mono so I would have to buy 2 units of those. The 2-610 and 2 units of the LA 2A would be so expensive.

I figure if I get just 2 units of the LA-610, it would be cheaper and the sound will probably similar or at least in that realm.

A thing that really attracts me with the new version of the LA-610 is that I can bypass the compresser if I want in case if I want to use another type of compresser for a different song. But the Manly preamp looks very interesting too and I will consider that one as well. Thanks.

BTW, that sucks that Groove Tubes is owned by Fender. I was disappointed that they no longer make preamps. Currently I own the Groove Tubes Brick which I had to get off of ebay.