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moosers
Published on 12/08/09 at 15:09
The Universal Audio 6176 is an analog channel strip consisting of a pre amp, built in EQ, and a compressor. It has XLR connections in the back and a 1/4 inch input in front if you want to plug your instrument directly into this. It is indeed a rack mountable piece of gear and will take up take rack spaces.
UTILIZATION
The make up of Universal Audio 6176 is generally pretty easy to follow. The sections are clearly marked and the parameters are all pretty familiar. Starting from the left, you've got the mic pre section containing knobs for level, gain, mic/line, and a high and low EQ band. It also has switches for a -15db pad, phase, and to choose a fixed frequency for the EQ. On the other side you've got a compressor containing parameters for attack, release, input, output, ratio, and a switch to choose what comes up on the VU meter. There are also phantom power and a compressor bypass switches. I haven't had a need to look at the manual, so I can't say if it would be helpful or not.
SOUND QUALITY
The overall sound of the Universal Audio 6176 is pretty awesome. It definitely sounds a lot similar to the other modern Universal Audio gear, which is a good thing as far as I am concerned because it is a great sound. It won't color your sound beyond doing its job and is all around a clean sounding unit. The compressor I believe is modeled after an 1176 and definitely has a similar sound to one that is great for a variety of applications. Since this strip is so versatile, I really think that you can use this with just about any instrument.
OVERALL OPINION
The Universal Audio 6176 is overall a very impressive unit. It has a great sound and is very easy to use granted that you know the basics for mic pres, EQ, and compression. While the price is definitely reasonable, it is still probably out of reach for most home studio owners. Having said that, I do think it would make the perfect channel strip for a home studio owner looking to get a warmer sound without having to get a console. I'd definitely recommend the 6176 to both home and professional studio owners.
UTILIZATION
The make up of Universal Audio 6176 is generally pretty easy to follow. The sections are clearly marked and the parameters are all pretty familiar. Starting from the left, you've got the mic pre section containing knobs for level, gain, mic/line, and a high and low EQ band. It also has switches for a -15db pad, phase, and to choose a fixed frequency for the EQ. On the other side you've got a compressor containing parameters for attack, release, input, output, ratio, and a switch to choose what comes up on the VU meter. There are also phantom power and a compressor bypass switches. I haven't had a need to look at the manual, so I can't say if it would be helpful or not.
SOUND QUALITY
The overall sound of the Universal Audio 6176 is pretty awesome. It definitely sounds a lot similar to the other modern Universal Audio gear, which is a good thing as far as I am concerned because it is a great sound. It won't color your sound beyond doing its job and is all around a clean sounding unit. The compressor I believe is modeled after an 1176 and definitely has a similar sound to one that is great for a variety of applications. Since this strip is so versatile, I really think that you can use this with just about any instrument.
OVERALL OPINION
The Universal Audio 6176 is overall a very impressive unit. It has a great sound and is very easy to use granted that you know the basics for mic pres, EQ, and compression. While the price is definitely reasonable, it is still probably out of reach for most home studio owners. Having said that, I do think it would make the perfect channel strip for a home studio owner looking to get a warmer sound without having to get a console. I'd definitely recommend the 6176 to both home and professional studio owners.