Universal Audio LA610 Signature Edition

http://www.homestudio.fr/produit-id-4249.html

UTILIZATION

Ultra Easy! not need to open the manual except perhaps for impedance matching by the Hi-Z input

SOUND QUALITY

See Conclusion

OVERALL OPINION

"Improved" version of the legendary LA-610 preamp, customized with new lamps of the 60s (NOS). Electronics remains the same, we find the qualities of the LA-610, heat, round, rich harmonics, dynamic in all frequencies.
The difference between the two devices is not obvious, the lamps of the 60 are less enriched in mids and highs but the bass seem to be more present with this version. Q4 always gives a good definition in the transient and improves markedly the intelligibility of the signal. The front is anodized black the most beautiful effect and appearance "signature" reinforces the impression of quality buttons certainly hard to turn also reinforces that impression.
Next sound is universal audio, it remains in the high-end prices pulled down, as your sources are transcended, that does not saturate, that cash all, it is still musical! be careful not to over use the T4 optical compressor sources on its "soft" on pain of overload and make the sound a little less music and "pump".
It does not take long for the machine s' tame and in any case even without technical knowledge, the "beast" sounds at once!
I recommend the version signature for lovers of authentic and for collectors, this version not depreciate in the market the opportunity and may even appreciate in value ... lorqu'on must undertake to buy such a machine, there must be a maintenance budget for the aficionado of big sound because after a while of use, will have to find the same lights to find the characteristics of original! and lamps (5) it heats, it moves, and it breaks! so avoid transportation.
Your voices are so optimized and made the natural use of plug ins to the mix is ​​useless, same for the bass and guitars.
If you stop at the simple LA-610, you will not be disappointed! to 1600 euros is a significant investment for a small structure, but you will save time in your production settings and will do that better!
I put a 9 for the price of the machine was high compared to its counterpart for our lamps!
I will redeem another well to the mastering, but in more money! and after more than machines, because limited to 500 copies

tube preamp, compressor 1 button (I love) and EQ game which I am using more

on this signature model, lamps NOS, I find them beautiful, then I have only tested once a 2-610 with normal lamps and I had trouble but I do not know if it comes from Unlike models because it was not in the same conditions (I was testing a microphone in a store)

UTILIZATION

superb rock, vocals, guitars, a little soft on a low because of the compressor with the attack is fast enough, but really easy to use and after time the adjustments have their eyes closed, ears are feasting and big buttons, great, it's too good to have the hardware, it's like a big guitar amp between the fingers

phantom power pretty crappy for cons, I have many problems with

SOUND QUALITY

I love the sound on the voice too smooth, I put the lamp is beautiful, to fall to the ground the grain that gives this installment, I do not know if this is due to lamps NOS but really it ' is beautiful

on mics too sharp and brittle, it brings a bit of roundness as warm as this installment is all the voices are warm, with a U87 and a beautiful jazz voice is boiling hot, the compressor is superb on vocals, is close, it rounds if you will, I am a fan

OVERALL OPINION

it's crazy what you can do with a few buttons, it's really my first pro preamp and a big favorite, I can not do without it, everything is simple, the buttons are nice
it's crazy love

nothing wrong and I know if I hit the target

cons by the rising dollar and the MKII version sharply raised the price, once an LA-610 was just nine to 1,200 euros (gray version), Belle Epoque