Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity

This is an interesting box right here. A multi-purpose device (mic pre and DI box), it's also got the unique feature of employing both solid-state and tube design. This is a rackable unit that has input level and output level knobs. The input is a solid state transimpedence, and the unit has two gains operating simultaneously to the same output. There is a knob that allows you to select one or the other, or the blend that you want. There aren't usually effects on mic pres, but the range and flexibility of this one allow you to really experiment with the timbre of whatever you're recording, and can result in some strange distortion.

UTILIZATION

Editing the sound in this preamp is a bit more of a fine process than with most pres, but it's not difficult. Basically, you can control input level, output level, how much tube and solid-state signals you want, and there are options for pads, phantom power, and low cut and polarity. This thing is pretty versatile when it comes to sounds and uses. The manual explains things a bit more in-depth for those who aren't as familiar with mic pres, but other than the tube/transistor knob, there's not much that hasn't been seen before.

SOUND QUALITY

The console isn't exactly transparent unless you set it that way. This is different depending on the instrument. The thing about this pre is that it's such a crazy blend of solid-state and tube that you can get the positive qualities of both technologies without any of the drawbacks. Thus you get the warmth of a tube amp with the high response of solid-state. The fact that you can get a great DI sound out of it as well only adds to its charm. It sounds great on drums, guitar, vocals, almost anything. In this respect it's one of the more versatile mic pres in its price range. It sounds great when on the tube setting especially, as I tend to prefer the tube pres. It also can be adjusted to make anything sound more natural.

OVERALL OPINION

I think that for the price, this mic pre possibly can't be beat. Since it's only about $800 on the street, it's way better than anything that averages at about that price. The sound quality is superb, and it never colors the sound in an unpleasant or unnatural way. I have used many mic-pres in my time, but I haven't been able to find a better one for doing so many different kinds of tones. It's a budget engineer's best friend, I was able to sell off two other mic pre's as this one outperformed them both. I would certainly say that this is a great choice for anyone.

The Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity is a unique single channel microphone preamp and direct input box.  The unit is extremely unique because it is both powered by tubes and transistors, and the two of them can actually be blended together, or used separately depending on how you set it.  The unit is all analog and has XLR connections in the back of it as well as a 1/4 inch input in the front.  It isn't rack mountable as it has its own shape and size.

UTILIZATION

The Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity offers up a plethora of parameters and features.  The unit has gain and level knobs as well as a knob to choose between tubes or transistors, which can be set anywhere in between.  It also features switches for a -15 db pad, mic/line selection, phase, low cut, metering, and phantom power.  I haven't seen the manual for the 710 so I can't say anything about it, but I will say that if you have basic knowledge about mic pres that I don't think one is necessary. 


SOUND QUALITY

The sounds that are possible with the Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity are very versatile, which I believe is this unit's best attribute.  It can be used with just about anything as it has the parameters to make adjustments for different applications.  I really love being able to set how much of the tubes and transistors that I would like to use.  For me, this makes the 710 more versatile than most pres out there as it makes it suitable for just about any application that I can think of.  It is also perfect for capturing direct input signals.


OVERALL OPINION

Other than the Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity, I don't think I've seen any other preamps that are actually hybrid like this one.  It is a great idea and I hope to see more companies follow suit and take a hint from one of the best in the business.  The price of the unit is definitely reasonable for top end mic pre, especially considering the unique features that this has to offer.  While this is probably best suited for professionals, if you are home studio owner looking to get some warmth and a versatile mic pre to record major parts with, I'd be very surprised if you didn't fall in love with the 710 Twin-Finity.

I will return to these characteristics even if we know them:
- 12AX7 preamp hybrid and the transistor while in class A with 70db gain total
- A DI 2.2 MOhm
- A mic input XRL
- A line input XLR
- And of course a XRL output

2 was pretty knobs, one for the other and the gain for the output level.
And one for spent lamp 100% 100% solid state with all the possibilities it offers.

A filter with a slope not too sweet nor too gross.

a switch to the VU meter.

a switch to past the mic input to the input line

a 15db pad

a phase inversreur

and of course a switch for 48V

in short, everything you need.

UTILIZATION

config is we can more simple and intuitive, the manual is well done himself with drawings of the preamp to power noted its settings once found.

SOUND QUALITY

Sound .... it's that necessarily takes on the meaning of a preamp.

The DI input.
I tested it on my bass and it sounds amazing! I get all its dynamics, the bass is pêchus and very clear highs. I use the preamp transistor 100% for it.
I tested it on my guitars 50-50 (Dean Razorback and Jacobacci studio 3 of 1973). Again the highs are clear and the harmonics of the lamps round out the lower medium is giving them a really nice body.

The mic input.

Engaged with a SM57 on my Guild F512 (well yeah I know this mic like my pocket and I love his sound) in 25% and 75% lamp transistor: I am amazed! This guitar has basic rich and deep bass without beings without clutter and neglected brilliance treble. Everything appears as it should be! I love and I agree!! The highs are crystalline, warm mids and deep bass!

In amp outlet with another SM57 100% lamp. My amp is a Mesa Mini rectify with a baffle made by myself with a Celestion V30 and an Eminence. Again, from the first listen I was ecstatic! Being in an apartment, I can not push the amp so it is necessary for me scratching my decision and what transparency. All frequencies that I research are!

The voice 100% lamp with a TLM 103 lent by a friend, the results still make me pleasure. The voice becomes very present in the mix, the low cut does a very good taf and lightly heat lamp is felt within seconds.

In short, this preamp is transparent transistor and provides a significant color lamp.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one month now every day I have a moment.

I have tested the TL Audio Gain station in SPL, a 6176 yesterday and at Avalon U5.

What I like least .... a slight noise in the 14KHz with when the gain is strong with the 48V switched (but there is nothing manufacturing defect? ​​Bad wiring? Continued)

What I like most is its ease of use and versatility.


I bought new for € 679 instead of € 799 and comes with 2 UAD Solo offered, so quality / price ratio IS CLEAR THAT I remake this choice!

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UTILIZATION

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SOUND QUALITY

I came across a good deal and I'm tempted by 710 after many try to enrich my meager choice of preamp.

I put it next to my Solo 610 and 110 and I must say it is not ridiculous at all side 2.
It is neither better nor worse but different.

Mode transistor, it is less open than the 110, but sounds more balanced, its main drawback is the poor performance of severe as you attack too. Otherwise it is very clear and detailed but more importantly, it sounds very warm.
But the transistor 100% I prefer the 110

100% hand lamp is very different from 610. The 610 with a superb round and one side "spongy" and some elastic magical sources (Bass, Lead, Elec Guit! Him The 710 is more clear and balanced and does not have this lower midrange forward as Solo610. Ca makes it more versatile.
But the distortion sounds a bit "fuzzy" when attacked hard. Nevertheless, it can find its usefulness in some sources.
For 100% of the lamp I prefer Solo610.

So why did you buy? I find it very interesting that in dice it "blend" the two worlds. It really opens up a wide range of sounds interesting.

It actually gets it nice mix of the 2. Sound quite punchy, round and warm with this character "UA Style".
I draw the best in its settings "means" all at 12pm.

Tested on bass Di, voice and guitar amp (with K2, a M160 and C214).

OVERALL OPINION

Manufacturing side, the case is less massive than the other models of the brand but the finish is still serious, as always with UA.
Plastic knobs etc ...

But his side, I thought he did it in less than ventre.Il is different from my other preamp (JDK R20, UA610, UA110), but this is my main interest in my little config, diversity and real versatility.

I've always been quite a fan of Universal Audio gear, as can be Gibson or otherwise share this sound borrows own the brand, its reliability and innovations always interesting.
Or the price I got, I'm more than satisfied.

Good Q / P.