View other reviews for this product:
moosers
Published on 12/18/09 at 20:51
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.
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.