Universal Audio 8110

This is an analog unit with the typical xlr and trs connections. Unlike the 4110, this unit sadly does not have the instrument input.

UTILIZATION

Utilization is super simple- pre and post gain and 3 voice selection on each of the 8 preamps. Typical phase, lo cut, and 48v phantom power switches also available on each.

SOUND QUALITY

Sound quality is fantastic; truly a beautiful reproduction of sound with the ability to impart lovely character as needed. The three shape selections, along with the range found in the pre and post levels, yield a plethora of fantastic tones. Position OFF is clean setting; this is a very transparent sound with immediate attack that is perfect for modern tones. It’s hard to make a mistake in this setting and super easy to get a good clear level. You could track the majority of your work with this setting; sprinkle in some character pres and you will have a slammin’ track.
This brings us to position 1: the vintage position. This is the character pre that I loved to use. I have experience with a 6176, and that unit may have had too much vintage character. This 8110 vintage setting is a goto tone that I crave on many applications, but mostly electric guitar. This vintage sound stands up well to character competitors such as the Chandler germanium. Really cool grainy tones when mixed with higher pre settings, as well as just a hi9nt of flavor when used with lower pre settings.
Position 2 is a controversial setting. It adds an additional loading to position 1 that sounds like a more gained up compressed sound. Many people will trash this sound, calling it unusable. I kind of liked it on toms, but yes, it may sacrifice too much clarity in its quest for character. You could likely never use this position and be perfectly happy with the clean and vintage settings


OVERALL OPINION

Best thing is the ability to have 8 versatile pres packed into one rack. The diverse sounds are excellent and totally top notch. Value for the price is a question, as these originally sold for around 6k. I found mine on eBay as leftover stock for just a little more than half off. At that price, it is a phenomenal deal for someone looking for 8pres. The only competition may be the True precision8, which is a great clean pre at around 2k, but lacks the character found in this now discontinued UA. Eventually I realized that too much of my studio budget was spent on this piece, and my studio was devolving from a public money making operation into my own individual tracking station….so after about 2 years I sold it off, albeit for about the same price I originally paid. I am now rocking 2 inexpensive GAP73 preamps, and while I totally miss the 8110, and have to say I am content with the GAPs. So bottom line: the price makes 8110 reserved for upscale commercial studios. I enjoy having a GAP, few more guitars and some bills paid as opposed to being lopsided with eloquent pres and disproportionate quality elsewhere.