The Universal Audio LA-610 channel strip in my opinion is the best channel strip you can get for your buck. Both the pre-amp section and the compressor section are extremely useful. Most of the time I will record using the compression straight to Pro Tools, but many times I'll go back and use the compressor on previously recorded things. It has XLR inputs and outputs and is it rackable. UTILIZATION In terms of ease of use, it doesn't get much easier. The pre-amp has a bunch of equalization options as well as gain and a leveler. The compressor is only two knobs, like the LA-2a which it is based off of. I haven't had a need to use the manual, it is easy enough to use if you have any sort of experience with recording and compressors. SOUND QUALITY I couldn't be happier with overall sound this thing produces. It sounds great on vocals (I'm using a Neumann TLM103) as well as on guitars and drums. For bass I just plug directly in...I have no need for my direct boxes anymore when recording keys or bass, I just use this. The pre-amp is pretty transparent if you run it with no EQ, but I love having the options of boosting or cutting using the pre's EQ. OVERALL OPINION I've been using the LA610 for about 6 months. The thing I like most about it is that it is a compact channel strip that I can use over and over again for my overdubs. I haven't had any complaints, although I wish there were some 1/4'' connections in addition to the XLRs. I've used all sorts of other Universal Audio products (LA-2a, 1176, LA-3a, etc) and this definitely can hold it's own. If I lost it or broke it I would definitely buy a new one. Being that I work out of my project studio mostly and I am on a limited budget, I couldn't have asked for anything more.
The Universal Audio LA-610 MK II is a sequel to the original LA-610 and is quite similar in make up, offering up a few new features and a slightly improved sound quality, although it would be hard to tell the difference most of the time. This is an all analog channel strip, consisting of a mic pre, a compressor, and an EQ. The strip has both XLR and 1/4" TRS connections, including a 1/4" input in the front for plugging your instrument directly in. It is a rack mountable piece of outboard gear, and will take up two spaces. UTILIZATION Universal Audio has made the LA-610 MK II extremely easy to use, just like the original. Everything is straight forward and there are certainly no tricks here. The mic pre has parameters for both level and gain, line selection, a -15db pad, phantom power, and phase. The EQ only has a high and low band, each with parameters for choosing a set of fixed frequencies and a gain knob. The compression section has controls for peak reduction and gain, just like the LA-2A which this is based on. It also has a switch to either use it has a compressor, limiter, or bypass it. The VU meter is programmable and you can choose to view either your preamp level, gain reduction, or compression. The manual is put together well, but is only necessary if you're a beginner in my opinion. SOUND QUALITY Across the board, the Universal Audio LA-610 MK II has a very impressive sound quality. All of the components of this channel strip have a top notch tone, with the preamp and the compressor being the main attractions here. While there are some new and improved features on the MK II, for the most part they are subtle, so this does sound a great deal like the original LA-610. This is certainly not a complaint, as both models sound incredible! This is the perfect all in one channel strip for both a home and professional studio owner. OVERALL OPINION While a tad more expensive than the original LA-610, the LA-610 MK II boasts a new look and some improvement on the inner make up. In my opinion, like the original, this is ideal for the home studio owner looking for a big sounding channel strip to sit at the top of your collection. It does however have the sound of something that a professional would use, making it great for improving the sound of your home studio with a single item. I'd highly recommend the LA-610 MK II for the home studio looking to get your home recordings on a whole new level!
