Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II vs 6176 (Demo / Overview / Comparison)

[@UniversalAudio]

Nicely done Les!! Thanks for taking the time!

[@LesVegasMusic]

@UniversalAudio Thanks so much! It's an honor!

[@TheCryptoLifestyle]

Dude I bought the 610 mkii because of your other video. Now after watching this i want to buy this one 😭

[@LesVegasMusic]

@@TheCryptoLifestyle ​ Ahaha! That's how it goes doesn't it?! You'll be fine with the LA-610 for now. If you ever want to start recording in stereo, maybe that's the time to get the 6176 so you'll have two 610 preamps and then either an LA-2A style compressor or an 1176 compressor to choose from - really nice combo that way.

Which unit has mellower sound? Which out of these two is better solution for sibilant voices or bright microphones? Thank you in advance! Great video btw! ❤

[@LesVegasMusic]

@ Thank you! Both have the same EQ and Preamp section so they'd be the same on sibilant voices and bright microphones. The compressors are what's really different here so I'd say the LA-610 Mk II would have the mellower sound due to the nature of the optical compressor vs the FET compressor, and the 6176 will allow you to get a lot more aggressive with all the additional ratios, attack and release controls. Hope that helps!

[@AenBeatz]

The MKll sounded really nice on this. Gave it a smoother & more modern vibe

[@lucillefrancoeur8235]

So much info, so glad all this is available to us!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thanks for watching and your support!

[@JonManness]

The LA-610 added so much life when heard has a mix, probably because the transients were still able to get through the slower optical compressor compared to the 6176

[@LesVegasMusic]

@JonManness Totally! I love what it did to the highs and upper mids. I preferred the open and airy sound of the LA-610 Mk II, although you gotta love what the 1176LN on the 6176 did to the drums!

[@johntomanio3374]

Wow. This is the best side-by-side gear comparison on KZbin. Your choice of musical clips was inspired, truly informative. The vid was perfectly edited. Oh, if only all gear comparisons on KZbin were as good as this... Thank you, Les! So, do you hear any difference at all between the 610 preamps in both units (with compression disengaged)?

[@LesVegasMusic]

@johntomanio3374 Wow! Thanks so much! It's comments like yours that keep me motivated to continue making videos just like this one. No, I'm not hearing any noticeable difference in the sound of the preamps but there was a noticeable difference in the gain staging between the two. You'll notice that in all examples I kept the Gain set the same on each, but I would have to increase the Level on the 6176 to match the LA-610. Not a big deal and probably just based on the topology of the two units. Do you have or will you be getting one of these two? Did you prefer one over the other based on the examples in this video?

[@johntomanio3374]

​@LesVegasMusic Yes, I do have a 6176 -- and I previously owned an LA-610 eighteen years ago -- back before I understood how to use a compressor! I wish I hadn't sold it, because since then I have learned how wonderful the 610 tube preamp is -- and could use a second one to go with the one in my 6176... Plus I bet I could get some mojo out of that opto compressor now that I've learned how to compress. In your samples, I preferred the LA-610 with the T4 in every case. It just seemed meatier, rounder, with more depth. However, the FET style compression of the 6176 was more mid-forward and seemed more exciting and more likely to cut through a dense mix. Which means I need to have one of each! Ha ha! Thank goodness I have a variety of other compressors to hold me until then! My favorites for most vocals and bass are the Retro 176, Retro Sta-Level, Chandler RS-124 but I do like to use a second compressor in line with them, an 1176 or my 6176 or my Daking FET III. The Daking does what the 1176 does, but in a hi-fi way, instead of adding (lovely) grit and distortion. Les, may I note that your superb talent for getting the best sound out of these two pieces of gear could actually be detrimental to teaching us what is different about the two units? What I'm trying to say is, instead of compressor settings that were perfectly attuned to getting the best sound out of the tracks, we listeners might be able to better hear the differences between any two pieces of gear if you ALSO go a little too far with the knobs and over-cook the tracks! So newbie ears can plainly hear the difference! Thanks again for your excellent quality!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey John! I appreciate that feedback. I've been thinking on the best way to do what you're suggesting. I'm thinking a separate how-to video would be best, where I dial in the settings in real time so people can see and hear the differences and maybe talk through my decisions. It sounds like you've managed to collect and incredible selection of gear John. Those are all great picks! And I can TOTALLY relate to your experience with the LA-610. I have a very similar story only I had the 6176 18 years ago and like you, didn't truly understand what I had or how to use it. Always wanted it back so, here we are brother! Still doin' it and doin' it! Just doing it a little better these days. 🙂

[@MERLIMARTISTICPRODUTIONS]

i hear none (difrens)

[@millenial_falcon]

Wow, this demo is pure gold. Mk II sounds smoother to me; 6176 sounded more shouty in the vocal track

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thanks @danielortiz3893! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, I'm a fan of the Mk II myself - especially on pop or electronic music. I may like the 6176 better for rock.

[@TheRealTMajor]

Love your videos. Thank you. Even your detailed responses are amazing

[@LesVegasMusic]

@TheRealTMajor Thanks so much! Well, it's easy for me to talk about. We love the stuff don't we? I have put an incredible amount of time into thinking about things, and trying things out over the past 28 years so, you really start to get a good understanding of things. But, we're always learning! So, I just figured I'd start sharing my thoughts and experiences as I go along. KZbin has been a great platform for me to do that on. Thanks again!

[@MsSUNSETHOUSE]

Great comparison video.

[@LesVegasMusic]

@MsSUNSETHOUSE Thank you for watching and for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the comparison!

[@drakewatkins2624]

This is dope that 610 is as smooth as butter 🔥 would that preamp pair good with a tlm 49

[@LesVegasMusic]

@drakewatkins2624 Thanks! Oh yeah. Nothing like a Neumann and a tube preamp man. Really nice! 👌🏼

[@drakewatkins2624]

Appreciate the honesty les good channel and informative reviews I’ll be getting the 610 do to your review in addition the slate pro dragon compressor was what I was thinking about running it through

[@LesVegasMusic]

That's a rare piece that I hear a lot about but I've never tried it myself.

[@WIIMTheMusician]

Les, I have a dilemma. At the moment I’m using a Lauten Audio Atlantis in Forward mode into a Newton Channel strip. I recently sold my TLM103 for being too harsh on my voice (which is quite crispy/raspy to begin with). So the Atlantis by itself sounds amazing, perfectly saturated, open, and crystal clear, rarely harsh (which is what I look for in a mic). Once I added the Newton Channel into the chain, it seems to just make the worst parts of my voice cut through again, even with very conservative input gain, subtractive EQ settings in harsh areas, and no silk saturation. I have to record with very small waves in the DAW to even get a bearable sound, even with a de-esser, etc. So at this point, I’m confused on whether the front end of the chain is the issue (mic), or if the preamp just doesn’t match well with the mic. I was debating selling the Newton and getting a Neve 1073 SPX, hoping it will add the weight I’m looking for to balance out my high end, and I’ll keep doing my compression in the DAW until I can afford a hardware compressor. But now that I’m seeing this video, I’m kinda sold on the 6176 since I’m a huge fan of tubes, and the control on that compressor is another key factor for me on ANY piece. An Avalon is a dream piece of mine too, so I’m stuck in this rabbit hole and would appreciate some advice. Thanks for the video, and making my search easier and harder at the same time! 😂

[@mariomaslik]

Great stuff Les. Do you also own a Neve 1073 style preamp? I do and hence am on the verge of buying 6176 or not

[@LesVegasMusic]

@mariomaslik Thanks so much! I do! I have (x2) AMS Neve 1073lb, (x2) API 512v, (x2) SSL VHD preamps and now with the LA-610 MKII and 1176 - (x2) UA 610 preamps. The UA 610's are quickly becoming a go-to. They're just so easy to work with and inflate the sound of everything! They sound great and with the tubes, they give me such a different sound than the solid state and transformer preamps. Highly recommended. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@RTHO0]

Such a Good Demo Thanks!!

[@AndyKingCo]

Love this! 🔥

[@LesVegasMusic]

@AndyKingCo Great! So glad you loved it. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate you!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 0:29 - LA-610 Mk II & 6176 Similarities (Preamp Sections) 1:18 - LA-610 Mk II & 6176 Differences (Dynamics Sections) 3:37 - 6176 Back Panel Input and Outputs 4:10 - LA-610 Mk II & 6176 Pricing at zzounds.com/a--3979429 4:27 - Test Details 5:15 - Audio Demo

[@musiktetangga]

This is great video, thanks Les. Anyway I'm planning to get my first preamp for my small home project studio. neve 1073 spx is my first option, but I always wanted a tube pre-amp and after saw this video I might think about LA-610. I have a tight budget, so I wish to have one smart buying gear that serve my purpose for long time ahead. Any recommendation for this Les? Thank you in advance

[@LesVegasMusic]

@musiktetangga You're welcome! Thank you for watching, and for your comment. Ooh, that's a tough one. I have an excellent selection of tube and solid state preamps here which include stereo Neve 1073, API 512, UA 610 and SSL VHD. If you have options like this, you end up finding that you prefer certain preamps over others depending on what instrument you're recording but truthfully, all of them are good and well suited to record anything you throw at them. They're all industry standards so, you can't go wrong. What I will say is that the 610 preamps do this thing that I like to call "inflating" the sound. It makes everything sound larger and with more air. It has quickly become a go-to for just about anything. You can't go wrong. The 1073 is like butter. I feel like that pre has the most gain of them all so if you want to push the input stage hard to get some serious saturation from the transformer you can. That really helps. I find myself using the API the least but it's obvious it's the best choice for mid range instruments like electric guitar where I can always count on the Neve and 610's for bass guitar. It's not technically considered a preamp, although it is, I also have an Avalon VT-747sp. This may be the most impressive piece of gear I own. Have you considered the Avalon VT-737sp or the Millennia STT-1 channel strips? Where you're interested in both solid-state and tube preamp's, either of these two may just be your best bet because they offer BOTH tube and solid state preamps with the push of a button. Preamps don't get any better than what you get from these two units. You will NOT be disappointed. It's not possible with those two guys. The Avalon stuff is absolutely incredible. The looks are so inspiring, sound so satisfying and built like a tank. The Millennia stuff is on a whole different level than anything I've experienced. Both offer premium preamps, compressor, and EQ where the Neve 1073 SPX you're interested in doesn't include a compressor and the UA-610 has very limited and basic EQ options intended only for quick recording optimizations tailored for tracking. If you're a fan of Dave Pensado, he once said in an interview that if he had to choose only one piece of hardware, it would be the Avalon VT-737sp because he feels like he could do everything he needed with that one piece of gear. I now understand why, and couldn't agree more. I would just also toss the Millennia STT-1 into that equation as well. They're about the same price. That's the other thing, those two picks new are quite a bit more than the Neve or UA preamps you're considering. However, it's possible to pick up either the Avalon or Millennia for under $2k on the used market. I hope something I said here helps. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you end up going with. Please return back to this comment and let me know what you ended up choosing and how you like it.

[@musiktetangga]

@@LesVegasMusic Woaahhh Les this is more than helps, thank you very much this already a very comprehensive explanation for me. I'm a quite new to analog hardware and in Indonesia is quite hard to get millenia and avalon. That's why I more familiar with neve and UA because there are many dealers here in Indonesia. But around last month my friend offer me avalon vt-737sp used around 1800$, I didn't notice much at that time even he said this is one of the best channel strip in the market. Now I will take a really serious look for that piece. Again, thank you very much for your answer as this gives me a new perspective of my consideration. Hope you doing well there Les.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Oh, good! I'm very happy my reply was helpful. $1,800 is a very good and fair price for the Avalon VT-737 SP. I'm glad you understand why the Avalon and Millennia should be in consideration giving you the option for both tube and solid state preamps in one box. They are both more expensive than the other options, but well worth it because of this functionality. The EQ in the Millenia, is taken straight from their $4,000 mastering EQ in the NSEQ-2 or NSEQ-4 which you can hear in my other video here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/barPnZevbdaXbrs. So, what's great about that, is that you could potentially use the STT-1 for all your recording/tracking needs, plus an analog mix bus compressor and EQ, plus a final mastering EQ! So, I'm sure you can see the potential of that now. It could assist you through the entire process and all stages of your production from recording, to mixing, straight through to mastering - all with the highest quality audio processing available. With the Avalon, it will be best for all your tracking needs. If that's all you need this one piece of hardware to do, I truly think the Avalon is going to be your best bet because you'll get a good solid state transformer preamp and EQ like the Neve, and a good tube preamp and optical compressor like the Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II in one box!

[@guycohenhanoch7721]

i have the 1073 spx.. it's my first pre as well and it is just an absolute beauty of a product. But like you I also plan on a tube pre amp and the la610 is my next one or maybe a neve 8801

[@LesVegasMusic]

@guycohenhanoch7721 yeah man. Good pick on the 1073SPX! You can't go wrong with that pre or EQ! No compressor though, that's the only thing with that strip. With these two units, the pre and compressors shine, but the EQ would be the thing that's lacking. It's hard to get a channel strip that has excellent everything, but there are a few out there now. The Millenia STT-1 and Avalon VT-737 are two of my favorites - especially with their tube or solid state signal paths and mastering grade EQ's but, they're both clean so I guess color from the preamp section is what's lacking from those - but they both have an overall sound that's very hi-fi - which I like and feel like you can't go wrong with. If I were to do it all again, I would buy two STT-1's. After all my experimentation with analog hardware, I'm finding that's all I really need to take care of all my recording and mastering needs in the hardware domain.

[@MarchaanDotson]

Sweet!

[@LesVegasMusic]

@MarchaanDotson Thank you!

[@eyeceeyooh]

How is this for electric guitar? like an amp?

[@LesVegasMusic]

It's fantastic on guitar! It's great having the simple EQ and compressor right there too. The tube mic pre is great for warming up solid state amps too. Not to mention it's great just plugging the guitar straight in! I just used the LA-610 MkII the other day on a Tele and Strat. I just plugged the guitar straight in on the front panel, switched between the two impedance settings and chose which I liked best, didn't bother with any EQ, just dialed in the tone I wanted on the guitar, then threw on the optical compressor and dialed 6 dB of gain reduction. Then I just threw on a Big Muff fuzz pedal emulation plugin in the box. Golden!

[@briefcasemanx]

6176 for me

[@LesVegasMusic]

@briefcasemanx Yeah, it's pretty awesome. They're both good. Hard to choose just one!

[@chinmeysway]

610 sound brighter on the mix (iPhone)

[@LesVegasMusic]

@chinmeysway Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Agreed. 💯

[@RJ1J]

Mk II by a mile.

[@LesVegasMusic]

@thegreenreporter Ha! I prefer the Mk II as well. Thank you for watching for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@RJ1J]

@@LesVegasMusic Cool. Good video btw. Love the style, quick, lots of examples and to the point. Btw, how did you get my 10 year old username thegreenreporter to come up? I thought that was long gone. Strange.

[@LesVegasMusic]

@@RJ1J Thank you! That's what we're trying for! As for your username, it's the new KZbin "Handles" feature. If you go to your channel, right under 'RJ' KZbin automatically assigned you the handle @thegreenreporter. You can change it to whatever you like, it's a relatively new feature that allows us to reply directly to each other and get notified.

[@RJ1J]

@@LesVegasMusic Cool, thanks for that info. Looking forward to more videos. P42 Climax vs hardware would be interesting.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Totally! Love the P42 plugin. One of my favorite tube saturator plugins. Although, I'm LOVING the new BB Tubes by Waves! It may just be my favorite Waves plugin ever!

[@clivebent5516]

Only main difference is the prices

[@LesVegasMusic]

@clivebent5516 Well, that's for sure! And the compressors, that's the main thing. They both have compressors, but they sound and behave totally different. If you're fan of parallel compression, the 1176 is the man - I wouldn't bother attempting that with the LA-610. It's also good for a more aggressive style of compression on vocals and instruments. If you're a fan of smooth, gentle compression on vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass, the LA-610 MKII is the man!

[@genesisnkaidence8519]

what do I think ? ima stick with my ua plug-ins

[@LesVegasMusic]

@genesisnkaidence8519 Yeah! Awesome! Thanks for watching and letting us know.