Universal Audio Solo 610 Classic Tube Mic Pre/DI
Let Universal Audio's SOLO/610 flatter the cheapest to the most esoteric microphone with its signature sound. The SOLO/610 delivers the classic Putnam 610 console sound to the single channel format in a rugged, portable, and highly versatile form factor- at a price every studio can afford. Artists ranging from Sinatra to Van Halen have relied on the silky vintage warmth of the original UA 610 console. UA captures this incredible sound in the SOLO/610. For a wide variety of clean to colored tonal shaping, all the features are here: Mic & DI ins, Gain and Level controls, 48v Phantom, Lo Cut filtering, Phase Reverse, impedance selection (Mic & DI), DI Ground Lift, and a Mic/Line outs switch. Hand-assembled in the USA.
Some words from the AMS Tech Department...
Microphone Preamplifiers play a critical role in the signal chain of recording, second only to the microphone itself. The basic principle is to amplify a microphone signal up to a usable line level. In the same way that different microphones can provide varied sonic results, different mic pres can display various sonic nuances. But more importantly, upgrading to a good quality mic pre can make a huge difference in the overall quality of your recordings. The SOLO series preamps will flatter the cheapest to the most esoteric microphones each with their own signature sound.
Direct Input (DI) plays an important role in the recording chain too, if an electric instrument is going straight to the recorder without the use of an amplifier. The basic idea is to amplify an instrument signal up to a useable line level. It is very common to use a DI when recording instruments like electric bass or electric guitar- either by themselves or in combination with an amplifier. The SOLO series features a DI input plus THRU, which allows the unaffected signal to also be sent to your amplifier while also being sent straight to your recorder at line level. The SOLO is an excellent way to DI your favorite instrument alone, or with an amplifier.
Tonal Variety is where both the SOLO/610 and SOLO/110 really shine. As with the multi channel cousins of the SOLO, the Gain and Level controls offer a useful range of tonal shaping. Gain and Level structuring allow clear settings to rich harmonic coloration. A lower Gain setting (0 to 5 range) with the level output set appropriately for the input of your recording source, delivers a cleaner sound. Higher gain settings increase harmonic enhancement. With the SOLO/610, increasingly high gain settings drive the 12AX7 tube input stage; while with the SOLO/110, increasingly high gain settings drive the solid-state FET input stage.
The LO-Z/Hi-Z switch allows for impedance matching or additional tonal variety. Traditionally, the impedance of a mic preamp should be about 10 times that of the microphone output impedance. There are no rules.
Rack mounting the SOLO can be done with a standard rack mount shelf. Up to three units may fit side by side.
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