Opinions on or experience with UA LA 610 mkii

[jh8406]

Thinking about a new pre and doing some research about various ones. My aim is usually towards versatility which lends itself to value, imo. From what I've read this rack is considered somewhat classic and this version has some improvements. I'm also considering purchasing a focusrite saffire pro 40. Thanks

[vvv]

While I can't comment on the 610 from personal experience, I do reco you consider the UA710 Twinfinity.

It is transformerless but has a full-voltage tube option that allows you to focus the pre as a tube or S/S, or blend - very versatile.

That said, there is apparently a less expensive version of the 710 available (Alctron MP1000), a "knock-off" by a Chinese contract-builder of the 710 that you might find cheaper, used.

I have the 710 and use it constantly as a different flava to an ISA1 (that I also love), etc.

That said, I've always wanted to try the 610 for bass, and mebbe vox ...

[eh91311]

I believe the main difference between the LA-610 and LA-610mkII is that the mkII model has a separate input so you can use the opto compressor separately from the preamp.

[digitaldrummer]

I have the original LA-610 - and it still has a line-in that you can use the compressor separately (although I understand its still using the preamp at line level and the MKII is supposed to be a true bypass).

I use the LA610 all the time for vocals and bass guitars. I also use the compressor section to run tracks back through it (i.e. re-amp them). I like it a lot, but I also have several solid-state preamps that I use a lot too and other compressors... The LA610 is great for a lot things but not everything.

Mike

[jh8406]

I think I would mainly use it on vocals and bass. I need a real go to pre for vocals. Could you tell me what mics you like to use with it?

[jh8406]

And what would you not use it for? guitars?

[vvv]

Shite! I missed the "LA" part, don't know how - I've been bidding on those damn things for over a year but can't getta good price on the E-bog.

I do love the UA710 into a Gyraf 1176 ...

[digitaldrummer]

as far as mics going into the LA610, I've recently used the following for vocals:

Advanced Audio CM47
AT4033
Nady RSM-2
AKG 414b-xls (this is a very sweet combo)

for Bass I've gone direct as well as used a MD421 or Mojave MA201fet in front of a cab.

I wouldn't use it for snare or drum overheads or percussion. its got a little more harmonic content that I don't like on drums. It might be OK on bass drum or may even w/a room mic but I've actually never tried it because I have other pres I prefer with those.

Mike

[ott0bot]

^^it actually sounds great as a kick pre. I paired it with an re20 and a sm7b with great success. great way to beef up an anemic kick, if that's all the drummers got.