Operating instructions

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The 2-610 Dual Channel Tube Preamplifier
Thank you for purchasing the 2-610 Dual Tube Microphone Preamplifier. The 2-610 is inspired by the
microphone preamp section of the 610 console designed by my father, M.T. “Bill” Putnam, in 1960. The 610 was
a rotary-control console and was the first console of a modular design. Although technologically simple
compared to modern consoles, the 610 possessed a warmth and character that kept it in demand for decades.
As a prominent part of my father’s United/Western Studios, the 610 was used on many classic recordings by
Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan. The Beach Boys Pet Sounds, the Doors LA Woman, and Van Halen’s debut
album were all recorded on the 610. The legendary Wally Heider used the 610 in his remote truck for many of his
best known live recordings. At Ocean Way Studios (formerly United), the 610 is lovingly preserved and still used
in Studio B.
Most of us at Universal Audio are musicians, recording engineers, or both, and we wanted to build a mic preamp
that we’d be delighted to use ourselves. We love the recording process, and we really get inspired when the
basic tracks are beautifully recorded. Our design goal for the 2-610 was to capture the original character of the
610, creating a preamp that would induce that “a-ha” feeling we’ve felt when hearing music recorded in its
most natural, inspired form.
The controls of the 2-610 are simple and essential: we added only those features required for practical use
without needless duplication of functionality found elsewhere in most studios. The transformers and tubes
received much of our R&D attention. We settled on a transformer design featuring double-sized alloy cores with
custom windings. Our tubes are carefully selected and tested individually. This extra effort is well worth the
time and cost because the result is a truly outstanding, easy-to-use mic preamp!
These products have been quite an enjoyable adventure to develop and we’re sure the next phase will be even
more fun! We thank you for your support and we thank my father, Bill Putnam.
-Bill Putnam Jr.
Wally Heider’s Remote Recording Rig, with 610 Console
In addition to the 2-610, Universal Audio has released reproductions of the classic Teletronix LA-2A Leveling
Amplifier and 1176LN Limiter as well as the remaining 610 tube preamp family of products such as the TEC
Award winning 6176 and LA-610. Modern tools such as the flagship 4110 & 8110 Precision Microphone
Preamplifiers bring tonal flexibility to the multi-channel mic preamp, while the Desktop Console Series Remote
Preamp and Monitor Master bring large format console features to desktop recordists. Universal Audio also
creates software emulations of vintage hardware and innovative mixing tools that run on our UAD DSP platform.
All of these products are designed to meet the demands of the modern recording studio, yet retain the character
and quality of vintage equipment. See more at www.uaudio.com, including the SOLO mic pre series, and 2192
Master Audio Interface A/D and D/A.