Detail 01
Five tubes, including an EL84
The EL84 is a power tube doing gain-stage duty, which is where much of the thickness comes from. Tubes eventually need replacing.
Product detailSKU #1274115062897
Universal AudioLA-610 Mk II Classic Tube Recording Channel
1/5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Two-rack-space tube preamp and compressor in one channel. For tracking one source at a time with a warm, dense front end.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Tracking lead vocals with preamp and compression in one pass
- Recording bass or electric guitar direct through the Hi-Z input
- Home rooms that want one strong channel over many thin ones
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Multitracking drums or bands — it is one channel
- Engineers who want a clean, uncolored capture
- Anyone who dislikes committing compression on the way in
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Selectable 500 or 2k ohm mic impedance
Changes how the preamp loads the microphone. Ribbons and dynamics often thicken at one setting and open up at the other.
Detail 03
3:1 soft-knee, program-dependent compression
Compression eases in gradually and reacts to the material rather than a fixed curve. Forgiving, hard to make sound obviously squashed.
Detail 04
Dual-stage release, 60 ms then 1 to 15 seconds
Fast recovery on transients, slow recovery underneath. Keeps vocals level without audible pumping between phrases.
Detail 05
Selectable 2.2M or 47k ohm Hi-Z input
The higher setting preserves top end from passive guitar and bass pickups; the lower one tames a bright active instrument.
Detail 06
+77 dB mic gain with 15 dB pad
Enough for quiet ribbons and dynamics, and the pad keeps loud sources from overloading the input.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01One channel — stereo sources need a second unit.
- 02No converter inside; you still need an interface to record.
- 03Compression is printed to the recording and cannot be undone later.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Do I still need an audio interface?
Yes. This is an analog front end. Its line output feeds a line input on your interface or converter.
02Can I plug a bass straight in?
Yes, through the Hi-Z instrument input, with 2.2M or 47k ohm impedance selectable to suit passive or active pickups.
03How much space does it need?
Two rack spaces, 19 inches wide and 12.25 inches deep. It weighs about 12 pounds and needs airflow around it.
04Does it need a special power cable?
No, a standard detachable IEC cable. It runs on 100V, 120V or 240V and draws 30 watts.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsSound
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz to 20kHz ± 0.5dB
8 detailsConnections & power
- Power Requirements
- 100V/120V/240V
- Power Consumption
- 30 watts
- Maximum Microphone Input Level
- -8 dBu (2k input Imp. & 15dB Pad in)
- Power Connector
- Detachable IEC power cable
- Maximum Output Level
- 80 ohms
- Balanced Line Input Impedance
- 20 kohms
- Microphone Input Impedance
- Selectable, 500 ohms or 2 kohms
- Hi Z Input Impedance
- Selectable, 2.2 Mohms or 47 kohms
2 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 12
- Dimensions
- 19 inch W x 3.5 inch H x 12.25 inch D (two rack spaces)
8 detailsOther
- Tube Complement
- (3) 12AX7, (1) 12AT7, (1) EL84
- Limiter Ratio
- 1, soft knee, program dependent
- Compressor Ratio
- ?: 3:1, soft knee, program dependent
- Recommended Minimum Load
- 600 ohms
- Noise Floor
- -72dBu 20–20kHz (Line In, unity Gain)
- Maximum Gain
- 40dB (Line), +77dB (Mic)
- Attack Time
- 10 ms, program dependent
- Release Time
- Dual stage: 60 ms for 1st release, then 1–15 sec.
