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Quick answer: The 6176 Vintage Channel Strip is genuine Universal Audio analog studio hardware, hand-built in the USA. Priced at $2999.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.
Two classics in one — the ultimate UA channel strip. The Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip combines the all-tube 610 mic preamp (heard on recordings from Frank Sinatra to Van Halen) with the signature 1176LN Class A FET compressor — UA's flagship recording channel, hand-built in Santa Cruz, California.
At a Glance
| Brand | Universal Audio |
|---|---|
| Model | 6176 Vintage Channel Strip |
| Category | Channel Strip |
| Form factor | Rackmount studio hardware |
| Price | $2999.00 |
| SKU / MPN | '6176 |
| Condition | New (factory sealed) |
| Warranty | Full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty |
| Sold by | Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned authorized UA dealer, Miami FL |
Overview
The 6176 takes the two most legendary pieces of UA hardware — the 610 tube preamp and the 1176LN FET compressor — and pairs them in a single 2U rack unit. Both circuits are built to original specification by the same UA staff who manufacture the standalone 1176LN and the 610 preamp. The "Split/Join" switch lets you run the two sections independently (use either alone) or in series (the classic 610-into-1176 vocal chain that defined records by Coldplay, Norah Jones, Wyclef Jean, James Mercer, Chris Martin, and many more).
Key Features
- All-Tube 610 Mic Preamp Section — Derived from Bill Putnam's 610 modular console, with the same circuit topology and tube complement.
- Signature 1176LN FET Compressor Section — Class A output, original ratio buttons including All-Buttons-In mode.
- Split/Join Switch — Run preamp and compressor independently, or in series.
- High and Low Frequency Shelving EQ — Tube-circuit shelving for source shaping.
- Variable Mic Input Impedance — Selectable 500 Ω or 2k Ω for matching different microphone characters.
- Three Input Types — Mic (XLR), balanced Line, and Hi-Z instrument (front-panel).
- Front-Panel 15 dB Pad — For high-output mics and hot sources.
- Stereo Interconnect — Pair two 6176s with the 1176-SA for stereo operation.
- Hand-Built in USA — Manufactured at the UA Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, CA.
The Classic Vocal Chain
Run a microphone into the 610 preamp section, dial in 1-2 dB of tube saturation, then route into the 1176LN section with 4:1 ratio, fast attack, medium release, and a few dB of gain reduction. That's the recording chain that has appeared on countless hit vocal performances — and the 6176 puts it in a single hand-built unit. Use the Split mode to bypass the compressor and use just the preamp; use Split mode the other direction to compress already-recorded line-level signal during mixdown.
Specifications (Preamp Section)
- Mic Input Impedance — Selectable 500 Ω or 2k Ω
- Line Input Impedance — 20k Ω balanced
- Hi-Z Input Impedance — Selectable 2.2 MΩ or 47 kΩ
- Max Mic Input Level — +18 dBu (2k Ω, -15 dB pad engaged)
- Max Output Level — +20 dBm
- Maximum Gain — 65 dB (500 Ω input impedance)
- Tube Complement — 12AX7A, 12AT7A
Specifications (1176LN Compressor Section)
- Frequency Response — 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±1 dB)
- Gain — 40 dB (±1 dB)
- THD — <0.5% (50 Hz–15 kHz, limiting, +22 dBm output)
- Attack Time — 20 to 800 microseconds (adjustable)
- Release Time — 50 ms to 1.1 s (adjustable)
- Power — 115/230 V (switchable)
- Format — 19" rackmount, 2U
What's in the Box
- 6176 Vintage Channel Strip (2U rackmount)
- IEC power cable
- 1-year limited warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this analog hardware or a plug-in?
This is real Universal Audio analog studio hardware (rackmount), hand-built in the USA. It is not a software plug-in.
What is it best used for?
UA preamps and channel strips are used to track vocals and instruments with rich, musical analog tone, and to add character that digital preamps cannot replicate.
What's included in the box?
Your purchase includes: 6176 Vintage Channel Strip (2U rackmount), IEC power cable, 1-year limited warranty.
Is the 6176 Vintage Channel Strip a genuine Universal Audio product?
Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized Universal Audio dealer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new, factory-sealed, and covered by the full UA manufacturer warranty.
Can I get help choosing or setting it up?
Absolutely. You'll talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we'll help you spec the right gear and get it running.
Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments
Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned, Miami-based, authorized UA dealer. We trust the gear we sell and back it with real support, not a call center. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save through our ID.me military discount program.