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Universal Audio SOLO/610 is a single-channel tube microphone preamplifier and DI box built on the 610 console circuit, offering up to 61 dB of gain from a 12AX7 and 12AT7 tube complement. Microphone input impedance switches between 450 ohms and 1.6 kilohms, the DI input runs at 2.2 megohms, and frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.1 dB.
The 610 tube front end, in something you can carry.
The SOLO/610 takes the preamp section of the 610 console design and puts it in a desktop box. It runs two tubes, a 12AX7 and a 12AT7, and delivers a maximum of 61 dB of gain, which is enough for most condensers and many dynamics without a booster.
Impedance switching on the microphone input is the control worth understanding. At 450 ohms a microphone is loaded harder than at 1.6 kilohms, and dynamics and ribbons in particular change their frequency response and transient behavior in response. It is a tone control that operates before gain rather than after it.
The DI input runs at 2.2 megohms, high enough that a passive bass or a guitar with vintage-output pickups is not loaded down. Maximum gain on the instrument input is 37 dB. Frequency response on both microphone and instrument inputs is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.1 dB.
Universal Audio still hand-builds this line in California to the original circuit designs rather than licensing the name out. The company was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, who designed the 1176 and the 610, and was revived in 1999 by his sons with the original schematics and, in several cases, the original test gear.
At a Glance
| Type | Single-channel tube mic preamp and DI |
| Tube complement | One 12AX7, one 12AT7 |
| Maximum gain | 61 dB |
| Mic input impedance | Selectable 450 ohms or 1.6 kilohms |
| DI input impedance | 2.2 megohms |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, plus or minus 0.1 dB |
| Dimensions | 14 x 5.75 x 5 in. |
| Weight | 9 lb. |
What Does the Impedance Switch Actually Change?
How hard the microphone is loaded. At 450 ohms the load is heavier than at 1.6 kilohms, and a dynamic or ribbon microphone responds with a different frequency response and transient character. Maximum gain also differs slightly: 60 dB at 450 ohms and 55 dB at 1.6 kilohms.
Who Is the SOLO/610 For?
Anyone who wants the 610 tube sound on one channel without a rack: project studios, mobile rigs, and engineers adding a colored front end to an interface whose preamps are clean but characterless. Bass players use the DI in particular.
Can I Plug a Bass Straight Into It?
Yes. The DI input runs at 2.2 megohms, which is high enough not to load a passive instrument, with up to 37 dB of gain on that input. That makes it a tube DI as well as a microphone preamp.
How Much Gain Does It Have?
Up to 61 dB overall. On the microphone input that is 60 dB at the 450 ohm setting and 55 dB at 1.6 kilohms; on the instrument input, 37 dB.
Connections
| Microphone input | XLR, selectable 450 ohms or 1.6 kilohms |
| Instrument input | DI, 2.2 megohms |
| Output | Balanced line |
| Maximum mic input level | -12 dBu at 1.0% THD+N |
| Maximum instrument input level | +4 dBu at 1.0% THD+N |
Specifications
| Tube complement | One 12AX7, one 12AT7 |
| Maximum gain | 61 dB |
| Maximum gain, mic input | 55 dB at 1.6 kilohm input, 60 dB at 450 ohm input |
| Maximum gain, instrument input | 37 dB |
| Mic and instrument frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, plus or minus 0.1 dB |
| Mic input impedance | Selectable 450 ohms (Lo-Z) or 1.6 kilohms (Hi-Z) |
| DI input impedance | 2.2 megohms |
| Dimensions | 14 in. L x 5.75 in. W x 5 in. H |
| Weight | 9 lb. |
Why Universal Audio?
Universal Audio was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, the engineer who built the first recording console with integrated equalization and effects sends, and who designed the 1176 and the 610. The company was revived in 1999 by his sons and now does two things: it still hand-builds analog hardware in California, and it licenses and models the classics from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Lexicon, Studer, Ampex and others rather than emulating them without authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine Universal Audio product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support, including software registration rights.
Is this covered by warranty?
Yes. This unit carries the full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty, registered to you as the original purchaser. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term.
How many tubes does it use?
Two: one 12AX7 and one 12AT7.
Will it drive a ribbon microphone?
It offers up to 60 dB on the microphone input at the 450 ohm setting, and the impedance switch is particularly useful with ribbons. Call 844-687-4208 with your microphone and we will check the gain requirement.
Is it a full channel strip?
No. It is the preamp and DI section only. The LA-610 Mk II adds tube EQ and T4 optical compression to the same preamp circuit.
Why Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?
Victory Musical Instruments is a pro audio and musical instrument dealer in Miami, Florida. We support churches, schools, studios and working musicians across South Florida and ship nationwide. Every unit is new in the original factory packaging with full manufacturer support. Call 844-687-4208 to check lead time, request a quote, or arrange local pickup.