Enter to Win a $8000 PA System!

Universal Audio 6176 Tube Channel Strip

Analog Channel Strip with 610 Tube Microphone Preamp and 1176LN Compressor
$2,899.00

Earn $145 back in Bonus Bucks OR pay $121/month with 24 month financing*

2 demos available starting at $2,399.00 !
Find it used on Sweetwater's Gear Exchange
listed from
$1800.00
In Stock!

Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Universal Audio 6176 Tube Channel Strip
In Stock!
$2,899.00
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Two Studio Classics in One Chassis

The Universal Audio 6176 combines two pro audio legends — the 610 mic/line tube preamp and the 1176LN solid-state compressor/limiter — to create what may be the ultimate channel strip. The preamp section is packed with features, such as mic, line, and hi-Z inputs; two bands of shelving EQ; and a 15dB pad. The dynamics section maintains all the classic features found on the classic 1176LN. Each unit has dedicated ins and outs and can be used independently in Split mode or in series in Join mode via a front-panel switch. Handcrafted in Universal Audio's Scotts Valley, California labs, the 6176 offers weapons-grade build quality and colorful sonic character at an accessible price.

Classic vintage sound for your studio

Advances in digital recording technology are providing users with tremendous power and flexibility for increasingly less money. All too often, however, the audio quality of these systems is limited by their input stages. Many users who demand the power and flexibility of today's recording technology find themselves yearning for the warmth and tone of yesteryear's handbuilt analog circuitry. Now with the release of the 6176, Universal Audio combines their highly acclaimed 610 tube microphone preamp with their legendary 1176LN compressor to create the ultimate single-channel signal path for everything from vocals to vibraphones. Sweetwater's advice: if you want to make great-sounding music, you need a great front end: the Universal Audio 6176.

A legendary tube preamp

The tube preamp/DI/EQ section of the 6176 is based on the legendary console modules developed by Bill Putnam in the late 1950s and early '60s. From Sinatra and the Beach Boys to Van Halen and Coldplay, countless classics have been recorded using these preamps, noted for their musical character and warmth. This preamp delivers a versatile sonic palette ranging from warm, vibrant cleans to tasty vintage coloration. The 2-610 has all the essentials: a classic tube mic/line pre with switchable 48V phantom power, direct instrument input, 15dB pad, polarity reverse, and flexible dual impedance selection for both Mic and DI inputs. For maximum flexibility, you also get great-sounding low-and high-frequency shelving EQ, each with three selectable hinge frequencies. The 6176's preamp section packs tremendous sonic versatility and is an ideal front end for tracking with modern DAWs and the serious project studio seeking authentic UA sound.

The most iconic solid-state compressor, ever

The Stones, Zeppelin, Michael Jackson — you've heard it on countless classic recordings. It's the legendary 1176LN. In 1967, Bill Putnam released the solid-state redesign of his venerable 176 tube compressor, ushering in the modern era of dynamics processing. The Universal Audio 1176LN Limiting Amplifier was an instant classic. It features ultra-fast attack and release times and a broad palette of sonic malleability ranging from inconspicuous compression to flamboyant distortion. Its Class A output stage, which incorporates a custom overwound transformer, always delivers sweetly musical results. UA re-created the 1176LN for the compressor section of the 6176. It's a toneful beast that works wonders on every signal you pass through it. Basses sound gargantuan. It imparts a definitive thwack to lackluster snare drums. It has no equal for grabbing a vocal and pushing it to the front of your mix. And if you've never heard of all-in "Nuke Mode," you're in for a real treat. Your studio simply isn't complete without an 1176. Combined in one chassis with the legendary Putnam 610 mic preamp, you've got what may well be the ultimate channel strip.

Universal Audio 6176 Channel Strip Features:

  • Classic Putnam 610 console mic/line preamplifier
  • High- and low-frequency shelving EQ, each with 3 selectable hinge frequencies
  • Classic 1176LN compression
  • Variable input gain and output levels
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Mic, balanced line, and hi-Z inputs
  • Multiple impedance settings
  • 15dB pad, polarity reverse, 48V phantom power
  • Stereo interconnection of multiple units via 1176-SA
  • Use mic pre and compressor separately (Split) or in series (Join)
  • Legendary UA build quality and heritage
  • Handcrafted in UA's Scotts Valley, California labs

Additional Media

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • EQ: Yes
  • Compressor: Yes
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Preamp, Mic), 1 x XLR (Preamp, Line), 1 x XLR (Compressor, Line) 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR (Preamp), 1 x XLR (Compressor)
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Height: 3.5"
  • Depth: 12.5"
  • Width: 19"
  • Weight: 12 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 6176

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Still the best studio channel if you want vintage warmth, thickness, and smoothness.

You will eventually want to have two of these! I've used, bought, traded, and demo'd dozens of studio channel strips and this is still, by far, my absolute favorite one. I apologize for using words like "warmth" when describing audio - but I can't think of any other term that accurately captures what this box does. It makes things sound simultaneously sound smooth and bigger without sounding "forced" (no unwanted boomy clipping, or unwanted distortion). The 1176 compressor on this is better than any of the 1176 clones I've heard. Tons and tons of vintage vibe. It's a colorful compressor, so it will make any source sound more colorful. It can be used as a surgical studio channel to bring out gain and compress transients - however, it really does shine at adding vibe, color, and smoothness to any source. I have two of these so I can re-amp busses from my DAW. It can bring anything to life from the coldness of the DAW world. Yes - plug-ins now a days do incredible things, but an analog tube pre/DI + analog compression is unrivaled in the plug-in world. The 6176 was meant to bring back two classics in one package (610, and 1176) but it has become a classic itself. It took me a long time to get a second one because whenever they pop up either new or in the used market, they sell out fast. Alongside a 1073 channel, and a Distressor, the 6176 is an absolute requirement for any studio.
Rated 4/5

Best Channel Strip.

UAD 6176 is probably the most compulsory audio unit any studio must have. Even the 1:1 ratio in the 1176 gives that extra push to any sound that your recording. I am extremely happy to have this on board. Please watch the Unboxing Video.
Music background: Music Producer
Rated 5/5

Fantastic Vocal and Guitar Channel Strip

This makes everything you track sound better. Acoustic guitars sound warm and round, vocals sound full and huge! The 1176 is spectacular on snare hits and it's extremely configurable for outboard track printing. I prefer this unit over the UA plugins, especially when using extreme settings. The harmonics and fullness is everything you want from a tube channel strip.
Music background: Professional
Rated 5/5

Made All The Difference!

From connecting my Hughes and Kettner Grandmeister 36 to my U87 and SM7B my recordings have never sounded better! After hours of research and recommendations from industry professionals, I decided to make the investment and I don't regret it for a second. It's difficult to put into words but imagine that you're looking for that, "Something" the smoothness that you hear from 6-7 figure studios that plugins just don't seem to achieve on their own. Add this to it and some well made adjustments and wouldn't you know it? That thing that was missing, the warmth, the clarity comes right to life thanks to this piece of hardware.
I hope you can experience one as well! They ARE worth the investment!
Soon I hope to be able to purchase another to add the same clarity to a stereo signal!
Music background: Recording artist (10 years)
Rated 5/5

6176 Set it and forget it!!!

This unit is rich in tone colorful the compressor adds depth and weight to your sound. Plug up your mic and experience audio heaven!!

Hear from a Sales Engineer

What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Brian VanDeKeere

If you are looking for a classic mic pre with a very smooth compressor, the 6176 is your channel strip. 6176 has the vintage 610B pre amp and 1176LN compressor in one box, how can you beat that in a 2U rack space?

Alan Carter

One of the biggest benefits to having one of these, besides the amazing sound quality, is the fact that you can say you own a piece of history. The 1176 compressor, coupled with the 610 mic pre, is a legend in the audio industry and is used on tons of hit records in all styles. I am proud to have a 6176 in my rack....did I mention it sounds absolutely amazing?
Close Close $8,000 PA System Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, test has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!