Universal Audio SOLO 610 - Manual (Page 6)

6
The All-Tube 610 Console Mic Preamp Sound in a Rugged “Go Anywhere” Design
The SOLO/610 delivers the classic Putnam 610 tube console sound in a rugged, highly versatile mic
preamp design. This unit provides the silky, vintage warmth of the original console’s mic amp design,
and will flatter any microphone or instrument with its signature sound. Thanks to its convenient form
factor, the SOLO/610 can be conveniently used in the control room or the recording room, on stage, or
on a desktop. Functionally lean but sonically mean, the SOLO/610 maintains the character of the 610
console — at a price every serious project studio can afford.
The SOLO/610 offers Mic and DI inputs, and features Gain and Level control for a wide variety of clean
to colored tones. Unlike its predecessors, the SOLO/610 has continuous Gain control with even greater
range, allowing for more precise gain structuring — doubling as input signal padding. The SOLO/610
has all the essential features like 48 V Phantom Power, Lo-Cut filtering, Polarity Reverse, and flexible
dual impedance selection for both the Mic and DI inputs. The SOLO/610 includes essential DI (Direct
Input) features like Thru for use in conjunction with an amplifier, plus Ground Lift and a versatile
Mic/Line level output switch.
Microphone Preamplifiers have a critical role in the signal chain of recording, second only to the
microphone itself. The basic principle is to amplify a microphone level signal up to a useable line level.
In the same way that different microphones can provide varied sonic results, different mic preamps
can also display various sonic nuances. But more importantly, upgrading to a good quality mic pre can
make a huge difference in the overall quality of your recordings. The SOLO/610 preamp will flatter the
cheapest to the most esoteric microphones.
Direct Input (DI) plays an important role in the recording chain too, if an electric instrument is going
straight to the recorder without the use of an amplifier. The basic principle is to amplify an instrument
level signal up to a useable line level. It is very common to use a DI when recording instruments like
electric bass or electric guitar – either independently, or in combination with an amplifier. The
SOLO/610 features a DI input plus Thru, which allows the unaffected signal to also be sent to your
amplifier while also being sent straight to your recorder at line level. The SOLO/610 is an excellent way
to DI your favorite instrument alone, or with an amplifier.
Tonal Variety is where the SOLO/610 really shines. The Gain and Level controls offer a useful range of
tonal shaping. Gain and Level structuring allow the SOLO/610 to achieve from clean settings to rich
harmonic coloration. A lower Gain setting (0 to 5 range) with the Level output set appropriately for the
input of your recording device delivers a cleaner sound. Higher gain settings (5 to 10 range) with the
Level output set appropriately for the input of your recording device will increase the harmonic
enhancement. The LO-Z/ Hi-Z switch allows for impedance matching or additional tonal variety.
Rack mounting the SOLO can be done with the use of a standard rack mount shelf. Up to three units
may fit side by side occupying a total of 3RU worth of rack space.
Features
• Classic Putnam 610 console mic preamplifier and DI
• Legendary all-tube sound
• Gain, Level, and Impedance selection for maximum tonal variety
• Portable design for studio, desktop, or stage
• Rugged construction-steel chassis
• DI features include Thru and Mic/Line level output
• Hand-built in USA; backed by 1-year limited warranty