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Universal Audio SOLO/610 Tube Microphone Preamp with DI Box (SOLO610)
A tube microphone preamp and DI box drawn from Bill Putnam's 610 console. Two class A tube stages, up to 61 dB of gain, and a GAIN knob that sets the coloration while LEVEL sets the output volume.
- All-tube: 12AX7 and 12AT7, class A
- Up to 61 dB of gain (60 dB on the mic input)
- XLR mic input, switchable 48 V phantom
- 6.35 mm jack DI on the front with THRU output
- Mic impedance 450 ohms or 1.6 kohm
- DI 50 kohms or 2.2 Mohms
- 100 Hz low cut, polarity, ground lift
- Balanced XLR output, line or mic level
- 4.1 kg steel chassis, rack mountable
Ref.: SOLO610
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1 year warranty — free repair in Morocco if it breaks down during the warranty period
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Product overview
A tube microphone preamp that gives a voice or an instrument the character of the 610 console: all-tube circuit, 61 dB of gain and a built-in DI box.
Tubes: 12AX7 and 12AT7 in class A, transformer-coupled inputs and outputs
Sound: GAIN sets the coloration, LEVEL sets the output volume
Microphone: XLR input, 48 V phantom power, 450 ohm or 1.6 kohm impedance, 100 Hz low cut, polarity inversion
Instrument: 6.35 mm jack DI on the front (50 kohms or 2.2 Mohms) with THRU output
Output: balanced XLR at line or mic level (-37 dB), ground lift
A single channel of tube preamp to place in front of an audio interface, for vocals, bass or guitar recorded direct.
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Description
Universal Audio · Reference SOLO610
The 610 console,
on a single channel.
The SOLO/610 takes up the microphone preamp of the 610 console that Bill Putnam built for his recording studios. One all-tube channel, one microphone input, a direct box for guitar or bass, in a steel enclosure that sits on the desk.
- 61dBMaximum gain
- 100HzLow cut
- 4.1kgSteel chassis
- 2Tubes 12AX7 and 12AT7
GAIN colours, LEVEL sets the volume
The two large knobs do not play the same role. Turning GAIN clockwise reduces the negative feedback of the first tube : the signal gains level and harmonics, the warmth typical of a tube unit. LEVEL then sets what goes to the output, like a master volume. For a clean sound, GAIN stays between 0 and 5 and LEVEL compensates ; beyond 5, the colour thickens. The SIGNAL LED turns green on peaks, amber near clipping and red when the signal overloads.
The knob markings are reference points, not decibels.Two tube stages, transformers at each end
The circuit consists of two gain stages, each handled by a dual triode running in class A : a 12AX7 followed by a 12AT7. All balanced inputs and outputs go through transformers, and variable negative feedback on each stage extends the response, flat within ±0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Universal Audio states a character close to the original console, with less noise.
Inside the SOLO/610, front panel on the right.A guitar direct, the amp at the same time
On the front, the DI input takes a 6.35 mm jack : guitar, bass or keyboard. Set to 2.2 Mohms, it suits passive pickups ; at 50 kohms, active instruments. The THRU socket sends the untouched signal on to the stage amp, to capture both the direct sound and the speaker. On the microphone side, the same switch offers 450 ohms or 1.6 kohm : the manual recommends HI-Z for a 200 ohm microphone, and nothing stops you comparing by ear.
It connects to the line input of the interface
The output is a balanced XLR, on the rear, to be connected to a line input of an audio interface or a mixing console. The MIC/LINE switch stays on LINE ; the MIC position lowers the output by 37 dB to feed a microphone input. A polarity switch corrects two microphones that cancel each other, for example in front of and behind an open-back amp, and the GND/LIFT switch breaks a humming ground loop. The switchable 48 V phantom power serves condenser microphones.
- GAIN to start
- Halfway (mark 5)
- LEVEL to start
- At minimum, then raise
- MIC/LINE
- LINE into an interface
- LO CUT and polarity
- Down, neutral position
- Rack mounting
- Shelf, 3 units in 3U
- Power consumption
- 16 W
The power supply is not auto-sensing : a ticked box on the rear shows the voltage set at the factory. Before switching on for the first time, check that it matches 230 V mains ; converting a 115 V unit requires an internal jumper and a T125mA 250 V slow-blow fuse. The tubes then need a few moments to warm up before sound comes out.
The SOLO/610 belongs in the Studio, Podcast & Music Production section, in front of a microphone from the Microphone section. The whole Universal Audio range in the catalogue.
Values taken from the user manual and the manufacturer’s product page ; dimensions and weight converted from inches and pounds.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 14.6 x 35.6 x 12.7 cm |
|---|---|
| Features | Polarity inversion, ground lift (GND/LIFT), selectable input impedance, line or mic level output, DI with THRU output |
| Computer interface | None (analogue device: XLR output to the line input of an audio interface or a mixing console) |
| Audio input | XLR microphone on the rear (pin 2 hot) · 6.35 mm TS jack DI on the front; one input active at a time |
| Mic preamps | 1 tube preamp, XLR microphone input on the rear, switchable 48 V phantom power; response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB (microphone and instrument) |
| Instrument inputs | 1 DI input on a 6.35 mm TS jack on the front, with THRU output to the amp |
| Audio output | 1 balanced XLR output on the rear, line or mic level (-37 dB) · THRU output on a 6.35 mm TS jack on the front |
| Power consumption | 16 W |
| Box contents | SOLO/610 preamp, IEC mains cable, user manual, registration card, UA product line catalogue |
| Weight | 4.1 kg |
| Product colour | Black chassis, silver lower strip on the front panel |
| Power supply | Mains, IEC cable supplied; non auto-sensing voltage set at the factory: 115 or 230 V (convertible with an internal jumper and fuse) or 100 V |
| Phantom power | 48 V switchable on the XLR microphone input |
|---|---|
| Mounting | On a desk; in a rack on a standard shelf, up to 3 units side by side in 3U |
| Product type | Single-channel tube microphone preamp and direct box (DI), desktop format |
| Audio processing | All-tube class A circuit: 1 x 12AX7 and 1 x 12AT7, transformer-coupled balanced inputs and outputs |
| Controls | GAIN (coloration), LEVEL (output volume), MIC/DI, LO-Z/HI-Z, +48V, LO CUT and polarity switches; on the rear MIC/LINE, GND/LIFT and on/off |
| Protections | Slow-blow fuse at the mains inlet: T125mA 250 V at 230 V, T250mA at 115 V, T300mA at 100 V |
| Lighting and indicators | Blue POWER LED; three-colour SIGNAL LED: green on peaks, amber near clipping, red when overloaded |
| Low-cut filter and attenuator | Switchable low cut at 100 Hz; 37 dB output attenuation in the MIC position |
| Impedance | Microphone input 450 ohms or 1.6 kohm · DI 50 kohms or 2.2 Mohms · output load 600 ohms |
| Gain range | 61 dB maximum: microphone 60 dB at 450 ohms, 55 dB at 1.6 kohm; instrument 37 dB |
| Maximum input level | Microphone -12 dBu, instrument +4 dBu (1 % THD+N) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Specific references
| EAN | 0819937001000 |
|---|---|
| MPN | SOLO610 |
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Frequently asked questions about this product
Does the SOLO/610 run directly on 230 V mains?
Only if it is set to 230 V. Its power supply is not auto-sensing: the unit leaves the factory configured for 100, 115 or 230 V, and a ticked box on the rear shows that setting. The 115/230 V version is converted with an internal jumper and a T125mA 250 V slow-blow fuse; the 100 V version cannot be converted. Checking this before first switching on avoids damaging the unit.
How do you connect the SOLO/610 to an audio interface?
Through its balanced XLR output, to a line-level input on the interface, with the rear switch in the LINE position. The MIC position lowers the output by 37 dB and is only for feeding a microphone input. If the interface has a single XLR socket shared by mic and line, Universal Audio advises staying on LINE and reducing the interface gain.
What are the GAIN and LEVEL knobs of the SOLO/610 for?
GAIN sets the colour, LEVEL sets the volume. Turning GAIN up reduces the negative feedback of the input stage and adds the harmonic saturation of the tubes; LEVEL then sets the level sent to the output. For a clean sound, keep GAIN between 0 and 5 and compensate with LEVEL; between 5 and 10, the coloration increases. The markings are relative, not decibels.
Can a guitar or bass be plugged directly into the SOLO/610?
Yes, into the 6.35 mm jack DI input on the front, with the selector on DI. It can be set to 2.2 Mohms for passive pickups or to 50 kohms for active instruments. The THRU socket sends the untouched signal on to an amp, to record direct and through a microphone at the same time. The mic and DI inputs cannot be used simultaneously: one source at a time.
Does the SOLO/610 provide phantom power for a condenser microphone?
Yes, 48 V, through a front-panel switch that applies it to the XLR microphone input on the rear. Universal Audio recommends switching it off when plugging or unplugging a microphone and only turning it on if the microphone requires it: some older ribbon microphones can be damaged by this voltage. A dynamic microphone works without it.
Which microphone input impedance should be chosen on the SOLO/610?
The LO-Z/HI-Z switch offers 450 ohms or 1.6 kohm. The guideline given by Universal Audio: an input impedance of the order of ten times that of the microphone, so HI-Z for a 200 ohm microphone. Changing position also alters the tone and the level: both can be compared by ear with no risk to the microphone or the unit, keeping the one that sounds best.
Can the SOLO/610 be rack mounted?
Yes, on a standard rack shelf: three SOLO/610 units fit side by side in 3U. Otherwise, its portable steel enclosure sits on a desk, in the control room, the recording booth or on stage. It measures 35.6 cm long, 14.6 cm wide and 12.7 cm high, and weighs 4.1 kg; the handle on top makes it easy to carry from one room to another.
Why doesn't sound come out immediately when the SOLO/610 is switched on?
The tubes need to warm up. At power-up, the blue POWER LED lights, but the signal only comes out after a few moments. Universal Audio advises muting the system, setting GAIN halfway and LEVEL to minimum, then raising LEVEL gradually once the SIGNAL LED reacts to the peaks of the source.
