Universal Audio 610 Custom Console (Vintage)

In the world of the recording studio, there may be no more recognizable console or mic pre than the Universal Audio 610. With its light green hue and large tactile knobs, Bill Putnam Sr.’s creation was known for adding warmth and harmonics to recordings while still keeping things sounding extremely musical.

The 610 mic pre and recording console’s resumes are beyond stacked. Both were used predominantly on some of the top records of the 1960s and 1970s, including Neil Young’s Harvest, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, The Doors’ L.A. Woman and several Frank Sinatra recordings.

Set in a Audio Acoustics case, the make-up of this custom console features includes 11 channels of historic Universal Audio 610 mic pres including five UA 610-A and six UA 610-B pres. The console also features three aux sends, a stereo bus, transformer balanced direct outs, patch bay, new power supply and has recently been serviced.

The UA 610-B mic pres in this console were built by Steve Firlotte of Inward Connections. They are exact reissues of the original modules with a more robust build. Only 25 of these modules were built. They have been used on projects by the Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, DIxie Chicks, Brian Wilson and more. This particular console was recently used in the recreation of the legendary Western Studio 3 for the film, Love & Mercy.

This console was most recently owned by Arcade Fire and used for the band’s latest album, Everything Now. Together with producer Steve Mackey (M.I.A./Florence and the Machine) and engineer Eric Heigle, Arcade Fire used the console for tracking the rhythm section, including drum machines and percussion.

Read Win Butler of Arcade Fire’s testimonial below to learn more about the band’s connection to the 610 console and its use during the sessions for the album in New Orleans:

“"This console is absolute magic. The sort of equipment you can do anything with from a production standpoint. Most of the record was tracked through or passed through these channels at some point. The EQs are super musical, and you can be as extreme as you want without anything sounding harsh.”

Custom Universal Audio 610 Recording Console Specs:

• 5 UA 610 A Mic Pres

• 6 UA 610 B Mic Pres Built By Steve Firlotte of Inward Connections

• 3 Aux Sends (No booster amps installed

• Buses: stereo

• Direct outs: Yes (transformer balanced)

• Recently serviced