Who's using the LA 610

The 610 pre-amp has fairly limited headroom, so you can't drive it too hard on input. If I remember correctly the suggested scheme is to set the big knob to about 7, and then adjust the input gain knob position to yourself about the right level of gain, then tweak the big knob.

It'll never be a really super-clean sounding unit, but that's the beauty of it I guess. It shouldn't be grungy though unless you are overdriving the input. And you should be able to get pretty huge amounts of GR as well.

Don't have the LA but I do have the Solo 610

As Frank says it will never be a "clean" pre-amp - That's not it's purpose from my understanding but in time you will love it - It's a perfect compliment to the cleaner faster sounding modern pres

Sometimes you cook with Olive Oil - but sometimes you like a little Saturated Fat..not good for your health..but it sure taste good

I have one. So far it's been very nice on bass (Asparapuss was done with it using my Line 6 Variax bass).

I'm happy.

Yes in store. I thought I was buying a display unit and it turned out they had a sealed box in the back. I may consider the display unit as well after testing this week.

MKII = black face plate, larger VU meter, complete bypass of compressor is now possible, slightly cleaner output.

best,
mike

blow out pricing was?

Nice, nice.

I may have to swing by the local on the way home!

I purchased the MKII recently and love it.  I couldnt imagine recording bass again without it.  The vocals can require some tweeking depending on the singer and sound you want, but hey doesnt everything. 

Like the suggestion above I usually start with the gain around 7 and adjust the input and gain knob until I get the right sound.  The only thing I dont care for is the EQ layout.  Personal preference.

Another cool sound is using it before your amp sim on your guitar.  It can fatten up your sound and help take out some of the 'annoyingness' that amp sims tend to give out.

I'm starting to think if you record everything with it, by the end of your mix it adds up and you can almost see a visual 610 paint brush coloring your mix.  Maybe it's my imagination....

Anyhow its 2 thumbs up here, especially for that price.

vocals07


Hey,
I just got the LA-610 MK2. It's basic but, for certain settings for loud vocals I can't seem to get the right level. I thought the Avalon VT737 was easier to set. Anyway how would I go about getting a 2:1 ratio, with this thing? I like it, it's just a little different as far as getting certain settings.

  The opto compressor has a set ratio response. It has a soft knee and, if I recall correctly, a 12:1 ratio followed by another soft knee which expands back to a lower ratio... so it doesn't limit the way many compressors do.


best regards,
mike

I'm looking at the 601 MkII.  I have the 710 on the way to me to fill out the desire for a last clean pre before I go to a colored sound.  I'll be lurking this thread so keep us informed of any little tricks you find.

DeeringAmps


Mod,
With the 710 you get the best of both worlds, don't you?
You can have the "clean" ss pre or the "colored" valve pre.
Of course you don't have the compressor.
I have the 6176, the LA-610 and the LA-610mkII.
Like you, I picked up the mkII to get the UAD2, duo in this case.
Put the original in the rack at a friend's studio so I'd have it when I track there.
I "step" on everything going in, so I like having the compressors.
However, some feel that a "real" LA2A is the only way to go; but lets not open that can of worms.
If you don't need the comp, I think you're set.
Just my nickel 98.

Tom

I feel like I could very well be in agreement with you once I get the 710 and try it out.  I've got a JoeMeek TwinQ so if I want to squash something a little (or a lot) going in, I can do it there.  But it sure would be sexy there in my rack though.