Universal Audio Unveils LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip Plugin

Universal Audio recently launched a new software plugin called the LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip. This plugin combines three of their most famous audio processors into one easy-to-use plugin.

The new LA-6176 plugin includes UA’s legendary 610 tube preamp, the classic 1176 compressor, and the iconic LA-2A compressor – all in a single plugin. Having these three pieces of premium analog gear combined into one plugin is really convenient for music producers and mixing/mastering engineers.

The 610 tube preamp adds a nice warm, smooth tone to vocals, guitars, bass, and other instruments when recording. The 1176 compressor is famous for its fast, punchy sound that can really make things pop out of the mix. The LA-2A gives a smooth, musical compression for more subtle control over dynamics. One cool new feature is the ability to switch between using the 1176’s aggressive compression or the LA-2A’s gentler leveling. This flexibility to choose the compression style wasn’t possible in UA’s original 6176 hardware channel strip from years ago. Now you can tweak the compression vibe to better fit the source audio.

UA’s founder Bill Putnam Jr. explained it was like an experimental “what if” project, faithfully modeling their vintage 6176 channel strip at first, but then the team got creative and added the LA-2A option too since it couldn’t actually fit in the physical hardware back then.

For UA’s Apollo interface owners, the LA-6176 plugin is Unison-enabled. This means it can precisely match the sound of the original analog hardware input impedances and gain staging for a truly authentic analog experience when tracking through the plugin. Another perk is that it only takes up one plugin slot to get all three premium processors when recording through an Apollo. Usually that much analog channel strip power would eat up multiple inserts.

Key Features:

1. Record and mix using three of the most iconic analog devices ever created, all within a single sophisticated channel strip.
2. Experience the smooth harmonics and rich overdrive of a classic UA 610 tube preamp for both vocals and instruments.
3. Easily switch to achieve the renowned punch of the 1176 or the silky warmth of the LA 2A with just a flip of a switch.
4. Record in real-time with Apollo interfaces, combining these three legendary processors in one Unison slot.

UA is offering a steep discount on the LA-6176 plugin for a limited time during their May-June sale period. Instead of the regular $299 price, you can get this versatile channel strip plugin for only $99 until June 30th.

Tags: Universal Audio, LA-6176 channel strip, analog plugins, UAD.