Universal Audio

Universal Audio is an American audio company known for its premium analogue hardware and digital plugins. Founded in 1958 by legendary engineer Bill Putnam Sr., it created iconic gear like the 610 Console and 1176 compressor, which shaped countless classic recordings. After a period of decline, the company was revived in 1999 by Putnam’s son, James, who reintroduced revered analogue units and launched a successful line of plugin emulations. Universal Audio’s innovations, including the Apollo interfaces and Luna recording system, continue to serve musicians, producers, and engineers worldwide.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1993 /

Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

Compression Type: Optical

The Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier is true to the original design, Universal Audio’s famed tube-amplified T4 electro-optical compressor.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2001 /

Universal Audio 2-610 Dual-Microphone Preamplifier

The Universal Audio 2-610 is a vacuum tube microphone preamplifier that faithfully recreates the microphone preamp section of Bill Putnam’s legendary 610 console from the 1950s. Featuring dual channels with identical circuitry and simplified EQ, the 2-610 was the first original analog design from the revitalised Universal Audio, combining vintage transformer and tube technology with modern reliability.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2002 /

Universal Audio 2108 Dual Microphone Preamplifier

The Universal Audio 2108 is a two-channel, discrete, Class-A solid-state microphone preamplifier based on the legendary 1108 preamplifier from the early 1960s. Designed by Bill Putnam Sr. and introduced in 2002, the 2108 shares identical output amplifier circuits with the iconic 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, including its critical custom transformer, while adding a two-stage, multi-impedance design with a cascode FET input stage.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Compression Type: FET

The Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip is a classic tube microphone preamp and 1176LN compressor in a single unit.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

Universal Audio 2192 Master Audio Interface

The Universal Audio 2192 Master Audio Interface is the perfect two-channel master audio interface for every digital studio. It was also one of the sweetest sounding converters ever made, not deadly accurate, but truly musical.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

Universal Audio 2-1176 Dual-Channel Compressor

Compression Type: FET

The Universal Audio 2-1176 is a dual-channel version of the legendary 1176LN compressor, faithfully re-creating Bill Putnam’s 1966 design in a single 2RU 19-inch rack chassis. Featuring two identical compressor channels with stereo linking capability, the 2-1176 provides six distinct compression ratios, adjustable attack and release times, and the distinctive circuit character that has made the 1176 one of the most iconic pieces of studio equipment ever designed.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2004 /

Universal Audio 8110 8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

The Universal Audio 8110 is an eight-channel precision microphone preamplifier that forms part of the X110 series, alongside the four-channel 4110. Featuring DC-coupled, matched-FET, all-discrete Class-A circuitry with no capacitors in the signal path, the 8110 was designed for total transparency and crystal clear fidelity. The SHAPE control provides variable sonic character ranging from pristine modern clarity to vintage transformer saturation and soft limiting.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2005 /

Universal Audio 1176LN Limiting Amplifier

Compression Type: FET

Universal Audio 1176LN limiting amplifier is a legendary FET compressor with tone and attitude that is true to the original EREI model released many years before it.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2008 /

Universal Audio LA610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel

The Universal Audio LA610 MkII combines a hand-built in the USA, all-tube, vintage mic preamp design – heard on classic albums by Coldplay, The Beach Boys, and Van Halen – with authentic Teletronix T4 opto-compression circuitry.

Made In China

Released in 2024 /

Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The Universal Audio Apollo x6 is a 16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 interface with 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, Unison preamps, HEXA Core DSP, and 5.1 surround support. It offers premium sound quality, real-time UAD processing, and seamless studio integration.

Explore the full Universal Audio Apollo Series Series

Made In China

Released in 2024 /

Universal Audio Apollo x8 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The Universal Audio Apollo x8 is an 18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 interface with 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, Unison preamps, and HEXA Core DSP for enhanced UAD plug-in processing. It offers versatile connectivity, 7.1 surround support, and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, delivering premium sound for professional studios.

Explore the full Universal Audio Apollo Series Series

Made In China

Released in 2024 /

Universal Audio Apollo x8p Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface

The Universal Audio Apollo x8p is a 16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 interface with 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, eight Unison preamps, HEXA Core DSP, and 7.1 surround support. It delivers premium sound, real-time UAD processing, and seamless studio integration.

Explore the full Universal Audio Apollo Series Series