History of Universal Audio and the UA 610 Mic Preamp with CEO Bill Putnam Jr.

We recently visited Universal Audio's headquarters in Scotts Valley, California. While there we chatted with CEO Bill Putnam Jr. about his father, Bill Putnam Sr., Universal Audio's early years, its iconic 610 microphone preamplifier and the company's rebirth in the late 1990s.

Bill regaled us with tales of his father's early recording years, moving to the West Coast and setting up United Recording and Western Studios and his incredible innovations in sound recording technology, including the 610 mic pre.

We also discussed the exciting early years of UA's relaunch, the types of challenges they ran into, bringing back their legendary products and what drives them as a company.

Learn more and shop Universal Audio gear, including the 610 mic preamp, the legendary 1176 and LA-2A compressors and their industry-standard Apollo recording interfaces:

Check out our full rundown on the history of Universal Audio:

[brianmclendon]

I absolutely love UA, my first piece of gear was a UA FireWire satellite, I was so stoked to get my first Apollo, and I use my LA610 every session. UA absolutely changed the

[DDPAV]

Dude is a great story teller. Thankful he got into the business- my studio would be empty without UA gear.

[charlesrocks]

The LA610 and the 6176 are amazing channel strips. Lifetime purchases.

[oinkooink]

My favourite preamp. I have a few preamps including Grace, Daking and Heritage and the LA 610 mkii gets it done for me every time. My most go to preamp.

[PoloBoyShawtyBeats]

just got the 6167. and its a game changer!

[geoffreymerrifield]

Interesting that he isn't pushing to sell things. Quite refreshing. Great concept, "The LA610 will either suit your voice or it won't." Ease of use, brilliant concept. Perfect! Thanks Bill Jr.!

[dab]

So glad you do what you do. I enjoy your products and they are priced within reach. So glad you shows to follow this path

[Delatsch]

You are a great inspiration. So much musical and sound variety came from the people like your father who built their own custom studio rooms, consoles and other gear. In those days there were no two consoles that sounded the same and the main point and stress was on the performance and the take. Thank you for these new insights and interesting stories!

[toneyrockstv]

Bill's a badass with a great attitude towards his adventure as an entrepreneur. With such a rich family history in high quality audio gear, he still has a childlike appetite for discovery and pushing the envelop.

[wandrousvindella]

how did i miss this ? Hello cousin Billy, miss you and miss uncle Bill. Loved all the history in this video. You're still the same & I love that~

[the-matrix-has-you]

When you see Neve 1073's on racks of UA's owner Studio. You know it's a good Preamp!
For me I love the sound of Neve 1073 for big fat vocals, Chandler Limited Red 47(Telefunken V72 Successor) Preamp for Clean critical recordings and Clean Open Top End of UA 610 Throse Preamps are the best ever designed for me

[DMV-SaxTv]

I TRULY love my UA Solo 610 to record my various saxophones with different mic's & sax mouthpiece combos! After 5 years, I have not found another mic pre that I love more. I've asked SANTA for a LA-610 MkII & 6176 for xmas this year. I can't wait to see what's under my tree this morning ...

[dannyharpermusic]

You are absolutely right We do get lost in specs. I do love my UA gear and my UA 610-II preamps and compressor

[markesquivelarvizu]

I used to work with a gentleman from UREI who designed the logo and he would always tell me "It's not UREI, it's U-R-E-I"!!!!

[mumbles]

So basically Neil could have called and asked bill to make an offer, but he’s goes to auction anyways. Great product.

[TruthSeekerAi]

I been using us stuff for many many years love them

[kingech_B]

I don't know why, But I feel like a part of the UA family. 🤔

[TheRangeControl]

Does the "microphone go to the Universal Audio LA-610" OR does it go to the audio interface and get routed to this... Where would this get placed in a simple home Computer, Interface, preamp, mic setup?

[BillyBlaze]

I LOVE my LA-610 MK2, the only thing that sucks is access to the rear of the unit to change up connections as needed, this tends to limit me to mainly use on vocals only

[EddieJarnowski]

I have a solo 110 and its too bad it got discontinued. I love it. Sounds great. Crank the gain and enjoy. I need an la-610 next. Anyone want to help out a starving artist? Lol