Universal Audio Bock 187 & LA6176 Unison Channel Strip: The Ultimate Vocal Recording Chain?
If you’re in search of the ultimate vocal chain, look no further. We’re diving into a session with the Universal Audio Bock 187 FET microphone and the LA6176 Unison channel strip, both recognised for delivering high-quality, studio-level sound that could make them your next go-to recording setup.
A Look at the Universal Audio Bock 187
The UA Bock 187 is a powerful large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern and Class A circuitry. Designed as UA’s take on the classic Neumann U87, it offers two modes that bring a unique versatility to your recordings:
Standard Mode gives a clean, smooth sound with plenty of clarity, ideal for capturing details without colouring the sound.
Fat Mode engages the transformer circuit, providing an EQ boost between 10 and 400 Hz, adding warmth and thickness to vocals and instruments.
Some key specs of the Bock 187 include:
Low Cut Filter at 120 Hz to remove unwanted low-end rumble.
-10 dB Pad for handling high sound pressure levels (up to 125 dB).
Dynamic Range of 113 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 82 dB, ensuring a quiet, high-performing microphone.
In this session, we’re using it to record an acoustic version of Rich’s song, “XYZ,” putting both the mic and the channel strip to the test.
The Power of the LA6176 Unison Channel Strip
The LA6176 Unison preamp represents the perfect blend of classic hardware design and digital innovation. The LA6176 combines two iconic UA units:
610 Preamp, known for its warm, vintage tone.
1176 and LA2A Compressors, providing versatile dynamics control.
With UA’s Unison technology, this digital preamp reconfigures input impedance and gain staging to faithfully reproduce the sound of the original 6176 hardware at an accessible price point. You’ll find options for pad, EQ, and gain staging that mimic the feel of the classic equipment while adding an additional compressor option in the form of the LA2A. This makes the LA6176 a perfect choice for anyone wanting to track with pro-level preamp and compression from the get-go.
Universal Audio LA6176 Unison preamp is a digital development of the 6176 analogue unit featuring the 610 preamp and 1176 & LA2A compressors pictured above
Acoustic Sound Check and Vocal Sound Check
We ran both an acoustic guitar and vocals through this setup, utilising Fat Mode on the Bock 187 for added warmth and depth. Here’s what we discovered:
Vocals: Clear, natural sound without harsh sibilance; the microphone brings out the finer details of the performance, while the LA6176 adds tasteful saturation and control.
Guitar: Full-bodied tone, with subtle transients well captured by the microphone, especially with the Fat Mode engaged. This setting brings out richness in the low-mid range, ideal for adding depth to an acoustic sound.
Sound Analysis
The pairing of the Bock 187 and the LA6176 exceeded our expectations, producing a pristine, well-rounded sound. The microphone’s versatility shone through, capturing the full essence of Rich’s vocal and guitar performance, while the dual compressors in the LA6176 allowed us to sculpt the dynamics effortlessly. The result is a clear, authentic recording with the tonal warmth and richness typically found only in high-end studio equipment.
Final Thoughts
This session proves that UA DSP technology is still incredibly relevant in 2024, especially when it delivers professional-grade sound from a home studio setup. With the Bock 187 and LA6176, UA has created a vocal chain that’s hard to beat, offering both classic tone and modern convenience in one package. Whether you want to elevate your vocal chain or experiment with new channel strip options, the Bock 187 and LA6176 are solid investments for any recording setup.
PURCHASING LINKS
BUY THE BOCK 187
SWEETWATER: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/MmQgDo
THOMANN: https://thmn.to/thoprod/558707?offid=...
BUY THE UNIVERSAL AUDIO LA6176
