Universal Audio (UA) has just announced a massive gift for music producers: the legendary UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection is now available as a free download for a limited time.
Previously locked behind the requirement of expensive Apollo hardware, these plugins have gone native, meaning any producer on macOS or Windows can now inject their tracks with the iconic “Green Board” warmth that defined the sound of the 1960s.
The Sound of Music History: What’s Included?
The collection features two distinct plugins based on the original 610 console designed by Bill Putnam Sr. This desk wasn’t just a mixer; it was a tone-shaping instrument used by everyone from Ray Charles to Van Halen.
1. The UA 610-A
This is the “vintage” soul of the bundle. It offers a simplified, straightforward layout with broad tonal shaping. It’s perfect for users who want to dial in a vibe quickly without overthinking the frequencies.
2. The UA 610-B
For those who need more precision, the 610-B provides expanded EQ points and finer control over frequency selection. It retains the same tube saturation while allowing more surgical adjustments on complex sources like drums or synth buses.
Why Every Producer Needs These Plugins
Unlike modern digital preamps that aim for “transparent” or “clean” sound, the 610 collection is all about character. By emulating the entire signal path—including tube amplifiers and transformers—these plugins provide:
-
Harmonic Saturation: Add “grit” and “weight” to thin vocals or digital synths.
-
Three-Dimensional Depth: The end-to-end emulation makes instruments feel “closer” and more lifelike.
-
Unisonâ„¢ Technology: For Apollo interface owners, these plugins provide physical impedance matching, mimicking the behavior of the original hardware during recording.
Native Power: No Hardware Required
The biggest news for the bedroom producer is the UAD Native support. You no longer need an Apollo interface or UAD DSP accelerator to run these. They run directly on your computer’s CPU in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
How to Claim Your Free Copy
-
Visit the Universal Audio Website: Head to the official product page.
-
Create/Login to your UA Account: You’ll need a free account to license the software.
-
Install via UA Connect: Download the UA Connect utility to activate and install the 610 Collection on your machine.
-
Act Fast: This offer is time-limited. Once the promotion ends, the collection will return to its standard retail price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an Apollo interface to use these plugins?
No. These are UAD Native plugins, meaning they run on any standard Mac or PC using your DAW’s processing power.
What formats are supported?
The collection is available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, making it compatible with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Pro Tools, and more.
Is it really “free forever” once I claim it?
Yes. As long as you claim the license during the promotional period, the plugins are yours to keep and use indefinitely.
What are the system requirements?
The plugins run on modern versions of macOS and Windows. You will need to install the UA Connect app for activation.
Conclusion
The Universal Audio 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection is a “must-have” for anyone looking to move away from sterile digital recordings. Whether you’re adding subtle warmth to a vocal or smashing a drum bus for aggressive saturation, these plugins offer a level of analog authenticity that is hard to match. Given that they are currently free, there is absolutely no reason not to add this piece of history to your plugin folder.
#Universal Audio #610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection
This article may contain affiliate links to Andertons, DeathCloud, Donner, Fender, Gear4Music, Positive Grid, Sweetwater, and Thomann that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don’t worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases.
