UA 1108 - What does it sound like?

[roy_mattie]

I can't seem to find much information on what this module sounds like. I've seen the schematics, and know some of the history...but what does it actually sound like? If you own one, what do you use it on?

Please submit comments based on your own personal experiences and not hearsay.

Thanks,
Matt

[roy_mattie]

Any 1108 users out there?

[Enlightened Hand]

Haven't used it.

Call Vintage King. I think they have one. They might have some insight into the sound.

Be happy you don't have a thread littered with the usual crew of liars saying how awesome it is when they haven't laid eyes on one in the flesh.

[roy_mattie]

Thanks, I'll call VK.

[Marcocet]

It's essentially the amplifier stage from an 1176. So picture an 1176 that's not compressing.

[roy_mattie]

Originally Posted by Marcocet

It's essentially the amplifier stage from an 1176. So picture an 1176 that's not compressing.

Yes, this I know Just wondering more about the overall tone, as I don't have a lot of experience with the 1176.

[oscilloscope]

I spoke to the guys at UA several years ago about the 1108, at that time they released their 2108 dual pre, which was a flop at that time.

They told me that the 2108 was based on the 1108.

Nowadays, trying to find a 2108 is very hard and the prices have gone up and up.

not long ago i was in a studio where two 1108's were available. we used them for guitars and vocals. WOW. amazing sound. perky top end but not overbearing, bottom with big and tight. mids seemed dipped just a wee bit.

around the same time, i tracked down a used 2108. to my ears, they were indeed very alike. enough to make me remember all the good things about the 1108's i used in the studio.

my two "go to" pres of my many are my neve 1073's and that 2108.

i suspect that original 1108's would sound better than the 2108's but that's just speculation.

[Wiggy Neve Slut]

Originally Posted by oscilloscope

I spoke to the guys at UA several years ago about the 1108, at that time they released their 2108 dual pre, which was a flop at that time.

Shame I thought that pre was a mojo machine and you'd plug any Bass into the DI and it soudned like a Bad Ass SVT chugging away..

Wiggy

[bgrotto]

FWIW, 2108 is a bad ass pre. Thick in the midrange, nice bite. Great for room mics, guitars, pretty much anything you'd throw an 1176 on. Cool metering too.

[roy_mattie]

Thx for all the responses. Methinks me gonna like these, and looking forward to getting these babies racked up!

[superwack]

Van Halen had a console full of 1108 @ his studio ... Some debate as to when it was taken out if service but I have read 5150 was the last album done on it

[vernier]

Originally Posted by roy_mattie

Any 1108 users out there?

Nope, but some of us use 1008's.
.
.

[djimbe]

Originally Posted by superwack

Van Halen had a console full of 1108 @ his studio ... Some debate as to when it was taken out if service but I have read 5150 was the last album done on it

I have a pair of those 1108's that were racked by Avedis at BAE a number of years ago. Love them. Bought them for OH work and never looked back. Frankly, I didn't find a source that didn't sound good when using the UA's, but really love what they do for the overall sound of drums.

And yes, the 2108 is totally worth searching out too. UA apparently lost a lot of money making those, which is too bad 'cause they are really fine sounding amps.

[roy_mattie]

I found this link from Universal Audio in my hunting around for more info:

UA WebZine "Compression Obsession" March 04 | My Personal Obsession with the 2108

[roy_mattie]

... and also this from Mix Magazine (Barry Rudolph)

Universal Audio 2108 Microphone Pre-Amplifier

[stratton]

I loved my 2108. That's one I wish I hadn't sold.

[doorknocker]

Ah, the perfect time for a little bragging! I got three 2108s and love, love, love them.

One difference to the 1108 is the gainstaging as you can saturate the input on the 2108 like you would on TG-2s and other similar designs though there are ways to do this on single stage pres like the 1108s by following it with a compressor for example.

Given the sheer number of different preamps available, I always though that it's quite ironic that a design as beloved as the 2108 has been discontinued for quite a long time now.

[krheatman]

I have had a UA 8110 for years,it won't be leaving.UA pres are way underated.

Sent from my PC36100 using Gearslutz App

[andychamp]

Originally Posted by doorknocker

Ah, the perfect time for a little bragging! I got three 2108s and love, love, love them.

One difference to the 1108 is the gainstaging as you can saturate the input on the 2108 like you would on TG-2s and other similar designs though there are ways to do this on single stage pres like the 1108s by following it with a compressor for example.

Given the sheer number of different preamps available, I always though that it's quite ironic that a design as beloved as the 2108 has been discontinued for quite a long time now.

Neid!

[doorknocker]

Originally Posted by andychamp

Neid!

[roy_mattie]

One for sale at VK... $1495

Universal Audio 1108 Mic Pre in VK Rack (used) | VintageKing.com