Is the M610 ok for Hip Hop vocals?

mchillak · 15th April 2007

I have $1000 to spend on a new pre amp. I have had the pleasure of borrowing a friends Great River ME-1NV and I really liked it. However, I found a UA M610 for $750. I've never had a chance to use it, so I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on what to expect (the goods and the bads). I will mainly be using it for hip hop vocals. I only have three mics right now SM57, AKG C3000B, & RE20. Does the M610 have enough gain to run the dynamic mics?

Currently the only mic pre I own is the Presonus VXP, which was not bad but not great. Will there be much improvement with the 610?

How does it compare to the Great River, or say the Germanium (which is another one I'm considering)?

The price is really tempting on the M610, but I'm not sure it makes sense for me.

I'm new here, so all opinions/advice are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

DontLetMeDrown · 15th April 2007

Well, I can't give you the insight you want, but if you decide not to go for the m610, shoot me a pm. I have one and I'm looking to pickup a 2nd. I use Presonus Firepod Preamps in conjunction with my m610 (the only good pre I have) and the UA is quite a noticable difference in quality to my ears. I like it a lot and it would be handy to have two. I've used it for Metal/Rock/Reggae/Punk vocals and it always works well. I'm sure you could get useable tones for hip hop.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the other two preamps you asked about are both solid state designs (neve clones) while the m610 is a tube channel. I'm sure they would all get you good results. You can check out my myspace page-- all of that stuff went thru the m610 except for the drum kits.

mchillak · 15th April 2007

you're right they are different pre's. I just have only had the opportunity to use the Great River, but $750 is so tempting. I was just hoping for some opinions. So thanks for posting yours.

I'll definitely let you know if I decide not to purchase it.

markk · 15th April 2007

The M610 is a decent pre for bass guitar and some vocals depending on the mic.
Not so hot with ribbon mics. I dont think you can go wrong for $700

15th April 2007	#1
mchillak Gear interested Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 17 Thread Starter	Is the M610 ok for Hip Hop vocals? I have $1000 to spend on a new pre amp. I have had the pleasure of borrowing a friends Great River ME-1NV and I really liked it. However, I found a UA M610 for $750. I've never had a chance to use it, so I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on what to expect (the goods and the bads). I will mainly be using it for hip hop vocals. I only have three mics right now SM57, AKG C3000B, & RE20. Does the M610 have enough gain to run the dynamic mics? Currently the only mic pre I own is the Presonus VXP, which was not bad but not great. Will there be much improvement with the 610? How does it compare to the Great River, or say the Germanium (which is another one I'm considering)? The price is really tempting on the M610, but I'm not sure it makes sense for me. I'm new here, so all opinions/advice are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

15th April 2007	#2
DontLetMeDrown Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2005 Location: USA Posts: 1,789	Well, I can't give you the insight you want, but if you decide not to go for the m610, shoot me a pm. I have one and I'm looking to pickup a 2nd. I use Presonus Firepod Preamps in conjunction with my m610 (the only good pre I have) and the UA is quite a noticable difference in quality to my ears. I like it a lot and it would be handy to have two. I've used it for Metal/Rock/Reggae/Punk vocals and it always works well. I'm sure you could get useable tones for hip hop. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the other two preamps you asked about are both solid state designs (neve clones) while the m610 is a tube channel. I'm sure they would all get you good results. You can check out my myspace page-- all of that stuff went thru the m610 except for the drum kits. __________________ So-Cal Sound Design

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15th April 2007	#4
markk Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 231	The M610 is a decent pre for bass guitar and some vocals depending on the mic. Not so hot with ribbon mics. I dont think you can go wrong for $700