Universal Audio has announced the native release of its UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection, making the plug-ins available without requiring Apollo hardware. To mark the launch, the company is offering the collection as a free download for a limited time.
The UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection includes software emulations of the 610-A and 610-B tube channel strips. These models are based on the original 610 console modules designed in 1960 by Bill Putnam Sr., whose work played a significant role in the development of modern recording consoles. The original hardware became known for its tube-based amplification, transformer design, and simple but musical EQ section.
Universal Audio first introduced the 610 plug-ins for its Apollo DSP platform in 2014. The new native release allows the same processors to run directly on a computer’s CPU, expanding access to users who do not own Apollo interfaces. Both the Apollo DSP and native versions are included in the collection.
According to Universal Audio, the emulations model the complete signal path of the original units, including tube stages, transformers, and EQ circuits. The two versions reflect different design approaches: the 610-A offering broader tone shaping, and the 610-B providing more precise control.
The company notes that Apollo users can still take advantage of Unison preamp integration, which allows the plug-in to interact with Apollo hardware at the input stage. Native users, meanwhile, can use the plug-ins like standard DAW inserts across multiple instances without DSP limitations.
The UA 610 Tube Preamp & EQ Collection is available now as a free download for a limited promotional period through Universal Audio and participating retailers. After the promotion ends, standard pricing will apply.
More information is available directly from Universal Audio.
