Thread: Universal Audio LA610 + Firestudio Tube v.s. Universal Audio Apollo

I have about $2,000 to spend on my interface / preamp, just unsure on what would be more beneficial... a UA LA610 Preamp / Compressor combo with a lower end interface (Firestudio Tube) or the new UA Apollo interface (which seems to have pretty good preamps anyways)?

In previous studios, I absolutely loved the sound we got from the UA LA610 preamp compressor combo, but we were also working with an Apogee ensemble interface and nice gear all around. This time I only have about $2000 to work with, so I can't really have both here. The PreSonus tube would be my low end choice. And I was also looking at the Echo Audiofire pre8. The new UA Apollo interface looks really sick, but I'm unsure.

I'm more interested in the preamp from the LA610 than the compressor (that's just a really good bonus!!). With the exception of drums, I should only be recording one channel at a time (max 2).

What do you guys suggest?

Thanks in advance (I really do appreciate your help)
- Josh

Yeah, I'm really stuck in the middle. I think I can save some money if I go the 610 route. There are a few used ones on ebay you can get for serious discounts! Is it difficult to replace the tubes?

The compressor would be nice, but I'm mainly interested in getting the preamps. How do you feel about the m610 or solo 610?

Also a note: the apollo comes with a 1176 compressor plugin (and I hear these come scary close to sounding like the real thing!)