The 2108 Microphone Preamplifier
Thank you for purchasing the 2108 Dual Channel Microphone Preamplifier. The 2108 was
inspired by the 1108 line amp developed by Universal Audio in the early sixties. The
original 1108 was the “father of the 1176 limiter”. The classic sound of the legendary 1176
starts with the line amp / output transformer of the 1108. In fact, the 1176 was born as a
result of my father’s (Bill Putnam Senior) desire to create a remote controlled pre amp.
Most of us at Universal Audio are musicians, recording engineers, or both and we wanted to
build a mic preamp that we’d be delighted to use ourselves. We love the recording process,
and we really get inspired when the basic tracks are beautifully recorded. Our design goal
for the 2108 was to capture the original character of the 1108 and to create a solid state
mic pre reminiscent of that era. Like all of the great vintage gear of that time, the 2108 is an
all discrete class A unit with input and output transformers. In addition to the output stage
used in the 1176, the 2108 features our best custom input transformer (featuring multiple
impedance windings) and a new FET front end with incredible sonic dynamics.
The controls on the 2108 are simple and essential: we added only those features required for
practical use without needless duplication of functionality found elsewhere in most studios. In
addition to the basic controls for phantom power, polarity and levels, the 2108 features a
unique Signal Indicator for each channel. The single translucent jewel glows brighter as
signal strength is increased, changing from green to amber then red. The indicator light can
monitor the Input Stage or the Output Stage of the 2108. Although more expensive than
some, the 2108 defines a break through value for a tool in this class. It is with great pleasure
that we bring another piece of “vintage soul” to the world of music makers.
In addition to the 2108, Universal Audio manufactures the 1176LN Limiting Amplifier, the
classic Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier, the 2-610 and M610 tube pre amps. We plan to
offer additional original designs, vintage reproductions, and digital products that meet the
demands of the modern recording studio, yet retain the character of vintage equipment.
Please see our Web Site for more information. www.uaudio.com
These products have been quite an enjoyable adventure to develop and we’re sure the next
phase will be even more fun! We thank you for your support and we thank my father, Bill
Putnam.
Thank you,
Bill Putnam
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