The general set up of the 4-710d is simple, but getting to understand the unit will take some time and patience.
#Universal audio 4 710d manual
I had to use the manual a lot at first, it was well written and was not too bulky. It took me about 3 months before I felt comfortable enough to use it all on my own without the need to pull out the manual. Using the compressor on the 4-710d is very different and will take some time to understand. I have recorded with the 4-710d with instruments (mainly drums) and it shocked me, and I was able to see why it cost so much. The sound is truly great, all of your microphones will sound better instantly. I have been using it since January of this year after purchasing it around Christmas time. The price of the Universal Audio 4-710d is a bit pricy coming it at just under 2000 dollars. With 8 high quality 24 bit channels and a tube gain that wont get distorted easy when you decide to push it a little, you just can not go wrong. I have never had a bad experience with it and know several people that also use it and have no complaints about it. The Universal Audio 4-710d is well worth the money spent. Not as transparent as some of the other preamps. If you like a little color on the sound then I would get this one. They are a bit pricy and there are other pre amps like the focusrite 8 channel preamp ISA that I like. I have noticed this a lot with female vocalists no matter what mic I use. Very clear sound but they do have a colorizing effect on the mid range. Plug in turn up the input based upon the instrument your micing and get to work. Also the pre has a bit of a bump in the lower frequencies 50 to 80hz so use a high pass filter. On vocals it is bet harsh at 4.5K so dip that at least 3 db and you should be good to go.
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As you turn up the input you will find that there are defined differences in what your inputs or instruments are. Don't use any plug ins to start with nothing on the playback input track and get a feel for the active input. There are a bit more tricky in that they are more colored so as you get your input you need to pay attention to the sound and what you are getting. You will find that they are a bit sensitive and you would not get turn it on and just hit go. You have to find a mic that sounds right with the singer that your recording. If you use them on drums they sound great and on guitars. When using these units you have to be aware they are a bit authentic sounding in that you have to pick what you are going to use them on. Sounds like UA audio, great stuff but it has a specific sound and you have to have a taste and time to work with this unit when recording hot inputs. Good layout and good set up and not difficult to use.