Get ready for legendary sound with the Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection. This iconic piece of pro audio kit has been used to craft some of music's most timeless hits and beloved albums. The original 1176 was designed and developed by UA founder M.T. “Bill” Putnam, and revolutionized the realm of compressor technology. Not only was it one of the first compressors that featured solid-state circuitry, but its incredible 20 microsecond FET gain reduction provided a level of speed and control unlike anything else on the market at the time.
Every feature has been lovingly recreated in this collection, giving modern vocalists, recording artists, and studio engineers access to classic sound that can take their projects to a whole new level. Whether you're looking to add punch and depth to a snare drum or recreate classic transistor distortion effects on vocals, the Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is an essential tool in any pro audio rig. So don't delay — start crafting your own timeless tracks today!
Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection Features
- Use any audio interface, with both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions included
- Track and mix with painstaking emulations of the legendary 1176, the most popular compressor ever made
- Choose from three famous versions: Rev A, Rev E, and AE — each with their own sonic attributes
- Harness the 1176’s entire electronic path including transformers and FET and bipolar transistor amplifiers, for colorful input / output distortion
- Access “All-Button” or “No Ratio” modes for colorful overdriven textures
- Expanded controls for Headroom, Mix, and custom Sidechain Filter for reduced LF pumping
- Mix with presets from legendary 1176 users such as Andy Johns, Andrew Scheps, Ed Cherney, and Joe Chiccarelli
A Triple Threat
The 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection provides three distinct 1176 revisions, representing over 40 years of design iterations to the original 1176. The Rev A “Bluestripe” represents the original Putnam FET limiter design, complete with its higher distortion and unique FET gain amplifier characteristics. The Rev E “Blackface” covers the early '70s Brad Plunkett “LN” (Low Noise) era, with variations including a more linear compression response, transistor gain amplification, and a change to the program dependence. The 1176AE provides UA’s rare 1176 40th Anniversary Edition, complete with exclusive mods — including its lower 2:1 compression ratio.
Classic Compression, Quickly
Using an 1176 is a study in simplicity. Input simultaneously sets compression threshold and the level of the signal entering the 1176; Output sets the final signal level. Attack sets the time it takes the 1176 to respond to incoming signal, while Release sets the time it takes the 1176 to return to its initial level. The VU meter displays the amount of gain reduction (GR) or output level (+4/+8).
Ratio Buttons for Iconic Color
The four Ratio buttons determine the degree of gain reduction — lower ratios for compression, higher ratios for limiting. Disengaging all Ratio buttons disables compression, while continuing to pass signal through the 1176 circuitry, adding unmistakable color. At the request of users, “Multi-Button” combinations possible with the hardware are now attainable in the plug-in — including the famous “All Button” sound.
Added Features for Modern Workflows
Exclusive plug-in only features lend modern workflows to this classic processor collection. Get quick parallel processing on bass and kick drums with Dry/Wet mix controls or use the custom Sidechain Filter to tame low-frequency pumping. Plus, enhanced graphics with improved VU metering bring iconic FET compression into a new age.