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Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal

Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal with 3 Compression Modes, Parallel Mode, and Selectable True/Buffered Bypass
$199.00

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Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal
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This article was Written By

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The Ubiquitous FET Compressor for Your Pedalboard

The Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor leverages the company's industry-leading emulation technology to pack the sound of the illustrious 1176LN Limiting Amplifier into a compact stompbox. You'll benefit from three modes of classic guitar compression effects with familiar 1176-style Input, Output, Attack, and Release controls. You also get a Ratio knob, which includes the world-famous "all buttons in" mode, supplying you with the gritty, hyper-compressed textures pro engineers have relied on for decades. The 1176 Studio Compressor also includes a parallel compression mode and selectable true- or buffered-bypass switching. Whether you want to inject some punch into your clean tones, infuse your lead work with FET-fueled sustain, or add a studio-quality sheen to your guitar rig, the UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor is destined to become a staple on pedalboards everywhere.

Familiar 1176-style controls

Those who have used a rackmount 1176LN will find operating the UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor is like meeting up with an old friend. Just like its studio hardware predecessor, this guitar effects pedal includes Input and Output knobs for dialing in your gain reduction and output levels, plus easy-to-use Attack and Release knobs. The 1176 Studio Compressor's Ratio knob ranges from Off all the way through All — a.k.a. "all buttons in" — for those occasions when a full-blown nuke is desired.

One pedal, three modes

The Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor gives you three flexible modes. Single mode is perfect for giving your signal a subtle squeeze, much like running your guitar into a single 1176LN hardware unit. Dual mode replicates running your signal into two units wired in parallel for a thunderous compressed crunch. Lastly, Sustain mode will give your solos that "special something" that always seems untouchable for anyone outside a professional studio. The guitarists here at Sweetwater are blown away by how perfectly the 1176 Studio Compressor replicates the iconic tones and effects we've been chasing. Best of all, you can put it right on your pedalboard — no studio rack required.

Indispensable extra features

Universal Audio designed the UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor so that you can integrate it effortlessly into any guitar rig. Its parallel compression mode functions as a wet/dry control. You also get selectable true- or buffered-bypass switching, allowing you to put it in front of anything, such as a fuzz pedal, whether it likes buffers or not.

Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal Features:

  • Packs a spot-on emulation of the venerable 1176LN Limiting Amplifier into a convenient stompbox
  • 3 compression modes: Single, Dual, and Sustain
  • Familiar 1176-style Input, Output, Attack, and Release controls
  • Ratio knob includes an "all buttons in" mode for gritty, hyper-compressed textures
  • Parallel compression mode functions as a wet/dry control
  • Selectable true- or buffered-bypass switching ensures easy rig integration
  • USB Type-C port makes system updates a breeze

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Tech Specs

  • Pedal Type: Compressor
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TS
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4" TS
  • USB: 1 x USB-C (updates)
  • True Bypass: Yes, Switchable to Buffer Mode
  • Additional Features: UAFX Control App
  • Power Source: 9V DC (250mA) power supply (sold separately)
  • Height: 2.29"
  • Width: 2.58"
  • Depth: 4.75"
  • Weight: 0.65 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: GPS-1176

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Very quiet operation

Probably the quietest compressor I've used. The ability to change the ratio is a plus and that does raise the noise floor a bit but also gives you that squeeze you want. I also love the 'sustain' feature on the toggle switch, it lets the notes ring out during a solo and they never seem to end. The dual compressor feature is a nice touch - it could act as an additional overdrive channel if you want that Jimmy Page sound. I prefer a quiet, subtle compression sound when I'm playing clean or with some chorus.
Rated 5/5

You're Going to Want One of These...

Since the Putnam family and the folks at Universal Audio know a thing or two about 1176 compressors, who better to package it in a stomp box? Try this; unpack it and don't touch the knobs. Patch it in upstream in your audio path, like after a booster but before wah and FX. Turn it on and adjust the output level to get you in the ballpark volume-wise and then play with the center toggle switch. No matter your playing style, at this point you are probably hooked. Even at low compression settings, good sounds even better. This is the secret sauce heard on top studio recordings that can easily be Velcroed to your pedal board. And since it has the same controls (plus the toggle switch) as the rack unit, the applications go far beyond guitar. This little guy can dress up anything that can be squeezed through a 1/4" input connector. I also love the Parallel switch that allows running the pedal like sidechain processing, mixing the dry and processed signals.
As always, shout out to Lee Cook and company (and Amy in shipping who sends candy) at Sweetwater for expert assistance and great customer service.
Rated 5/5

very versatile, very musical

I'm still sorting out some settings but I'm very happy with it overall. I haven't liked other pedals when they're set at higher compression ratios but this one still sounds good to me at fairly extreme settings. The dual "Black Dog" mode was the least interesting feature to me when I ordered but I'm finding that set right and going into an amp that's already got some edge, it adds some very cool harmonic overtones.
Rated 5/5

Great box!!

A ton of sounds out of a comp pedal. Like hot sauce, put it on everything.
Rated 5/5

uafx compressor 1176

This is an awesome pedal, it is quiet, sounds awesome, made a marked difference in the sound of my rig, nice and fat, buy it try and you will like it.
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