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Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal

Compressor Guitar Pedal with Input, Output, Attack, Release, and Ratio Controls, 3 Compression Modes, Parallel Mode, and Selectable True/Buffered Bypass
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Item ID: UA1176Pedal
Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal
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For a limited time only, buy any eligible UAFX Pedal and get the UAD Guitar Amp Bundle FREE (a $299 value). Visit the Universal Audio Promo Webpage
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Price:$169 and 00 cents
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Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal
$169.00
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Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal
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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 Features:

  • Packs a spot-on emulation of the venerable 1176LN Limiting Amplifier into a convenient stompbox
  • 3 compression modes for versatile sound-sculpting possibilities
  • 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-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
  • 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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Reviews

Finally! I Found a Compressor I Will Use
For years I have had all the popular compressors on my various boards. All of them are great at a few things.I have used 1176's for decades in the studio on pretty much everything. Super versatile. I placed this on my board the moment it arrived and immediately found great sounds for clean, dirty, and everything in between. Put away my electrics and picked up an acoustic, and soon had the sound I normally use in post production. Pulled out a P Bass and it sounds fantastic. Partly because it's a P Bass, secondly because I dialed up a punchy compression that just works. I love having an 1176 on my board. It will be used on electrics, acoustics, basses, and even keyboards.

The dual setting or "Black Dog" sounds really good with Humbucker guitars. But, I was pleasantly surprised how great it sounded with a Telecaster. The sustain setting is also fantastic and has many uses. Thank you Universal Audio for building this unit and Sweetwater for getting it to me quickly. My sales engineer, Chris Goldbach is always great getting me my gear and always text or calls to make sure it arrived in good condition. You really can't beat the Sweetwater service.
Music background: Now, Producer, songwriter, and musician. Formerly a touring musician with various artist.
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.
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.
Versatile compressor for bass
The unit is well-sized for a pedal board, although it requires a minimum 250mA 9V power feed, or the internal boot-up process will not complete. There is no battery option. The single-unit setting works great, as does the sustain mode. The dual setting is of only moderate usability on a bass, although if you run it through a drive pedal, the combination yields a nice fuzz. Each change on the attack and release requires a balancing act between input and output to maintain unity gain while getting your desired effect, but it is relatively easy to manage.

One disadvantage is the parallel switch; the mix is too strong on the dry signal, requiring you to drive the input considerably hotter to get a nice mix. A suggested improvement would be the addition of an extra mix potentiometer.

That being said, the unit is an excellent compressor for the price.
Music background: professional/semi-professional musician since 1966. semi-retired performing songwriter.
UFAX 1176
It does exactly what I wanted. Good on vocals and acoustic as well.