Three Versions of the Iconic 1176 FET Compressor
The 1176 needs no introduction. It’s one of the most significant pieces of studio gear ever created, and you’ve likely heard some version of it on your favorite recordings from 1968 to the present day. In fact, the 1176 sounds so good that many engineers run signals through it with the compression settings turned off, just for the unique vibrancy that the 1176 provides. Now, thanks to Universal Audio’s incredibly meticulous end-to-end circuit modeling of every single component along the 1176’s entire electronic path, you can own not one but three different models of the world’s most esteemed FET compressor — all for much lower than the cost of purchasing and maintaining a single hardware unit. This plug-in iteration also contains features not possible with actual hardware, such as a Sidechain Filter for reducing the “pumping” effect of low frequencies, improved VU metering with enhanced graphics, and stock presets from esteemed studio engineers known for their 1176 usage. Simply put, if you clamor for the sound of hit recordings, then Universal Audio’s UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection makes it easier than ever.
Note: Do you own Apollo hardware? By purchasing this plug-in, you will receive two licenses: one license allows you to run the plug-in via your computer’s CPU and the other allows you to run it via your Apollo hardware. Please contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer if you have any questions.
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Where it all started
Originally debuting in 1968, the original 1176 Rev A “Bluestripe” true peak limiter’s colorful FET gain amplifier characteristics offered an aggressive, higher amount of distortion that worked incredibly well for making drums slam, guitars and basses rumble, and vocals pop. Its uber-fast attack time of 20 microseconds(.00002 seconds), iconic “All Buttons In” mode, and simplicity of use also cemented its status as an immediate hit with engineers and producers everywhere. Few pieces of gear can claim to have altered the course of music forever, but 1176 is one of them. And now, you can put it to work on your own tracks.
The refined studio workhorse
The early ’70s Rev E “Blackface” model is part of the 1176’s beloved Low Noise (LN) program dependence era, in which UREI engineer Brad Plunkett reduced the inherent operating noise of the 1176. This reduction, coupled with the Rev E’s transistor gain amplification and switchable power transformer, offers a more linear compression response, which many argue is the ultimate 1176 sound. Of the three models offered in the UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, this is the one that sounds closest to the current 1176 hardware unit.
Limited edition with unique features
The Rev AE model refers to Universal Audio’s scarce 1176 40th-anniversary model, of which only 500 units were made. (Fun fact: Sweetwater sold 15 of them.) This model features a lower 2:1 compression ratio and a 10ms attack time for subtly imparting that classic 1176 energy into your tracks. Unsurprisingly, purchasing one of the originals will put quite a dent in your wallet; but the very affordable UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection instantly puts one in your plug-in collection!
Exclusive plug-in features
Capturing the sound of three different 1176 models would have been impressive enough, but UA made the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection even more appealing by adding proprietary features. A Dry/Wet mix control allows you to parallel compress quickly and easily; a custom Sidechain Filter lets you reduce the pumping effect of low frequency compressing; and improved VU metering plus enhanced graphics mean you’ll always be able to clearly see how your 1176 is behaving. The cherry on top is the collection of 1176 presets from famed studio engineers who made the 1176 a staple in their respective workflows, such as Joe Chiccraelli, Andrew Scheps, the late Andy Johns, and the late Ed Cherney.
Universal Audio UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection Features:
- Meticulous emulations of the 1176, one of the greatest compressor/limiters ever made
- 3 classic versions with their own unique sonic qualities: Rev A, Rev E, and Rev AE
- Multiple ratio button combinations, including “No Ratio” and the famous “All Buttons In” mode give you a wealth of different overdrive and distortion options
- Exclusive features found only the plug-ins, including Dry/Wet mix controls, Sidechain Filter, and improved VU metering with enhanced graphics
- Presets from famous 1176 users, including Joe Chiccraelli (Frank Zappa, U2), Andrew Scheps (Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones), and Ed Cherney (Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt)
- Includes a native license that will run with any interface and a UAD-2 license that takes advantage of Universal Audio DSP-accelerated hardware
