UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
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The definitive collection of the world’s most famous compressors.
The original Universal Audio 1176 was designed by UA founder M.T. “Bill” Putnam, and represented a major breakthrough in limiter technology. The first compressor featuring solid‑state circuitry and ultra-fast 20 microsecond FET gain reduction, the 1176 is an easy‑to‑use “desert island” compressor that has lent its character and punch to some of the greatest recordings in history.
Upon its release in 2001, UA’s first 1176 plug‑in single‑handedly launched our UAD platform. Extensive end‑to‑end circuit modeling in 2013 captured even more sonic nuance. Now with updated graphics and additional controls, the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection continues its legacy of analog modeling excellence.Included Versions
UAD Native
Runs on your Mac or PC without UA hardware.Apollo Realtime & UAD‑2
Runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD‑2 hardware.UAD Native plug-ins run on both macOS 10.15 Catalina or newer and Windows 10 and 11. Go to our UA Support page for system requirements.
- 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 transistor amplifiers for colorful 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
TAKE A LISTEN
5-Minute UAD Tips
Featuring the 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection.
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.
“The new 1176s are better for vocals because the old ones are grittier. The new ones are cleaner and just sweeter on tape.”
– Joe Chiccarelli (Jason Mraz, Beck, The Strokes, Morrissey)“ I use the 1176 on everything: vocals, guitars, bass, drums, overheads, and percussion… It’s just such a great workhorse.”
– Darrell Thorp (Beck, Radiohead, Charlotte Gainsbourg)“I always use an 1176 on the insert. It tickles but doesn’t take over... and puts the vocals right up front.”
– Jimmy Douglass (Pharrell, Timbaland, John Legend)“Just when you thought you had all the 1176s you need… The Bluestripe is the perfect aggressive compressor and the 1176AE 2:1 ratio adds a new option for softer smoother compression.”
– Joe Chiccarelli (Jason Mraz, Beck, The Strokes, Morrissey)“As technology marches on, it's great that UA realizes it is possible to revisit some of their classic plug-ins and make them even better than before.”
– Carl Glanville (U2, Billy Joel, Counting Crows)“The 1176 Plug-in Collection excites me the same way the hardware versions did when I started in the biz.”
– David Isaac (Marcus Miller, Luther Vandross, Eric Clapton)“My vocal chain is an LA-2A, SSL E Series Channel Strip, an 1176LN, and a Precision De-Esser. They're amazing plug-ins.”
– Hector Delgado (A$AP Rocky, Selena Gomez, Jay-Z)“I'm so impressed with the new 1176 emulation... this plug-in is now equal to its hardware equivalent. Having this many Bluestripes available at once is sick.”
– Jacquire King (James Bay, Kings of Leon, Tom Waits)“The UAD 1176 plug-ins go one step further than other emulations in capturing all the crazy things 1176s do — they absolutely remind me of the hardware.”
– Andrew Scheps (Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Duke Spirit)“The UAD 1176LN is my go-to compressor for bass. It really helps achieve that in-your-face sound!”
– Ariel Borujow (Chromeo, Mac Miller, Madonna)“The UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection are definitely go‑to plug‑ins for me.”
– Glenn Rosenstein (Ziggy Marley, U2)Customer Reviews
b. lugay
January 9, 2017
1176 when will I use it.
I have used the 1176 can't wait to use them all Just move and getting the new room together. Glad I bought this on sale.
Read MoreB. Lewinski
January 5, 2017
Almost like my Urei 1176
Think the best 1176 plugin on the market, use it for everything.
Read MoreJ. Rosales Rodriguez
January 3, 2017
If you try it, you buy it.
I try the demos and there are many diferences between the legacy versions. The legacy emulations are very good from any emulation that you hear in plugins, but the colection emulations are...
Read MoreJ. North
January 2, 2017
Excellent Compressor
I own two hardware 1176s and barely use them anymore. That is my review.
Read Morej. elliott
December 30, 2016
easily my favorite comp plug.
use this everywhere, especially the blue stripe. i've yet to meet a competitor that bests it. a truly great collection!
Read Morej. elliott
December 30, 2016
easily my favorite comp plug.
use this everywhere, especially the blue stripe. i've yet to meet a competitor that bests it. a truly great collection!
Read More -
Key Features
Painstaking new emulations of legendary M.T. “Bill” Putnam-designed 1176, the most popular compressor ever made
Includes three famous versions: Rev A, Rev E, and AE — each with their own sonic attributes
Models entire electronic path, including transformers, FET and bipolar transistor amplifiers, for colorful input / output distortion
Accurately models ultra-fast hardware attack time: 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
New “No Ratio” or Attack “Off” provides popular amplifier-only mode, adding 1176 distortion without compression
All multi-button ratio combinations now available — including “All-Buttons”
Includes Artist Presets from Andy Johns, Andrew Scheps, Carl Glanville, David Isaac, Ed Cherney, Hugo Nicolson, Jacquire King, Joe Chiccarelli, and Vance Powell
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Customer Reviews
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
b. lugay
1176 when will I use it.
I have used the 1176 can't wait to use them all
Just move and getting the new room together.
Glad I bought this on sale.B. Lewinski
Almost like my Urei 1176
Think the best 1176 plugin on the market, use it for everything.
J. Rosales Rodriguez
If you try it, you buy it.
I try the demos and there are many diferences between the legacy versions.
The legacy emulations are very good from any emulation that you hear in plugins, but the colection emulations are superb, has another colour, another punch, another taste... I think this compressors bundle are essential for music production and mixing proccess.J. North
Excellent Compressor
I own two hardware 1176s and barely use them anymore.
That is my review.j. elliott
easily my favorite comp plug.
use this everywhere, especially the blue stripe. i've yet to meet a competitor that bests it. a truly great collection!
j. elliott
easily my favorite comp plug.
use this everywhere, especially the blue stripe. i've yet to meet a competitor that bests it. a truly great collection!
L. Myrvoll
The best
Superior to any other 1176 plug I've ever heard.
E. Wee
1176 KIILER
Killer compressors.
Used it on Drum Bus and Guitar Bus.
Sort of my go-to plug ins now.
You won't go wrong with this!m. gianluca
M.r.e.u.x and Uad
excellent, perfect for my Kick
J. Bernstein
Classic For a Reason - Must Have
The 1176 Collection is my favorite plugins from UA. They really nail the original hardware units. My favorite one is the AE, which is fantastic for bass and vocals.
F. Batiste III
A Classic, A Teaching Tool, and A Masterpiece
These compressors/limiters make it very easy to dial in the perfect settings for a wide array of instruments, synthetic and acoustic. And it's because of UADs 1176s and LA2As that I have become more proficient in using compressors. If I were going to teach someone how to use a compressor/limiter, I would use the 1176 or LA2A.
s. fridburg
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
Very good plugin
O. Sroubek
Great collection!
Recently switched to UAD and I've been impressed with the quality of the plugins. This group gives you that analog feel that seems to be missing in so many emulations.
J. White
Incredibly smooth compression even at high ratios
With other emulations of the 1176 units, there is a tendency to lose high frequency information and compression smoothness when compressing at higher ratios or higher gain reduction. The UAD emulation is incredibly smooth even at maximum reduction and 'British Mode' activated, and maintains that high frequency information which is essential for records to really shine!
r. garcia
Muy bueno!!
Very real!!
Y. Kim
goooood.
I recommend using it unconditionally.
J. Figueroa
A must have from UA
The 1176 is a classic piece of gear for a reason. I find that the legacy 1176 to be excellent, but this Mk II really take the emulation to the next level. Don't demo this if you don't want to buy it. Consider yourself warned!
L. Zacharias
wasn't sure if the upgrade is worth it...
but now I can tell the upgrade was worth every penny. The Rev A is now my go to compressor! I love the way this one sounds, no comparison to the legacy edition.
M. Agren
Sounds great!!
https://www.facebook.com/morgan.agren1/videos/vb.599956602/10154000666376603/?type=3&theater
C. Santarpia
A+
I can't tell the difference from the real thing A+