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
J. Dockerty
December 13, 2016
A piece of Musical Genius
From the first second i put the 1176 Blueface on a vocal track even at the default preset it blew me away, i only recently got my Apollo Twin duo and i have to say, i used to have my doubts...
Read MoreR. Robertson
December 12, 2016
1176 Limiters Reviewed
Ok so I finally got them and then did my own tests on the 1176 plugins. My findings are - UA 1176 plugins work GREAT! Each has there own settings so you have a nice variety to choose...
Read MoreM. Zak
December 12, 2016
Finally
Finally updated from the legacy versions, it is worth it.
Read MoreR. Shaw
December 11, 2016
Amazing!
The 1176 collection is incredible on anything you put it on. Really brings things out of the mix and adds character and glue. Great bundle, highly recommend.
Read MoreV. Lluch Fuentes
December 11, 2016
Great Upgrade!!
These compressors are amazing and you can use it litterally on everything, just a perfect emulation of the great hardware. And so much better than the legacy-version of the plug-in.
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
J. Dockerty
A piece of Musical Genius
From the first second i put the 1176 Blueface on a vocal track even at the default preset it blew me away, i only recently got my Apollo Twin duo and i have to say, i used to have my doubts about all the UA hype, but not anymore, every plugin i have bought since; is just fantastic, this collection is a must along with the LA2A Collection.
R. Robertson
1176 Limiters Reviewed
Ok so I finally got them and then did my own tests on the 1176 plugins.
My findings are - UA 1176 plugins work GREAT!
Each has there own settings so you have a nice variety to choose from to get your mix the way you want it.
There smooth and easy to dial in after you familiarize your self with them.
TIP: AN easy way to get going for the novice is go through the pre-sets to start educating yourself on where to dial in the sound you like.
M. Zak
Finally
Finally updated from the legacy versions, it is worth it.
R. Shaw
Amazing!
The 1176 collection is incredible on anything you put it on. Really brings things out of the mix and adds character and glue. Great bundle, highly recommend.
V. Lluch Fuentes
Great Upgrade!!
These compressors are amazing and you can use it litterally on everything, just a perfect emulation of the great hardware. And so much better than the legacy-version of the plug-in.
n. lynn
1176
love it
W. Sutton
1176
this stuff just sounds great!! inserted on bass and drums.... creates that lovely space... worth the cash..
N. Crockett
Great update from UAD
This latest version of the 1176 collection is one of the best i've heard. The blue stripe is my go-to for vocals. Helping them sit right up front in the mix. Awesome work yet again Universal Audio.
E. Zorgman
Great
Very happy with this edition. Nothing going wrong and the quality is !!!
a. vt
forget about the rest!!!
this is it, look no further, upgraded from the legacy version , my go to compressor plug in for bass, vocals, drums
R. Khoury
Analog Feel, Digital Ease
I've used tons of 1176 emulations throughout the years but nothing compares to UA's own. Those plugs breath musicality unlike others in the digital domain... sometimes you just put them in your mix for the vibe and warmth, and when you compress with them they are bad ass!
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These emulations sound like real hardware compressors.
These emulations sound like real hardware compressors.It is a wonderful item
b. martial
trés bien ! simplement trés bien !
comment dire, ca sonne! simplement cela sonne, c'est tout mais c'est déjà beaucoup, superbe sur les drums, snare et kick, beaucoup plus efficace que la version legacy, mais aussi plus gourmand ! c'est la rançon
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great item
It's punchy, clean, true and in your face! The "All Button Mode" is simply astonishing!
O. Us
I see this as a hardware addition to my studio
I loved AE's low ratio and slow attack modes. All button for powerfully colored and no attack for soft coloration take me away. I use it on almost all busses even if they don't need dynamic squeeze
i use no compression. I got great results combine with LA2A. A totally must have couple. On drums and bass A and AE is my favorite, LN could be used with low DSP load, for vocals Rec AE is still gets the top and A is perfect, hard to decide. All button mode recommended for rock songs. Rev E for linear response, i used on guitars and keys. Great on pop, great on EDM, great on house, great on epic symphonic instruments and chorus.. Totally recommend the taste and i could give more stars if i could.j. murawski
1176 classic limited collection
with its character and analog punch the 1176 is the last compressor you will ever need , just get to know it and you'll be able to do all kinds of magic on all of your trucks not only drums and bass
A. Bromke
sounds good
Much better than Waves 1176
E. Maccoppi
Bluestripe
Higher distortion and unique characteristics, use without moderation!
D. Hampton
AWESOME THEE BEST ON THE MARKET
Love this compressor I had to cop it, very smooth and easier to understand and use. The choice that you get makes it easy to have at your disposal. Thanks UAD!
E. Toussaint
Still the best!
Nothing compares to UAD's 1176, this takes it that much further. Probably my favorite plugin period.
