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
A. Bilowitz
July 18, 2016
Closest You'll Get To The Real Thing
Every 1176 compressor plugin is slighlty different. Some are clearly trying to mimic the analog gear as truly as possible, others are doing that as well as adding their own flavor, presets,...
Read MoreM. D'Andrea
July 18, 2016
a must have.
1176, la-2a, dbx 160 compressors and fairchild are to make every mix equal to a hit .uad managed to recreate this wonderfull version of this must have compressor . outstanding on drums, on...
Read More.
July 13, 2016
1176 IS YUMMY YUMMERS
I FEEL LIK IM DOWNTOWN WITH UAD. GET ALL THE PLUGINS AND ASK GOD TO HELP YOU MAKE GOOD RECORDS AND EAT YOUR VEGGIES AND BE KIND TO SOMEONE.
Read MoreV. SELIN
July 9, 2016
The best emulation ever
I wouldn't like to compate software to hardware, but among all the oters these plugind are the best! Well done! Btw, these are way better then legacy ones!
Read MoreM. Molina
July 9, 2016
Dat 1176 doe!
I have a very dynamic voice and one that usually lacks definition. I was looking for a compressor that would allow my voice to pop out and add some clarity, so I did a shootout between the...
Read MoreC. Granberg
July 4, 2016
A small step for....
Now we're talking, a compressor that sounds and works like a compressor. I would give it 5 stars, but I'm sure you will improve on it in a year or five.
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
A. Bilowitz
Closest You'll Get To The Real Thing
Every 1176 compressor plugin is slighlty different. Some are clearly trying to mimic the analog gear as truly as possible, others are doing that as well as adding their own flavor, presets, ease of use. That being said, no matter how good you are with the plugins CLA-76 or something like that, they always fall slightly short of the real thing. This UAD 1176 plug is the untouchable. I didn't love the legacy bundle, but these sound, feel, and react like the real thing!
-AM. D'Andrea
a must have.
1176, la-2a, dbx 160 compressors and fairchild are to make every mix equal to a hit .uad managed to recreate this wonderfull version of this must have compressor . outstanding on drums, on parallel overhead ,on snare.tom,kick drum.perfect on female voices, bass ... This plug in is phenomenal.
Thanks uad.
1176 IS YUMMY YUMMERS
I FEEL LIK IM DOWNTOWN WITH UAD. GET ALL THE PLUGINS AND ASK GOD TO HELP YOU MAKE GOOD RECORDS AND EAT YOUR VEGGIES AND BE KIND TO SOMEONE.
V. SELIN
The best emulation ever
I wouldn't like to compate software to hardware, but among all the oters these plugind are the best! Well done! Btw, these are way better then legacy ones!
M. Molina
Dat 1176 doe!
I have a very dynamic voice and one that usually lacks definition. I was looking for a compressor that would allow my voice to pop out and add some clarity, so I did a shootout between the LA2A mk2 (which I love) The Summit tla100 (slow attack setting), fair child and the tube-tech cl1b (all plugins). This was a blind shootout, all compressors level matched and GR matched (1176 on slowest attack). Out of all of these compressors, the 1176 rev e was not only the clearest and warmest sounding but it had the most transparent sounding dynamic control out of all the compressors. 5 out of 5 times I chose the 1176 in the blind shootout. Not only great on vocals but is a swiss army knife of compressors. I am very happy with my purchase!
C. Granberg
A small step for....
Now we're talking, a compressor that sounds and works like a compressor. I would give it 5 stars, but I'm sure you will improve on it in a year or five.
A. KARCI
Cool for vocals and drums
Hello i use 1176 ae version its dramatic fantastic. For vocals i use 1176 rev e with ln2a teletronix the vocal bites you its cool for all kimd of mısic. For bass guitar i use 1176 LN with pultec eq its awesome too. Thanks uad apollo twin usb
U. Hitoshi
Good for drum
It's work very well.
Great Compressor for making drum and bass more fat.F. Castro
1176 Classic Limiter Plug-in Collection
perfect and real, I am satisfied
M. Ross
Massive!!
Love them !! Using a lot on Kick Room .. Vocals .. fab on acoustis guitar n Bass too .. can't go wrong ! Add these to your toolbox pronto ! Peace out !
D. Rosario
A definite must
I never did like the original 1176 on vocals, but the blue stripe works magic on vocals. I got the bundle just for the blue stripe (at $99, it's a no-brainer). Looking forward to finding uses for the other ones.
m. wilson
Nice set of tools
These compressor limiters are worth every penny when in a half yearly sale
B. Gábor
Amazing
They are all amazing for the group channels, and sometimes for the master line as well. The best sound I ever heard in software. Really happy with this collection.
Best Regards
BeloccaF. Charpentier
Useful Upgrade
I started using the legacy 1176 and I had been hesitating to upgrade to full collection
Well, I don't regret.
As I'm used to go to Rev A for drums, and like Blackface for anything, I recently re-discovered Slow Attack mode from AE revision. Working wiith a lead track which doesn't fluctuate dynamically too much , it will magically and smoothly sit the voice into the mix.
N. Christie
I no no longer use my 76 hardware !
This is simply stunning ! I already own 2 x 76 clones yet once I bought the 76 collection they never get used it's so easy to just load up across multiple tracks and get to working !
As much as it pains me to say I also think the software sounds better so my hardware 76 are now just rack spacers!s. shu
とても素晴らしいサウンド
どんな楽器でも他のプラグインでは体感できないコンプレッサー感を表現してくれる最高の1176です。
M. Kozlov
glad to use it on drums
Really good tasty sound! I like it! Natural, best punch i've heard from software compressor!
S. Dickie
Can't Go Wrong
Can't go wrong owning the 1176 collection.
o. morris
Versatile compressors
I use them on vocals also drums its my go to plugs when I need a compressor with fast attack
S. M
1176 Classic Limiter Collection a Superb Plug in from Universal Audio
This Collection is a very good product from UA just like many others of theirs.
Think it ll be very difficult to find a better superior classic 1176 plugin from anywhere else.
Very Good on UA and keep up the great work with the Plug-ins and every audio product that you put out there.
Thanks
