UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
-
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
m. fritsch
October 10, 2023
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
Happy to have gotten this excellent plug-in.
Read MoreR. Maurat
October 10, 2023
Fantastic!!!
Still shocked by this collection, any of these 3 sound amazing
Read MoreM. Schisler
October 10, 2023
Quality emulations
These sound great and UAD has done a good thing to provide three versions. They're all useful in a given context. I'd rather have the three versions than a single version with all sorts of...
Read MoreK. Fink
October 10, 2023
Stunning Virtualization!
The hardware version of this (made by you!) has always been my go to choice for so many situations I can't begin to say. Now this virtualized version of it is astounding me 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
-
Customer Reviews
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
m. fritsch
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
Happy to have gotten this excellent plug-in.
R. Maurat
Fantastic!!!
Still shocked by this collection, any of these 3 sound amazingM. Schisler
Quality emulations
These sound great and UAD has done a good thing to provide three versions. They're all useful in a given context. I'd rather have the three versions than a single version with all sorts of extra knobs to cover what these three do. Much easier to learn which of the three to use for which circumstances and then slap it on, twist knobs a few seconds, and it it sounds perfect. A single version like some others offer with extra knobs is a big time waster in my experience and difficult to get to sound spot on.
K. Fink
Stunning Virtualization!
The hardware version of this (made by you!) has always been my go to choice for so many situations I can't begin to say.
Now this virtualized version of it is astounding me in my DAW. I am thrilled with this piece!p. kotchapakdi
Love this gear
❤️
V. Cuartero
REAL DEAL
No. 1 emulation of 1776.
C. Walton
Desert island plugins!
The UA 1176 collection sounds great...on everything! I picked these up in the UAD Tuesday promotion and they've swiftly replaced my previous go-to 1176 emulations. The 1176AE is great with the added feature of the SLO attack setting which gives an extra clarity when used on a vocal bus. I use these on vocals, drums, bass. Desert island plugins for sure.
J. Romero
¡Excellent plugin!
Simply the best emulation I've ever seen of the 1176s.
.
Great time to live in
Using it more than I thought, best purchase made this year.
D. Bintang
Great plugin
I have the hardware. Buy this plugin, you will not regret.
M. Dellit
Sounds like the real deal
But you already knew that right? Awesome
C. Rosado
Complementos de calidad
desde que los adquiri son esenciales en mi plantilla de mezcla , la calidad y color que aportan son incomparales
R. van Rensburg
Love this plugin, so much better than the other emulations that I have tried
Love this plugin, so much better than the other emulations that I have tried
j. egan
Great
Great plugin
E. Zorgman
Classic And old Faithful
Looking for something that will stand the test of time. Well you have reached the place. These plugins are well worth the investment. They provide your sounds with the right amount juice. They enhance your sound and give you a great analog feel. Detail and dynamic, faithful and classic.
M. Dellit
Just like the real thing
I can’t hear a difference !! Amazing !!
A. Shcherbakov
I use 1176 on every vocals
It just works! An easy to use plugin with amazing sound. I compared it with almost all emulators from other manufacturers. Not even close. Great for vocals, drums, guitars, bass... you name it.
M. Bekkour
Nice
very nice
m. fritsch
Glad that I bought it
I do not regret buying this one.
M. Krizaj
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is a cherry over the cake in the digital world & hardware emulation. The UA Team does the job like a Pro.
