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
G. Samraj
February 4, 2017
UA's Finest
I guess Universal Audio did stay true to what they make and you can see it well in the 1176. I personally haven't seen any other plug in company come close to the unit as UA did. Pretty...
Read MoreA. Avelin
February 4, 2017
The best.
These are the best 1176 emulations I've come across. Good bye waves!
Read MoreJ. AHN
February 4, 2017
1176 Classic Limiter
A very useful plug-in for bass and drums. I love it.
Read MoreN. Antonio
February 2, 2017
BEST1176
It is fun to insert the AE version in the vocals. But the A version of harmonics is what I wanted.
Read MoreJ. Cafarella
January 30, 2017
1176 upgrades
I don't know why I didn't do this upgrade earlier... Bigger sound, and having the different models is awesome. Still on a learning curve...
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
G. Samraj
UA's Finest
I guess Universal Audio did stay true to what they make and you can see it well in the 1176. I personally haven't seen any other plug in company come close to the unit as UA did. Pretty awesome
A. Avelin
The best.
These are the best 1176 emulations I've come across. Good bye waves!
J. AHN
1176 Classic Limiter
A very useful plug-in for bass and drums. I love it.
N. Antonio
BEST1176
It is fun to insert the AE version in the vocals. But the A version of harmonics is what I wanted.
V. Pirov
Wery cool stuf!!!
Wery cool stuf!!!
J. Cafarella
1176 upgrades
I don't know why I didn't do this upgrade earlier... Bigger sound, and having the different models is awesome. Still on a learning curve...
A. Avelin
The AE is just simply wonderful
No.More.Waves. :D
G. Samraj
Compression for color
Works best for adding that grit and color for tracks. Once through the 1073 best if run through the 1176 .. Closest plug in emulation to the hardware..
N. Mjigal
Powerfull
Impressed par the quality of these. AE is my personal favorite
C. Stylianides
1176 Best Emulation
Great Compressor, A MUST have! Strongly recommended.
G. Gaia
The Best software compressor
1176 is a real work horse of a compressor. It's great for all instruments and vocals
r. leblanc
This will transform your recordings
I upgraded from the Legacy versions included with my Twin USB and I have to say that these plugins will transform your experience in recording vocals, bass and even guitar - it just makes everything sound better immediately. On Vocals it is spectacular and I will never go back to tracking without it - these plugins alone justify getting into UAD - outstanding!
T. Gartmann
A must !!
I worked once in a studio where they owned the 1176 Hardware. Since that time, i never forgot the basic and easy way of working with such a great and amacing results during the record sessions. Now, as i own the 1176 limiter collection plugIns i'm backup there ...
M. Sylvin
Legacy is a different animal
Well I waited for a while, but eventually I tried (and bought) the "actual" 1176. Like many I had the Legacy and I have to say that you can not compare them in any way. The "new" 1176 is awesome. I use it with vocals to soften the peaks and that's basically it... but in doing that its just all I need. There is nothing I miss... so its perfect:-) what else does it need to be?
R. balentine
1176 Classic Limiter Collection YES!
If you are like me you got the 1176 Legacy Collection when you bought your UAD Hardware. So, why do I need the new (to me) 1176 Classic Limiter Collection? Because it is WAY better sounding. Ok, I got a little technical there but seriously these emulations are extremely great.
The detail and depth of the 1176 AE at 2:1 for vocals is incredible. I want to insert it on every vocal I have recorded for the past 10 years. It just makes vocals sound deep and smoothe.
The "Blue Stripe" and the Rev E are what I grew up on and they sound exactly right.
I have always loved the Legacy versions but the new collection is So much better. No kidding.
G. Hampton
A great go-to!
I love that it preserves all the hardware versions character even when I close my eyes!
m. meli
I wish I had bought it sooner
The blue stripe is killin' the AE has 2:1 ratio, great for bus compression. The rev E sounds and feels like the real deal. I track a lot with 1176's and sometimes after using one all day I want the one I put on in the box to not just sound the same, but feel the same, and these do both. I love em.
E. Haniyah
Magical
Magical compressor full of analoag coloration
C. Konrad
Two Thumbs Up!
This is a great and useful collection. The AE set to a 2:1 ratio on a drum bus is golden.
.
As expected, great stuff
Nothing can be added that someone before me has already said. Great product and better than any of the other mainstay plug versions of these compressors. Worked for years with hardware versions of these and do these sound like those, you might ask. No, not exactly, but non of the hardwares sounded exactly the same either. I remember stacking 3 different 1176s for a/b in a studio and even though 2 where very close in serial number, they sounded different. I do think these may sounds quite similar to the hardware version UAD used for reference.
