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. Amodei
September 22, 2023
Happy to have them all now!
Finally have all UA 1176 now! I’m in the middle on a Song right now so I thought I’d swap out my 1176LN & try the others & yes they do react & sound different. I’m...
Read Moreゆ. うすだ
September 22, 2023
Very good comp
When I replaced it with another company's comp I've been using so far, it was a word of excitement. Thank you for your wonderful work....
Read MoreA. Kugler
September 20, 2023
Great Stuff!
I know and love the hardware originals and I am happy UA put this out as a plug-in. High quality and fun to use. These are going to be heard in my next productions. Alex...
Read MoreM. Hembree
September 19, 2023
Nice sound, easy to operate, even for a hobbyist like myself
I'm a duffer. A hobbyist. A suburban dad, sitting up late after the kids are asleep, trying to get the songs out of my head and into the computer and have the sound in the headphones...
Read MoreC. Walton
September 19, 2023
Excellent! What else is there to say...
I was fortunate that I managed to pick up the native 1176 Classic Limitter Collection through one of the UAD Tuesday deals! The 1176AE is now my go to for vocals with the SLO attack/fast...
Read MoreY. Fujiwara
September 19, 2023
本家本元の1176
YouTubeなどでレビューされているサンプルはいくらでも聞けますが、実際に自分の楽曲に使用してみることで特長がよくわかりました。トラッ...
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. Amodei
Happy to have them all now!
Finally have all UA 1176 now! I’m in the middle on a Song right now so I thought I’d swap out my 1176LN & try the others & yes they do react & sound different. I’m pleased.
ゆ. うすだ
Very good comp
When I replaced it with another company's comp I've been using so far, it was a word of excitement. Thank you for your wonderful work.
A. Kugler
Great Stuff!
I know and love the hardware originals and I am happy UA put this out as a plug-in. High quality and fun to use. These are going to be heard in my next productions.
Alex (codename_alominium; 20yearshortbreak.com)M. Hembree
Nice sound, easy to operate, even for a hobbyist like myself
I'm a duffer. A hobbyist. A suburban dad, sitting up late after the kids are asleep, trying to get the songs out of my head and into the computer and have the sound in the headphones approach what I hear inside my head. Any plugin I buy is with an eye (ear?) towards that goal.
These plugins are straightforward to use, with simple, basic settings. And they make magic sounds happen. I'm especially fond of the AE at 2:1 at the end of my mix bus chain, with just enough gain to tickle the meter. Instant glue. My brain is happy. Now I can move on.C. Walton
Excellent! What else is there to say...
I was fortunate that I managed to pick up the native 1176 Classic Limitter Collection through one of the UAD Tuesday deals! The 1176AE is now my go to for vocals with the SLO attack/fast release setting and the 2:1 ratio - really nice tone! There are other well known 1176 emulations that sound good, but these are the real deal and sound AWESOME! A great deal if you manage to these 3 on sale like I did. Thank you UAD! Chris
Y. Fujiwara
本家本元の1176
YouTubeなどでレビューされているサンプルはいくらでも聞けますが、実際に自分の楽曲に使用してみることで特長がよくわかりました。トラックに挿す場合、トラック単体で聞くよりも、曲全体の定位を確認しながら使うのが、個人的にはわかりやすかったです。
D. Clermont
Amazing..
Love this trio of compressors, they sound amazing. The AE edition is special give you an expensive sound.
m. bertin
the history in a plugin
What can I say? nothing this collection is simply a Must Have absolutely the story of the compressor nothing else
M. Murillo
Great Compressors
The UA 1176 compressors are great additions to anyone's plugin library. They sound fantastic, easy to use, and versatile enough to use with all sorts of music and voice. I'm glad I purchased them!
k. baek
놀라워!
ua 1176을 사용하기 전에 거의 모든 1176 플러그인을 사용해 봤어 그것들은 날 만족시킬 수 없었지 하지만
ua 1176 플러그인은 날 만족시켜줬어 정말 신기한 일이야A. serrano Jiménez
1176
La mejor emulación del 1176 que existe
S. Anasoh
Great sound but knobs are awkward to tweak
The sound on these compressors really good. I want to use them exclusively on my mixes but the knobs are strangely difficult to move around. Not sure if this is bug that is fixed on the M1 MacBooks. Also, we could do with seeing a number value as we dial the knobs up or down.
J. Vulzor
I'd like to us them but... They don't appear in my list...
Great ghost
Had to use the demo mode... GREAT...
IS THERE ANYWAY I CAN USE IT, THEY DON'T APPEAR...L. Sambito
bought 1176 native version
Hi I just bought 1176 limiter collection, I don't have ardware but I use spark, so the native version, I have a mac mind 2012 with os Mojave, I couldn't get the pluglins I bought to work, I get a software error, if I can't get the native plugins I want to cancel the purchase made by Plugin Boutique.ThanksThis is my email: luigisambit@gmail.com //I downloaded and installed ua spark and for 14 days all the plugins worked. The problem is that uad connect doesn't let me download the full version 1176 plugins. If spark worked for me, that's why I purchased the plugins, I didn't think I had to change my computer to use them Can I use the other UA plugins I don't have hardware for? Thanks
J. Brooks
UA 1176
Great plugin addition to my stack!
R. Juniel
Listen to learn
This is one of the most awesome plug-ins to enhance all your music quality!
A. Escribano
Really Nice
Specially the rev. A. Awesome compressors
A. Escribano
Really Nice
Specially the rev. A. Awesome compressors
O. Musetoiu
Sounds really nice
This collection is a must have. You will have 3 different models that sound different from each other. Works great for me in processing overheads and room mics.
P. Pereira
Etonnants et musicaux
Chaleureux, leurs sonorités sont tout simplement musicales. Une référence sonore!
