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 true peak limiter to feature all-transistor circuitry and ultra-fast FET gain reduction, the 1176 has lent its character and punch to some of the greatest recordings in history.
Universal Audio released its first 1176 plug-in emulation in 2001. This plug-in single-handedly launched the UAD platform, and inspired a decade of analog emulation software. Today, we’ve circled back to the 1176, and modeled its entire electronic path from stem to stern — including its transformers and FET and transistor amplifiers, resulting in unrivaled emulations of three distinct 1176 units.Now You Can:
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
Add color to signals with “No Ratio” or Attack “Off” yielding 1176 distortion without compression
Use the infamous “All-Button” mode for colorful overdriven textures
Mix with presets from legendary 1176 users such as Andy Johns, Andrew Scheps, Ed Cherney, and Joe Chiccarelli
5-Minute UAD Tips
Featuring the 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection.
![A Triple Threat]()
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]()
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]()
Ratio Buttons for Iconic Color
The four Ratio buttons determine the degree of compression — 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.
“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)![Darrell Thorp]()
“ 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)![Jimmy Douglass]()
“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)![Joe Chiccarelli]()
“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)![Carl Glanville]()
“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)![David Isaac]()
“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)![Hector Delgado]()
“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)![Jacquire King]()
“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)![Andrew Scheps]()
“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)![Ariel Borujow]()
“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)Customer Reviews
S. Tib
April 15, 2014
1176 AE Great compressor on Bass and drums
Since I read that the daft punk used a lot the 1176 and LA2-A Hardware for their last Album Random access memory, I wanted to get the similar vibe with some air space and live feel on a...
Read MoreC. Byrne
February 26, 2014
Wow! Just Wow!
These things clamp down on anything! Well worth the price. Love the 2:1 ratio on the AE version.
Read MoreJ. Oorebeek
January 8, 2014
Best 1176 plugin around
I have had the 1176 classic limiter collection for about a month now. I could not be more impressed with how these units react. I love how you can turn off the compression all together and...
Read MoreA. Picciafuochi
December 1, 2013
Stunning!!!
in short: do not try them, otherwise you will buy them immediately!
Read MoreC. Allrich
November 22, 2013
Can't Be Beat.
Should be known, I've been a Waves user for YEARS, and had I known better I would have trashed their emulations of the 1176 for these a long while ago! I can not stress enough the night...
Read MoreF. Cardoso
April 4, 2013
Doesn't sound like a plug in
These emulations sound like real hardware compressors. Effortlessly gives power and character to vocals. I'm amazed at how far you can push these and still have them sound great.
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
Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator or Apollo Interface available from authorized dealers worldwide
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Customer Reviews
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
View All ReviewsS. Tib
1176 AE Great compressor on Bass and drums
Since I read that the daft punk used a lot the 1176 and LA2-A Hardware for their last Album Random access memory, I wanted to get the similar vibe with some air space and live feel on a disco track.
I used the 1176 AE mainly on bass and Drums, it adds some depth, warmth, space, air, a little bit of pleasant noise and space (similar to a natural subtle reverb or some analog hardware breath).
I wasn't really impressed by the the 1176 LN or SE but when I tried the 1176 AE, I understood why so many studio are using it. It just works so nicely I can only recommend you to test it and forget the LN and SE version.
On bass I combine it to the LA2-A + pulteq EQ-1A + Bx Saturator
On Drums, I combine it with the pulteq EQ-1A + Bx SaturatorC. Byrne
Wow! Just Wow!
These things clamp down on anything! Well worth the price. Love the 2:1 ratio on the AE version.
J. Oorebeek
Best 1176 plugin around
I have had the 1176 classic limiter collection for about a month now. I could not be more impressed with how these units react. I love how you can turn off the compression all together and drive a signal giving it some dirt. Also I love that you can do different combinations of ratios. Each one has a distinct thing that it does. Put on one of these in 12:1 ratio followed by an LA-2A silver in comp mode on your vocal and you'll never go back. This is way ahead of any other 1176 plugin I've tried. Great job UA! Keep up the good work.
A. Picciafuochi
Stunning!!!
in short: do not try them, otherwise you will buy them immediately!
C. Allrich
Can't Be Beat.
Should be known, I've been a Waves user for YEARS, and had I known better I would have trashed their emulations of the 1176 for these a long while ago!
I can not stress enough the night and day difference in applying these 3 instead. There's none of that "make-believe" noise floor that Waves thinks we need in our mixes, and the clarity and punch is mind blowing.
I used to harp on UAD for being too expensive, needing their own DSP power, and now I can not live without my UAD arsenal. I've thrown the rest away, Waves, IK Nomad, there's no comparison.F. Cardoso
Doesn't sound like a plug in
These emulations sound like real hardware compressors. Effortlessly gives power and character to vocals. I'm amazed at how far you can push these and still have them sound great.
F. Fraikin
I was skeptical
But waow you guys did a great job on this one! This is a great buy! I have the original plug 1176 from UAD that I didn’t use that much.
This one is on a totally different league especially the rev A my favourite on vocals, bass, guitars, drums. I’m a happy owner of an original UREI and the way this one reacts is very close, in fact it’s like having a second (heuu many second ones lol ) at hand with a slightly different colour (which is good) it's so “real” good job UA I wish you could do the same with ShadowHills, I do have one (Hardware mastering compressor) that I use every single day and your emu is way too far from the original, bad advertisement for the hardware…in fact I am using the plug, but only as a recall "sheet" ;-)O. Vehert
too much comp will kill you!!
when i use another 1176 plugin from another brand, i never reach this quality of emulation... less cpu and it will be perfect!!
K. Dudley
Most accurate plug yet!!
I have the actual hardware unit and these are scary close. I still prefer the hardware most of the time (not all) but just by a hair. At this point I use the hardware on the way in and use the plugin during mixing. Best of both worlds. For how low the price on these are its a no brainer. Best soft 1176 on the market
M. Gustafson
Best Yet!
You think you have a real 1176 sound out of other manufacturers plugins? Not even close. These are the reel deal. the price for 3 revisions of this workhorse may be the best part. You owe it to yourself to try them.
S. Hitchell
Authentic emulations to the core.
I very seldom find myself so engaged by software but with emulations like these it's hard to deny the unique tonality and characteristics software bring to the mixing equation. I'll still always be a bit of a push over when it comes to hardware units but with plugin's like these it's no wonder people are thinking inside the box.
With love from Echospace.
Stephen HitchellC. Cote
So many uses...
These compressors really do live up to the hype. Each compressor has a distinct sound, but they all work great on a variety of instruments. Recently, I used the AE with a 2:1 ratio on my drum buss, the Black Rev E on the guitar bus, and the Rev A on individual bass tracks. These comps really added punch, clarity and space to my tracks. Fantastic job on these compressors, they are outstanding! Thanks UA!
B. Rotella
1176!!
Amazing!!! One of the best ever!! So impressed with the sound of these plugins... I can't express enough how real these are! Get them if you don't have them yet one of the best investments you will make!!
J. Manes
Great go to compressors
From drum subs, to Vx, go to digital plugs with analog feel and sound
J. Laurendeau
1176's that sound like 1176's
These are definitely some serious emulations that really capture the essence of the 1176. The attack settings seem to react much more similarly to hardware 1176's (the old 1176ln plugin never did in my opinion)not to mention the distortion characteristics are really close to the real thing. You get three unique compressors in this package, and though they are all 1176's they all sound very different.
S. Beckham
Everyone should try a threesome!
They all have unique flavor, The price is right, and most of all you'll use them ALL THE TIME!
For in your face vocals, and slammin Drums....ALL BUTTONS IN!
Seven Beckham; A Moth AglowJ. Martin
Fantastic
Amazing bundle, definitely my favourite software compressors. Because I think the original UAD 1176 plug is pretty decent, I was a little hesitant to even try the new versions because I didn't think that they would worth the time. Totally wrong, they use a ton of processing power, but are well worth it. So good in fact, I literally traded my EL8X Distressor for an 1176LN reissue!
Best UAD plugin, followed by the Studer and the EMT 140.A. Medina
Amazing sound
It's work very well for me!!!......................
M. Zimolag
good for vocal
My first use of this plugin is the path of vocal
I'm very happy
delicate setting adds color that is difficult to describeM. Rey
Major upgrade to my "bread & butters". The impact on my mixes were heard immediately. I use less vibe plugs overall as I'm dialing that in with all the options I have available in the 1176 collection. The AE is a great plug for EVERYTHING, just clean gain. The Rev A is great for adding warmth & heat & the LN Rev E is just your classic 1176 that grabs like we remember them. I want for nothing now that I have the 1176 collection in my arsenal. I feel like I can do an entire mix with them alone. The UAD Fairchild still gets some love & the excellent Softube FET gets used for parallels & backing tracks, but the heavy lifting duties, I know what I'm choosing first. Be careful with that demo button, once you hear them...
