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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

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TAKE A LISTEN

5-Minute UAD Tips
5-Minute UAD Tips

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 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

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.

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

Overall Rating

G. Capaccio

March 30, 2023

Il top delle emulazioni

Se state cercando delle emulazioni fedeli all'1176 questi fanno al caso vostro. Sono impareggiabili e li stra-utilizzo. Consigliatissimi

J. Branam

March 29, 2023

very nice work UA

of all the 76 emulations i have tried (and i have tried the lot) this gives a slightly wider soundstage and is mid forward and can bring anything to the front of a mix if need be. of course it works exceptionally well for smashing in parallel also. thank you UA for going native with single perpetual licenses. keep adding more product to the list.

cheers

g. gregoire

March 29, 2023

Great comp!

Combined with the LA-2A, you can't go wrong!

J. Srilaam

March 29, 2023

Every good

I love Uad

M. Leo

March 18, 2023

Love them

The new addition of a mix dial makes these even better and they were already the best.

E. Yeung

March 12, 2023

Great plugin, does what it's supposed to do.

This is an easy-to-use, great-sounding plugin that does exactly what it's supposed to do. It's a must-have compressor, and is super versatile, as it should be. I would definitely recommend.

D. Skaggs

March 10, 2023

The GOAT

If I could only have one plug-in to use for the rest of time it's the blue stripe 1176 and it isn't even close.

N. Hong

March 9, 2023

:)

Nothing comes close

N. Hong

March 9, 2023

:)

Nothing comes close

T. Stracke

March 8, 2023

Killer

Amazing sound, the best simulation of 1176's out there

A. Lee

March 8, 2023

On every channel

I use this as the first compressor on each channel - it adds up to fullness and loudness

C. Sears

March 3, 2023

The best of the best

Why did avoid UAD for so long? I guess I was using other interfaces and heard they UAD stuff would eat your processor without an external DSP chassis. Stupid mistake on my part because these emulations are incredible. They’re easy to tweak and very inspiring sonically. I have many 1176 emulations and use rack units all the time. UAD versions are the very best I’ve used.

D. Gastaldi

February 23, 2023

Magnifico

E' il compressore che utilizzo di piu', non fa rimpiangere l'HW!

E. ARRUDA

February 21, 2023

1176 Incomparable tool

Honestly, there is no tool similar to 1176 Classic Limiter Collection. I've used everything, with all due respect, but other emulations are far from UAD.

M. Alexandru-George

February 16, 2023

Very good compressors <3

I love the 1176 legacy <3

J. Lardinois

January 17, 2023

Can't mix without these.

Incredibly versatile plugins for compression, limiting, effects, everything. These 3 are on every single mix I make (mostly the Rev A and E, but AE occasionally). The default settings are a great starting point (except maybe not perfectly unity gain), but knowing how to dial it in pays off. These sound significantly better than any competing counterparts, and I own quite a few 1176 plugins from other companies.

P. Waters

January 16, 2023

YEWWWWW

Rev A all day bbbbbbbbb, these 1176 blow others awayyyyy

g. weidner

January 14, 2023

love these compressors

Having the choice between all of these great emulations is awesome. love the blue face on vocals, really good at adding some nice harmonic distortion. they sound great when pushed, like the originals. love the black one on bass gtr. and the purple-ish
/ black one seems to sound good on everything.

D. Gardell

January 14, 2023

Just updated from the legacy

Loving em so far!
Wish you could switch between them in one plugin, that'd be pretty sweet.

G. Marian

January 13, 2023

1176 Classic Limiter Collection

PUNCH WARM BRIGHTNESS GOOD SOUND