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.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
Ways to Buy
Buy for your Apollo interface/UAD hardware or get with UAD Spark on subscription.
Buy for Apollo and UAD- •Buy once — no subscription required
- •Runs in realtime with Apollo on Mac and Windows
- •UAD Spark native version included
- •Requires Apollo or UAD hardware
Get with UAD Spark$19.99/month- •Subscribe and save
- •Runs natively on Mac
- •An evolving collection of UAD plug-ins & instruments
- •No UA hardware required
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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
I. Danyi
July 6, 2022
The best
The best emulation of the 1176 so far. Transistors are well modelled and very close to the original sound.
Read MoreI. Danyi
July 6, 2022
The best
This is the best emulation I ever had of the 1176. The modelling of the transistor is outstanding.
Read MoreV. German
July 4, 2022
A classic in perfect execution!
Legendary instruments and unique sound. The competitors' replicas are nervously smoking on the sidelines!
Read MoreR. Mannucci
July 2, 2022
UAD for the win on these!
UAD for the win! I love this collection of 1176! This and the La2a stay on everything!
Read MoreC. Long
July 1, 2022
1176 are incredible!
Love the sound of these compressors, they are simply the Best I have ever heard.
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
I. Danyi
The best
The best emulation of the 1176 so far. Transistors are well modelled and very close to the original sound.
I. Danyi
The best
This is the best emulation I ever had of the 1176. The modelling of the transistor is outstanding.
V. German
A classic in perfect execution!
Legendary instruments and unique sound. The competitors' replicas are nervously smoking on the sidelines!
e. stewart
YES YES YES!
I LOVE this plugin!
R. Mannucci
UAD for the win on these!
UAD for the win! I love this collection of 1176! This and the La2a stay on everything!
C. Long
1176 are incredible!
Love the sound of these compressors, they are simply the Best I have ever heard.
D. Matas
What can I say that hasn't been said already?
Obviously this thing is iconic, and for good reason it's a top notch compressor.
D. Arango
Excelente
Muy buen producto
R. Whiting
No Brainer
I record and mix in professional studios in Los Angeles, where I have access to the hardware 1176. When it comes to mixing, these are excellent emulation of the hardware.
L. Jahn
Not VST3?
I do not know how it sounds because I could not install them in my daw, Cubase 12 . I believe the plug ins are not VST3 compatible. I regret to have spent money in something I assumed it was going to work. My bad for not checking.
A. Gray
Classics for a reason
Faithfully emulated and a welcome addition to the workflows
A. Thierry
Excellent
Best émulation i’ve heard .. just amazing on Drums . Thanks for that
I. Connelly
Must Have
The 1176 is super versatile, I use it in combo with the LA-2A collection for insane results. Even on its own, this thing is a beast. I use it on anything from vocals to drums to electric guitar. The fact you get 3 flavors is an added bonus.
R. Thomas
Fantastic
I’ve had this plugin for a few years now and can’t stop using it. I use the 1176 Rev on my vocals and it sounds amazing. I really hope the UA team create the (Pink) 1176 and add it to the collection I would most definitely buy it
R. Matias
Essential tools
Now that these are also available as AU components I am using these even more
R. Pulley
Great Compressors
Haven’t heard all the other emulations out there, but know these are good sounding ones. Use these when recording vocals along with Avalon plugin and LA2A. Good options and sounds great.
A. Hombach
I had to buy it, didn't want it.
This was part of the Apollo Heritage edition. I haven't tried it because I wasn't interested in it. And because I didn't know I bought it. UA is so annoying. It lists you all of the ca. 200 plugins, and you have no idea of which of them are demos and which you own. And scroll 200 plugins. Are you kidding me??? All I was interested in, was C-Vox. The rest I cannot recommend. And I don't need the rest for what I record with my fantastic Sound Devices MixPre-3 II.
B. Schimmel
Timeless classic...
... maybe the most used compressor in history, emulated with excellence.
J. Dearness
Great compressor
Easy to use and sound fantastic
A. Tyler
All the extras and Variations are awesome!
There are a zillion 1176 type hardware units and just as many 1176 type plugins. This UAD collection covers all the needed variations, sounds as good and often better than any other brand of plugins, and includes some features that you can't even find on the hardware. I grab for these plugins before any others and only my DSP limits me on when I have to use something else haha.
