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.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
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
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
c. jones
January 16, 2022
UAD 1176
Love using the 1176 printed on the way in. Every other 1176 doesn’t hold a candle to UAD.
Read MoreM. Ferreira
January 13, 2022
The Killer!! Perfect Plugins!!!!
You have to use them on every mix!!!
Read MoreB. Moss
January 3, 2022
Free plug-ins
I was so pumped to get my hands on these plug-ins and was not disappointed when I put them to use
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
c. jones
UAD 1176
Love using the 1176 printed on the way in. Every other 1176 doesn’t hold a candle to UAD.
V. Vlodarchyk
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
the best in its class
M. Ferreira
The Killer!! Perfect Plugins!!!!
You have to use them on every mix!!!
K. Villoing
Very nice compressor
I love it, use it everytime !
J. Manning
Classic
No 76. No mix
B. Moss
Free plug-ins
I was so pumped to get my hands on these plug-ins and was not disappointed when I put them to use
R. Edwards
Brilliant
Simply the best.
S. Severt
Another Must Have
I have the 1176 Hardware, but when it comes to Mixing, I loveeeee having the plugin for multi tracks. It's so close to the feeling of the hardware. Very responsive
H. Mahdavian
Unbelievable!!!
Best For Vocal!!!
H. Mahdavian
Unbelievable!!!
Best For Vocal!!!
H. Mahdavian
Unbelievable!!!
Best For Vocal!!!
T. Huang
It's the reason for uad
This plugin is the main reason why I got into the uad ecosystem
C. Bors
Very useful ☺️
I love it so much
G. Tasnádi
1176
Amazing what this thing do.
R. KURIAN
A must for vocals
I use this and Manley vox box to track my vocals. My favorite.
UAD User
love it
love it on bus par
P. Zhukov
5 star
Great plugins. Good color. Must have
For vocal, for instruments, for drumsB. Andrey
Top 1176
I have tried emulations from different companies. I recently purchased Apollo and was able to get a feel for the uaudio variants. I have not heard the original devices, but I can say for sure that the uad versions sound the best to my ear. The desired sound is obtained faster, they sound musical, pleasant saturation. In old projects I tried to replace 1167 from other manufacturers and was pleasantly surprised how the sound of the overall picture changed for the better.
M. Kozlov
Get back the old design!
Please return the old design! The new one doesn't look like the real thing. Difficult to perceive visually. In the old one, it was immediately clear which ratio button was pressed. It's hard to see in the new. The visual perception of the new design is worse.
A. Melnikov
Amazing Plugins!
Thank you for your job and perfect products for professionals!!
