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
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October 1, 2023
Great time to live in
Using it more than I thought, best purchase made this year.
Read MoreD. Bintang
October 1, 2023
Great plugin
I have the hardware. Buy this plugin, you will not regret.
Read MoreM. Dellit
October 1, 2023
Sounds like the real deal
But you already knew that right? Awesome
Read MoreC. Rosado
September 30, 2023
Complementos de calidad
desde que los adquiri son esenciales en mi plantilla de mezcla , la calidad y color que aportan son incomparales
Read MoreR. van Rensburg
September 30, 2023
Love this plugin, so much better than the other emulations that I have tried
Love this plugin, so much better than the other emulations that I have tried
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
.
Great time to live in
Using it more than I thought, best purchase made this year.
D. Bintang
Great plugin
I have the hardware. Buy this plugin, you will not regret.
M. Dellit
Sounds like the real deal
But you already knew that right? Awesome
C. Rosado
Complementos de calidad
desde que los adquiri son esenciales en mi plantilla de mezcla , la calidad y color que aportan son incomparales
R. van Rensburg
Love this plugin, so much better than the other emulations that I have tried
Love this plugin, so much better than the other emulations that I have tried
j. egan
Great
Great plugin
E. Zorgman
Classic And old Faithful
Looking for something that will stand the test of time. Well you have reached the place. These plugins are well worth the investment. They provide your sounds with the right amount juice. They enhance your sound and give you a great analog feel. Detail and dynamic, faithful and classic.
M. Dellit
Just like the real thing
I can’t hear a difference !! Amazing !!
A. Shcherbakov
I use 1176 on every vocals
It just works! An easy to use plugin with amazing sound. I compared it with almost all emulators from other manufacturers. Not even close. Great for vocals, drums, guitars, bass... you name it.
M. Bekkour
Nice
very nice
m. fritsch
Glad that I bought it
I do not regret buying this one.
M. Krizaj
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is a cherry over the cake in the digital world & hardware emulation. The UA Team does the job like a Pro.
J. Rolph
Couldn’t be happier!
Amazing sounding compressor, with the rev a being my go to in the vocal chain. Lots of experimenting still to do with them all, but its very easy to get your tracks sounding great without to much messing around, alittle goes a long way and its simple to find that sweet spot. A must have plugin in my opinion!
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.
