UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
-
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
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
Read MoreJ. 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...
Read MoreM. Leo
March 18, 2023
Love them
The new addition of a mix dial makes these even better and they were already the best.
Read MoreE. 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....
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
-
Customer Reviews
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
G. Capaccio
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
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.
cheersg. gregoire
Great comp!
Combined with the LA-2A, you can't go wrong!
J. Srilaam
Every good
I love Uad
M. Leo
Love them
The new addition of a mix dial makes these even better and they were already the best.
E. Yeung
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
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
:)
Nothing comes close
N. Hong
:)
Nothing comes close
T. Stracke
Killer
Amazing sound, the best simulation of 1176's out there
A. Lee
On every channel
I use this as the first compressor on each channel - it adds up to fullness and loudness
C. Sears
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
Magnifico
E' il compressore che utilizzo di piu', non fa rimpiangere l'HW!
E. ARRUDA
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
Very good compressors <3
I love the 1176 legacy <3
J. Lardinois
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
YEWWWWW
Rev A all day bbbbbbbbb, these 1176 blow others awayyyyy
g. weidner
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
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
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
PUNCH WARM BRIGHTNESS GOOD SOUND
