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
M. Zima
March 17, 2025
Excellent sound quality.
I'm really surprised how good this simulation of real gear is! Great!
Read MoreL. San Antonio
March 12, 2025
Sounds great, but problem seeing the ratio changing.
Because of the black on black, Its very hard its hard to see the ratio buttons changing when pressing them
Read MoreI. Businge
March 11, 2025
Quality at its finest.
Universal Audio continues to set the standard for music production with yet another timeless classic: so faithfully modelled after the analogue version, it’s sound is virtually...
Read MoreS. Blanco Angulo
March 9, 2025
Fantastico sonido de las mejores emulaciones que he probado
super
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
H. Spornraft
Super!!!
Mit Abstand das beste 1176 Plugin
H. Spornraft
Super!!!
Mit Abstand das beste 1176 Plugin
M. Zima
Excellent sound quality.
I'm really surprised how good this simulation of real gear is! Great!
L. San Antonio
Sounds great, but problem seeing the ratio changing.
Because of the black on black, Its very hard its hard to see the ratio buttons changing when pressing them
I. Businge
Quality at its finest.
Universal Audio continues to set the standard for music production with yet another timeless classic: so faithfully modelled after the analogue version, it’s sound is virtually indistinguishable from the physical version. The icing on the cake is that this also comes as native, so you need not necessarily have the Apollo or Satellite hardware to run it.
S. Blanco Angulo
Fantastico sonido de las mejores emulaciones que he probado
super
J. Douglas
Classic Limiters Collection
Class act from this trio, for sure...
T. Belknap
Real character, real quick
After messing around with a lot of fancy modern compressors, these babies are a joy to work with. Simple but effective, character and tone built in. Stop reading manuals and just create.
V. Nikolaev
1176 for acoustic guitars
I've tried many 1176 emulations. The Universal Audio 1176 emulations are my favorite for compressing acoustic and clean guitars. They give a great, transparent sound with a subtle glassy overtone in the highs and mids. The guitars sit beautifully in the mix without losing their character. I'd also like to add that these compressors work by ear - they really do behave like analog gear.
E. Esper
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
I've had the privellege of using the hardware and as Usual Universal Audio Nailed it .... These Are Really Good Plugins
\Y. Yashchuk
1176 Classic Limiter Collection
Very nice work, I'm glad I bought it, I'm waiting for the next promotions for the next purchase!
d. Music
Love it..!!
I used for drums bus and back vocal
D. zaizar
super
Ataque ultra rápido y tiempos de liberación ajustables.
Capacidad para añadir color y carácter al audio.
Ideal para una amplia variedad de instrumentos y voces.A. AR
No existe una mejor emulación.
Es un plugin que suena increíble 10/10
M. Jones
The Best IMO
My opinion, these are the best 1176 emulations. They have replaced my go to which was the CLA 76 or the purple 77 which is also very good, but not quite as good as the UA.
S. Downie
Fab version of the classic classic limiter/compressor
Fab version of the classic classic limiter/compressor 1176. Quite warm, quite detailed and Quite stunning! A brilliant emulation and one tool to add to your plugins.
A. Eden
Why does it need an internet connection to work?!
I purchased this one to use as my go-to vocal compressor on various projects. I didn't knew that it requires internet connection, so i can't use it when i'm outside or on a plane. It's a shame that there's no option to transfer the license to my laptop directly. An AU unit also launches too long, because it connects to the internet every time.
And that would only be half the problem. After all, my Ableton Live won't even launch a project with these plugins unless I'm connected to the internet. So my go-to compressor paralyzes my whole projects, and if my internet connection is interrupted, the plugin stops and displays the message "DAW restart required", even if the connection is restored. It's a shame.
I don't rate it as 1 star, because they sound great, actually. But for me, as for traveling producer, it's impossible to use it all the time.E. pinthieire
Great on vocal and drums
Insane
M. Attila
Perfect
Absolutely perfect gear, one and only emulation of the original gear! Must have gear on your library! Thanks for UAD!
M. M
Buen complemento
De lo mejor que hay, contento con este complemento
