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
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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
D. Studio
May 13, 2024
Best Plugin 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
1176 plugins use on vocal and then very smooth@very clear great plugin
Read MoreS. Vassiltchenko
May 6, 2024
Unbeatable classic!
Works on everything and does it very well!
Read MoreM. RAMSAY
May 6, 2024
An essential collection
The 1176 classic limiter collection is a must have. Snappy compression with distinctive colour, and so versatile with it. I use this to tame just about anything, but especially on vocals...
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
V. Vidal
show de mais
muito bom, o melhor
Q. OSEI
Quincykosei@gmail.com
Really love UAD products! Simply the best!
D. Studio
Best Plugin 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
1176 plugins use on vocal and then very smooth@very clear great plugin
S. Vassiltchenko
Unbeatable classic!
Works on everything and does it very well!
M. RAMSAY
An essential collection
The 1176 classic limiter collection is a must have. Snappy compression with distinctive colour, and so versatile with it. I use this to tame just about anything, but especially on vocals and snare drums. The interface is simple and easy to use.
C. Locke
So good.
Leagues above similar plugins I've tried.
T. Kelleher
Fantastic!!
Sounds better than comparable versions from other companies, and much better presets!
j. nieva
A must have
I really love how the 1176 works with the mid range of the sources, especially in parallel processings, you could go subtle on it but the results are very nice to me.Amazing treating drums and vocals, you can achieve different flavors and attitudes, no matter the music style you are mixing.
A. Anthony
UAD 1176
UAD 1176 gives an incredible tone and depth to the vocals . I was using UAD LA 2A compressor for quite sometime. Nowadays I started to use UAD 1176 as my first vocal compressor with a fast attack and release, and followed by LA 2A.
Really awesome plugin and this is going to be the first choice of compressors for me while mixing my projects.L. Sant anna
Amazing compressors!!
UAD super quality compressor, no words for this product!
S. Kottis
The best
The best company, the best plugins
S. Bryant
Really sounds good
I am finding myself fast becoming a fan of UA Plug-ins. I have these same plug-ins from Waves; but hearing these, I am a tad upset that I once thought the others sounded as good as I thought they once did.
These are not the same. One is trash and the other is made by UAj. causey
Great sound! the best 1176 plugins.
Wow!!! these plugins sound grate just like the real 1176 model sounds like I can't believe it Thank you UAD grate job.
R. Franzani
Total flexibility
Every possible scenario where I could choose going with a 1176 is covered with this collection. It has become one of my favorite units because of its distinct sound. My go-to for squashing very dynamic signals, and a excelent tone box. Plus, including the 40th anniversary in this collection is very appreciated.
D. Mifflin
1176 Classic Limiter Collection Is All You Need
I just purchased the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection from Universal Audio. I am amazed at the utility that it provides. I had been working on one original song for the last year, not quite finding the right sound that I was hearing in my head. I scratched all the gimmicky plugins I was trying and went to basics. I used the collection with each track and was immediately impressed with the sound it delivered. A minimal amount of tinkering with settings and everything was set. I'm also pleased with the versatility the collection provides as it's able to perfect Americana tunes as well as rock music. It has become my "go to" tool for mixing and mastering.
F. Arnoldi
A "Must have"
I won't say much. Only, when I tried this compressors on my tracks, I realized , it was the sound that I had in my ears, and in my mind. That sound I had listen in my favorite music. I was chasing it...Here it is.
J. Hernandez
Un gran compresor , gran respuesta , por un excelente precio !!
Este Plug In es de lo mejores que puedes usar para trabajar , 100 % recomendado , gracias por ponerlo a mi alcance ,,,
G. Prama
the best 1176 plugins
I'm hunting 1176 emulation and anchored here. since I used the hardware unit before it's worth for me and I can be more flexible right now. what an awesome engineering behind this 1176 emulation, love it.
j. juju
The Cleanest Compressor Ever.
I used to use mainly Waves Plugins for the CLA-76, when I first switched to the 1176LN, I was very surprised on how big of a difference it was. Nothing is able to emulate the real sound of a 1176 better than this.
E. Sedrick
Still the best 1176 plugins!
These are almost as good as the hardware, and more authentic in the short attack time behavior than competing emulations. Great stuff!