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
J. Mora Sánchez
November 15, 2024
Excelente
En mi cadena de vocales trabajo la compresión en serie, siendo el 1176 el primero de dicha serie. (El segundo es el Teletronix LA-2A). Utilizo el modo "Bluey" por su excelente...
Read MoreJ. Mora S.
November 15, 2024
Excelente
En mi cadena de vocales trabajo la compresión en serie, siendo el 1176 el primero de dicha serie. (El segundo es el Teletronix LA-2A). Utilizo el modo "Bluey" por su excelente...
Read MoreJ. Mora S.
November 15, 2024
Excelente
En mi cadena de vocales trabajo la compresión en serie, siendo el 1176 el primero de dicha serie. (El segundo es el Teletronix...
Read MoreK. Lenair
October 14, 2024
UAD 76 Collection
I'm very happy with the software purchase. The quaily of the plugins are extraordinary and worth every penny. I only wish that you could use the...
Read MoreJ. Rojas
October 2, 2024
UAD 76 Collection
Twelve years wanting to have UAD software, and now I have these plugins natively, well optimized, almost zero latency... the sound is simply beautiful, crisp, there is no other 1176 that...
Read MoreE. Rei
October 1, 2024
This is simply the best 1176 plug-in out there!
Not much more to say about this plug-in. It rivals the hardware!
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
J. Mora Sánchez
Excelente
En mi cadena de vocales trabajo la compresión en serie, siendo el 1176 el primero de dicha serie. (El segundo es el Teletronix LA-2A). Utilizo el modo "Bluey" por su excelente desempeño.
J. Mora S.
Excelente
En mi cadena de vocales trabajo la compresión en serie, siendo el 1176 el primero de dicha serie. (El segundo es el Teletronix LA-2A). Utilizo el modo "Bluey" por su excelente desempeño.
J. Mora S.
Excelente
En mi cadena de vocales trabajo la compresión en serie, siendo el 1176 el primero de dicha serie. (El segundo es el Teletronix LA-2A). Utilizo el modo "Bluey" por su excelente desempeño.
K. Lenair
UAD 76 Collection
I'm very happy with the software purchase. The quaily of the plugins are extraordinary and worth every penny. I only wish that you could use the plugins offline without being connected to the internet but overrall I'm happy.
J. Rojas
UAD 76 Collection
Twelve years wanting to have UAD software, and now I have these plugins natively, well optimized, almost zero latency... the sound is simply beautiful, crisp, there is no other 1176 that comes close. UAD emulations are the gold standard.
E. Rei
This is simply the best 1176 plug-in out there!
Not much more to say about this plug-in. It rivals the hardware!
R. Nikitinskikh
Excellent!
Nice plugin with gently sound impact
E. Silveira
Sensacional!
Simplesmente o melhor!
Maravilhoso!G. Celano
flexible
You can use them for anything!
A. Kane
Closest to the real thing
Absolutely must have for anybody who's looking for an authentic 1176 sound. Multiple blind tests and people just can't tell where's the real deal and where's the plugin. It's THAT close to a hardware unit.
L. Pasalic
The Ultimate Tool for Iconic 1176 Compression: UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
The UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is an exceptional tool for anyone looking to achieve the legendary 1176 compression sound. Its authentic emulation makes it a valuable addition to any audio engineer's toolkit. Whether you're an experienced professional or a beginner, the UAD 1176 provides the classic 1176LN sound with the convenience and flexibility of modern software. This collection truly stands out as the top choice for high-quality audio compression, combining authentic sound, versatility, and ease of use to deliver exceptional results. Recommendation to everyone!
B. Berry
"Classic " for a reason
I was lucky to use an 1176 back in the 80's, primarily for radio promos and concert spots. The flexibility of the ratios, the simplicity in dialing in the sound, was an amazing moment of discovery.
Forward 40 years, still doing spots and promos. And amazingly, the 1176 "three-pack" plug-in's, offer all those options, and more-including the noticeable coloration differences.
Salute! to Bill Sr.'s genius, and to Bill Jr. and the family for continuing the legacy of UA's sound !m. corder
A comp youll use
I finally got the whole set not i have a comp for every situation!
A. Gek
I love 76 comp
I really liked this compressor with its legendary and expensive sound, it sounds much better than the compressor from the Waves company.
A. Giroux
Limiter
I use often on mandolin tracks
S. Apted
Amazingly accurate.
These plug-ins are insanely accurate, to the point where most people would not know the difference between this plug-in and the real thing. I A physical 1176 and have a beat them and found there to be very little difference. An excellent plug-in that everyone should own.
J. Brzeziński
Very close to original
In my work I sometimes use urei 1176, and I would like to say that the software is very close to the original.
E. Guimarães
very good
very good
C. Santos
Amazing Comp
This collection of 1176 comps is an indispensable tool for anyone who mixes drums, bass and guitar. It's already on my list of favorite plugins, along with Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection and Ocean Way Studios
E. Dionne
Changed Everything
Before purchasing this, I had only ever used stock compressors, and even then, I had only used them sparingly, as I had never noticed any significant effect apart from limiting. That all changed when I decided to take a chance on this plug-in and see why I had seen "1176" in just about every mixing discussion I'd ever heard or read. The very moment I hit play after throwing this on a vocal track, my entire perspective on compressors changed. The grit and presence I'd been hearing for years on countless records instantly revealed itself to me, and I was floored--absolutely beautiful tone. I have since gone on a deep dive into compressors and eq's, realizing what I had been missing out on for far too long.
I love this tone on my vocals; it fattens up my kick drum; pulls the grinding body of a cello to the forefront; brightens or delightfully swamps up a banjo; and with some more experimental instrumentation, it grabs onto sounds and noises you thought were lost in the recording and throws them back into the mix in a big, haunting way. I absolutely love this set of plugins; it literally made me a better producer by showing me why people call compressors "tone boxes," as the 1176 is all tone, color, and character.
