Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiting Amplifier

The Universal Audio 1176 Overview

The Stones, Zeppelin, and Michael Jackson—you’ve heard it on numerous famous records. It’s the renowned 1176LN. In 1967, Bill Putnam published a solid-state version of his renowned 176 tube compressor, ushering in the current era of dynamics processing. The Universal Audio 1176LN Limiting Amplifier became an instant classic. It had lightning-fast attack and release periods and a wide range of sound flexibility, from subtle compression to flamboyant distortion. Its Class A output stage, which included a special overwound transformer, consistently produced wonderfully melodic results, immediately earning the 1176 a place in professional studios throughout the world.

Today, the Universal Audio 1176LN is handwired point to point in Scotts Valley, California, and each component is meticulously chosen for authenticity. It’s a toneful beast that works wonders with every signal that passes through it. Basses sound enormous. It adds a definite thwack to mediocre snare drums. It has no equal in capturing a vocal and bringing it to the forefront of your mix. Your studio is just incomplete without it.

Colorful Fet-style Compression

The FET transistor circuitry of the 1176LN limiting amplifier imparts its well-known melodic flavor and rich tone to each recording. Though it can deliver rather transparent compression, the 1176 truly excels when you turn up the gain reduction and accept its analog colors. In the proper hands, this renowned FET compressor and peak limiter produces the thick, punchy sounds heard on classic recordings by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and countless others.

Ultra-fast Attack And Release Times

The Universal Audio 1176 LN’s “feedback” signal routing allows for exceptionally responsive attack and release times. With ultra-fast attack speeds as low as 20 microseconds, the 1176 may function as a genuine peak limiter, catching first transients and avoiding clipping and distortion. The variable release settings let you adjust the reaction time for a smooth envelope or strong pumping effects.

Push-button selectable ratios with “ALL BUTTONS IN” mode

One of the most notable aspects of this classic limiting amplifier is its push-button ratio controls, which offer settings for 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 gain reduction. These four settings allow you to effortlessly transition between mild compression and extreme limiting action, making them suitable for practically any recording or mixing application. Pushing all four ratio buttons simultaneously activates the 1176 compressor’s intense “nuke” or “British Mode” compression, which helped it become renowned. Whether you want nuanced voice leveling or dramatic pumping and distortion on your drum bus, the 1176 LN delivers.

Reviving the Legendary 1176 Compressor.

Bill Putnam, Jr. founded Universal Audio in 1999, and the company’s first product was an accurate copy of the famous Blackface 1176LN. The discovery of comprehensive design notes allowed Bill Jr. to recreate and improve on his father’s original concept. Based on the FET circuitry of the classic 1176LN’s C, D, and E revisions, the reissue includes a critical component for recreating the sound of the original hardware: the original output transformer, complete with additional custom windings that deliver the feedback signal to the line output amplifier circuit.

UA’s meticulous attention to detail retains the whole sound character and delicacy of the original 1176LN. The reissue joins the innumerable pieces of antique equipment still in regular use at premier audio facilities across the world. Set it to work in your studio.

Universal Audio 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier Features:

• True to the original in design, production, and performance.
• Designed after the 1176LN, blackface, D, and E versions.
• Attack time ranges from -20 to 800 microseconds.
• Class A line-level output amplifier.
• Custom-built Putnam-designed output transformer
• Stereo connection operation.