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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.

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
5-Minute UAD Tips

5-Minute UAD Tips

Featuring the 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection.

A Triple Threat

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

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

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

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.

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

Overall Rating

A. Viktorovich

November 14, 2022

TOP

he best 1176 that I've heard in plugins.

C. Laroche

November 11, 2022

Great plugin! Incredible sound! A must have for all enthusiasts!!!

Great plugin! Incredible sound! A must have for all enthusiasts!!! Thanks to the whole Universal Audio team for offering us all these products!

J. Lambert

October 10, 2022

They did it right!

I wanted to REALLY give this a test- so, i tried recording my drummer with just one big tube condenser as a room/boom.
I don't know that i have ever heard a full drum track sound so clean with single microphone. This is pretty perfect.

T. Kingen

October 6, 2022

So good

The 1176 is a time honored workhorse. I like to use it to capture the peaks after gentle compression with the LA2A or Fairchild. Works great!

A. Brown

September 23, 2022

THIS COLLECTION IS AMAZING

I have the Legacy 1176 Collection and now I have these Babies ! I'll put them to use asap !!

A. Ayer

September 22, 2022

Fantastic

The legacy version of the 1176 is great. But it is 100% worth it to upgrade to the full collection.

J. Mendel

September 20, 2022

Definitely the best 1176 plugins I've used!

Thus far a major improvement over the sound of the legacy versions. They seem to have the punch and power that I'm looking for on drums. Great Stuff! and now its available on UADx! Big plus!!

N. Stolz

September 19, 2022

Review 1176

It's compressing very well and I like the sound how it compressing. Easy using with just few knoobs

R. Donnelly

September 16, 2022

UAD email requested review.

The 1176 has been the go to compression for my percussion projects. Cant beat it.

P. Wallin

September 10, 2022

Really happy with these

Using compressor together with these limiters is so rewarding! Of course they sound great on their own too. I have G-channel Bus compressor and sometimes I end up using one of these instead.

M. Park

September 1, 2022

Need it every moment

The classic is the best

T. Basso

August 30, 2022

The best

Congratulations for the excellent work!

A. Mujic

August 24, 2022

Cool

Works fine!

i. icewalter

July 24, 2022

so good

amazing!

J. Song

July 21, 2022

Awesome

Currently using it for all of my rap tracks
Much better than the Waves emulation

A. Whittaker

July 19, 2022

Yes it’s another 76

…but also maybe *still* the best 76 emulation out there so what can you do?

C. Preston

July 15, 2022

Much better than Waves emulations

UAD make Waves plug-ins seem like toys. Serious tone and control, love these. Thanks!

N. Cifaldi

July 15, 2022

Classic UA

these are high on the must have desert island plugins list!

M. Bernabel

July 11, 2022

THE REAL THING

The 1176 and the LA-2A are like Peanut Butter & Jelly. You can't have one without the other. And the 1176 collection is industry standard, as in, it is in every single studio on this planet and you can bet on it. And you know what else? an LA-2A haha.

O. Levi

July 11, 2022

Bass vocal etc

Just put it on your buss, bass, vocals and your set to go.