*Special Order
"I use my 1176 Limiting Amplifier on everything from bass to vocals to snare drums." - Tony Maserati
"We used an 1176LN to record 50 Cent's vocals, and it sounded great!" - Adam Hawkins (Twenty One Pilots, Switchfoot, 50 Cents)
"Every rack should have at least one of these fabulous processors, which seem able to impart a special magic to almost everything passing through them." - Sound On Sound
Legendary FET compression with tone and attitude — true to the original.
Upon its debut in 1967, the 1176 Limiting Amplifier swiftly attained legendary status, owing to its unparalleled lightning-fast attack and release times, its sonically rich Class A output stage, and its diverse array of sounds. These encompass everything from nuanced, almost imperceptible compression to full-throttle drive and distortion.
The 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier by Universal Audio stands as a meticulously handcrafted and faithful reproduction of Bill Putnam Sr.'s original groundbreaking design. It represents an iconic relic of audio history that played a pivotal role in shaping timeless recordings by influential artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and many more.
Track and mix with the legendary FET-Style Compressor with custom-made class A output transformers
Record your tracks through vintage UA, "handmade in the USA," circuits
Harness ultra-fast attack time on bass, guitars, vocals and more
Add colour, character, and vibe to signals without using compression
A Toneful, Colorful Compressor
Billed as a "true peak limiter with all-transistor circuitry and unparalleled performance across various program materials," the 1176's standout feature was its astonishingly rapid attack time — merely 20 µS (.00002 seconds) at its swiftest setting. However, engineers quickly discovered that the 1176 wasn't just a technical marvel; it also infused character, attitude, and a distinct vibe into any audio passing through its circuitry. Some even opted to employ the 1176 with compression disengaged, solely to capture the distinctive and sought-after tone it imparts. The unit's amplifiers and transformers, in isolation, impart a coveted "hot" quality to any signal passing through them.
Rebirth of a Legend
Push-Button Magic
Among the distinctive features of the 1176 are its push-button selectable compression ratios, offering choices of 4:1 and 8:1 for compression, and 12:1 and 20:1 for limiting. Particularly noteworthy is its iconic "All Buttons In" mode, achieved by simultaneously depressing all ratio buttons. In this setting, the 1176 delivers a sonic experience unparalleled by any other processor. Distortion intensifies, accompanied by a plateaued slope and a deliberate lag in response to initial transients, resulting in an explosive sound when applied to drum room mics, adding a fuzzy quality to bass or electric guitar tones, or skillfully squeezing a vocal to position it prominently at the forefront of your mix.
Accept No Substitutes
Meticulously trained personnel at the Universal Audio Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, painstakingly handcraft and meticulously test each unit, ensuring it aligns with our exacting standards. This rendition of the 1176LN, a Universal Audio Classic, faithfully preserves every nuance of the original design through an unwavering commitment to precision. Immerse yourself in the unmistakable trademark sound. Choose the original — demand excellence.
Specifications
Input Impedance
600 ohms, bridges-T control (floating)
Output Load Impedance
600 ohms, floating, damping factor 20
External Connections
Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors
Frequency Response
± 1 dB 20 Hz to 20kHz
Gain
50 dB
Distortion
Less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion from 50 Hz to 15 kHz with limiting
Signal to Noise Ratio
Greater than 70 dB at +10 dBm
Attack Time
20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
Release Time
50 milliseconds to 1.1 seconds
Stereo Interconnection
via 1176 SA Network accessory
Meter
dB gain reduction and dB output
Power Requirements
120/240 V
Environmental
Maximum operating temperature 160°F
Dimensions
19" Rackmount chassis, 2U
Weight
5 kg
