Hello, I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer!
Today, I’ll be discussing a product I’ve owned for some time—this post is not sponsored. However, I was asked by Plugin Boutique to introduce the UAD 1176 Collection.
The links provided direct to Plugin Boutique, and if you make a purchase through them, I’ll receive a small commission, which is a huge help in supporting my work. 😊
While preparing this post, I realized I’ve never delved into the history of the 1176 compressor on my blog. So, let’s take a journey through its legacy! (Historical references are drawn from the UA website, the UAD 1176 manual, and my book The Basics of Mixing.)
Let’s dive in!
Universal Audio 175B, 176
Before the 1176, there were the 175B and 176 tube-based compressors.
- 175B: A fixed ratio limiter with a 12:1 ratio.
- 176: Offered selectable ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and 12:1.
With the advent of transistors, most tube circuits transitioned to transistor-based designs. The 1176 emerged during this transitional period, replacing the 175B and 176’s tube circuits with FET (Field Effect Transistor) technology. Notably, it features an ultra-fast attack time (20–800 μs).
Since its initial release, the 1176 has evolved through 11 versions: A, AB, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, LN (Low Noise), and AE (Anniversary Edition).
We can categorize these versions into four groups:
- A, AB, B, AE
- C, D, E, LN
- F, G
- H
(Fun fact: The LN and AE versions were developed after Universal Audio’s revival under the founder’s son.)
1176 Rev A, Rev AB, Rev B, AE (Anniversary Edition)
These versions are known for their aggressive sound, distortion, and higher noise levels. Key characteristics include:
- Rev A: The original 1176, often referred to as the “Blue Stripe.” Features a Class A circuit.
- Rev AB & Rev B: Improved versions of Rev A with slight modifications, retaining the Class A circuit.
- AE (Anniversary Edition): A modern recreation of the classic 1176 sound, combining the sonic character of the A/B versions with LN’s low-noise design.
UAD has faithfully recreated Rev A as a plugin.
One standout feature of this plugin is its high-frequency enhancement as the input level increases and compression intensifies.
Additionally, even without engaging gain reduction, harmonic saturation is present, making it ideal for saturation purposes.
Personally, I use this for a “rock” vibe—great for drums, vocals, and more.
The AE version plugin offers unique features, such as a 2:1 ratio instead of the usual 12:1. It also includes a slow attack mode (10 ms), the slowest in the 1176 series.
The plugin emphasizes low-end frequencies and adds significant harmonic saturation, making it a great alternative to Rev A for saturation.
1176 Rev C, Rev D, Rev E, LN
These versions introduced a blackface design. The biggest change was adding a low-noise (LN) circuit. Rev D also marked the branding transition to “Urei.”
The current reissue, 1176LN, is still available as hardware.
Compared to earlier versions, these are more controlled and less aggressive.
UAD recreated the 1176LN Rev E as a plugin. Frequency response tests show that it’s less excitable in the high frequencies compared to Rev A, even at high input levels.
For harmonic content, it’s somewhat similar to Rev A but serves a different purpose. I use it when I don’t need the intense vibe of Rev A or the smoothness of LA-2A. It occupies a unique sonic space that occasionally fits perfectly.
1176 Rev F, Rev G
Rev F switched to a Class A/B circuit, differing significantly from earlier models. The output preamp changed from 1108 to 1109 for increased output. Rev G replaced the input transformer.
1176 Rev H
The final version before discontinuation, Rev H, featured a new design but retained the core sound.
“All Button Mode”
One iconic feature of the 1176 is the “All Button Mode,” where all ratio buttons are engaged simultaneously. This creates a unique and highly distorted sound engineers love for parallel processing. I use it sparingly to add saturation while emphasizing key elements.
Final Thoughts
The plugin collection, including Rev A, AE, and Rev E, is currently available on Plugin Boutique for $31.90 during the Black Friday sale.
As someone who’s invested heavily in UAD plugins and hardware like UA Satellite and Apollo interfaces, seeing these discounts is bittersweet. 😅
Plugin Boutique also offers a free plugin with every purchase—this month’s options include Ujam’s Beatmaker VICE, Native Instruments’ Monark, or a mastering tutorial.
Don’t miss out! Hope you found this post helpful, and I’ll see you in the next one.
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