1176 Classic Limiter Collection
by Universal Audio · Compressor · FET
vst3s Score 9.3/10 · rated #2 of 10 compressors
Universal Audio owns the 1176 name, and this collection models three revisions of Bill Putnam's FET limiter: the original Rev A "Bluestripe", the early-'70s low-noise Rev E, and the 1176AE anniversary edition with its extra 2:1 ratio.
The fast attack grabs vocal consonants and snare hits before they poke out, and the all-buttons mode turns room mics into something explosive. Plug-in extras include Headroom, a Mix knob for parallel compression and a side-chain filter. It runs natively on macOS and Windows or on Apollo and UAD-2 hardware.
Best for: Vocals, Drums, Bass, Guitars. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: FET, vocals, parallel processing, hardware emulation, bass, drums, built-in mix knob, room mics, sidechain input, 60s, classic, snare, aggressive, electric guitar, gritty, kick, licensed emulation, punchy, smooth, 70s, circuit-modelled, clean, colored, gentle, heavy, mixing, modern, pumping, single-band, transformer, vintage.
What it does
Universal Audio's 1176 Classic Limiter Collection models three hardware revisions of the 1176 FET limiter at circuit level, including the FET gain-reduction stage, the input and output amplifiers and the output transformer.
- Rev A "Bluestripe" (1967): the original, aggressive and harmonically coloured design.
- Rev E "Blackface": the low-noise version UA calls the most versatile.
- 1176AE Anniversary Edition: adds a gentle 2:1 ratio and a slow 10 ms attack option.
Each version has the familiar controls: Input (which sets both threshold and drive) and Output, very fast attack, program-dependent release, ratio buttons including the famous all-buttons-in mode, and a setting that passes audio through the circuit for its tone without compressing.
- Modern additions: a Headroom control that trades saturation for a cleaner response, a Mix knob for parallel compression, and a sidechain filter that reduces low-end pumping.
- Presets: from engineers including Andrew Scheps, Ed Cherney and Joe Chiccarelli.
Source: Universal Audio product page
When to use it
The 1176 is a fast FET compressor chosen for punch and attitude rather than transparency. This collection's edge over other 1176 plugins is three distinct revisions in one package, plus the Mix, Headroom and sidechain controls the hardware lacks.
- Best for: making vocals, snare, kick, bass and guitars jump forward, and for crushed all-buttons room mics and parallel drums.
- Which model: the Rev A's grit is a favourite for aggressive rock vocals; the smoother AE suits subtle glue.
- Genres: a fixture of rock and pop records. UA points to its use by Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley and Radiohead.
What producers say
Users rate it very highly: about 4.9 out of 5 from more than 1,300 reviews on UA's site, and 4.8 from over 1,600 ratings at Plugin Boutique.
- What people like: its punch, the value of three models in one, and a light CPU load.
- SonicScoop's shootout: Rev A adds grit to bass and aggression to drums; the AE was the reviewer's favourite on vocals, smoother but with more attitude.
- Common settings: fast attack and medium release on individual drums, around 4:1 on vocals, all-buttons on room mics, and the Mix knob for parallel bass and kick.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $29
- Universal Audio: $29
- Sweetwater: $29 (regular $149) (Sale price through Sep 30, 2026)
- Plugin Boutique: $29 (regular $199)
- PluginFox: $29 (regular $149)
- AudioDeluxe: $29 (regular $149)
Tutorials and reviews
- UA 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection | UAD Quick Tips (Universal Audio)
- UAD Spotlight: 1176 Compressor | Complete Tutorial & Collection Walkthrough
- Tips & Tricks — 1176 Classic Limiter Collection Plug-Ins
- Extended Review of Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection
- Universal Audio 1176 Collection vs Hardware 1176
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