The 1176 compressor is a legendary analog audio compressor originally designed by Universal Audio (UA) in the 1960s. It is a classic piece of studio equipment that has been used on countless recordings over the years and is still highly sought after by recording engineers and top music producers today.
The 1176 compressor is a solid-state device that uses FET (Field Effect Transistor) technology to control the gain of an audio signal. It is known for its fast attack time, which allows it to quickly clamp down on transient peaks in the audio signal, and its musical-sounding compression, which adds warmth and character to the sound.
The 1176 has several different modes of operation, including a basic compression mode, a limiting mode, and an “all buttons in” mode that produces a highly colored, distorted sound. It has become a staple in recording studios around the world and is used on a wide range of instruments, including vocals, drums, guitars, and bass.
Although the original 1176 was discontinued in the 1980s, Universal Audio has continued to produce reissues and updated versions of the compressor, including the 1176LN and the 1176AE, which are highly regarded by audio professionals.
The 1176 compressor is a versatile tool that is good for a wide range of applications in music production, including:
Vocals: The 1176 is known for being one of the best compressors for vocals, due to its fast attack time and relatively slow release time. It can help to even out the volume of the vocal and add warmth and character to the sound.
Drums: The 1176 can be used on drums to add punch and presence to the sound. It can help to tame the transients of the drum hits and create a more consistent and powerful drum sound.
Bass: The 1176 can be used on bass to add sustain and depth to the sound. It can help to even out the volume of the bass and create a more solid and cohesive foundation for the mix.
Guitars: The 1176 can be used on electric guitars to add grit and aggression to the sound. It can help to create a more exciting and energetic guitar tone.
Mix bus: The 1176 can be used on the mix bus to add glue and cohesiveness to the mix. It can help to bring the different elements of the mix together and create a more polished and professional-sounding final product.
Mastering: The 1176 can be used in mastering to add density and impact to the final mix. It can help to bring out the details and nuances in the mix and create a more dynamic and exciting listening experience.
Overall, the 1176 is a versatile and powerful compressor that can be used in a variety of ways to shape and enhance the sound of music productions.
Who Use it
The 1176 compressor has been used by many famous recording producers and musicians over the years. Some notable users of the 1176 include:
Chris Lord-Alge: The Grammy-winning mixing engineer has used the 1176 on countless recordings, including those by Green Day, Muse, and U2.
Rick Rubin: The legendary producer has used the 1176 on many of his recordings, including those by Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Beastie Boys.
Nigel Godrich: The producer and engineer known for his work with Radiohead and Beck has used the 1176 on many of his recordings.
Jimmy Page: The Led Zeppelin guitarist reportedly used the 1176 on the band’s classic recordings.
Tom Petty: The late singer-songwriter reportedly used the 1176 on many of his recordings, including “Free Fallin'” and “I Won’t Back Down.”
David Gilmour: The Pink Floyd guitarist has used the 1176 on many of the band’s recordings, including “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb.”
These are just a few examples of the many artists and engineers who have used the 1176 compressor over the years. It is a versatile and widely respected piece of studio equipment that has made its mark on countless recordings in many different genres of music.
How to Use it
The 1176 compressor can be used in many different ways depending on the specific application and desired sound. Here are some general guidelines for using the 1176:
Set the input gain: The input gain controls how much of the signal is sent into the compressor. Set the input gain so that the loudest parts of the signal are hitting the compressor at the desired level.
Adjust the ratio: The ratio determines how much the compressor will reduce the level of the signal above the threshold. For subtle compression, use a low ratio (e.g. 2:1 or 4:1). For more aggressive compression, use a higher ratio (e.g. 8:1 or higher).
Set the attack and release times: The attack time determines how quickly the compressor reacts to the signal above the threshold, while the release time determines how quickly the compressor stops compressing when the signal falls below the threshold. Adjust these settings to achieve the desired amount of compression and to preserve the natural dynamics of the signal.
Adjust the output gain: The output gain controls the level of the compressed signal. Adjust the output gain so that the overall level of the signal matches the desired level for the mix.
Experiment with different modes: The 1176 has several different modes, including a basic compression mode, a limiting mode, and an “all buttons in” mode. Experiment with these different modes to achieve different colors and textures in the compressed signal.
It’s important to note that the 1176 compressor is an analog device, and as such, its behaviour can vary slightly from unit to unit. Additionally, the specific settings used will depend on the specific application and desired sound. As with all audio equipment, it’s important to use your ears and experiment to find the settings that work best for the given situation.
How much does it cost
The cost of an 1176 compressor can vary depending on the specific model and whether it is a vintage or modern unit. Here are some general price ranges for different models:
Vintage 1176: These are the original units produced by Universal Audio in the 1960s and 1970s. They can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the condition and age of the unit.
1176LN: This is a modern reissue of the original 1176 that was introduced by Universal Audio in the 1990s. The price for a new unit is around $2,500.
1176AE: This is a limited-edition version of the 1176 that was released by Universal Audio in 2013 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the compressor. The price for a new unit is around $4,000.
It’s important to note that there are also many clones and replicas of the 1176 available from other manufacturers, which can be considerably less expensive than the original units. However, the sound and build quality of these units can vary, so it’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
Where to find it
The 1176 compressor is available for purchase from a variety of sources, both new and used. Here are some places where you can find the 1176:
Manufacturer’s website: Universal Audio, the original manufacturer of the 1176, sells new units on their website (www.uaudio.com).
Authorized dealers: Many music equipment dealers are authorized to sell Universal Audio products, including the 1176. You can check the Universal Audio website for a list of authorized dealers in your area.
Used gear websites: There are many websites that specialize in buying and selling used music gear, including the 1176 compressor. Some popular sites include Reverb (www.reverb.com) and eBay (www.ebay.com).
Vintage gear dealers: There are also many dealers that specialize in vintage music gear, including vintage 1176 compressors. These dealers can often be found online or in major music cities.
Local music stores: Some music stores may carry new or used 1176 compressors, depending on their inventory and relationships with manufacturers.
It’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase, especially when buying a used unit. Additionally, be sure to buy from a reputable seller to ensure that you are getting a quality product.
Tips and Tricks
The 1176 compressor is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways to achieve different sounds and effects. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of the 1176:
Parallel compression: One popular technique is to use parallel compression, also known as New York compression. This involves sending a copy of the signal to a separate track or bus, compressing it heavily with the 1176, and then blending it back in with the dry signal. This can add depth and punch to the sound while preserving the natural dynamics of the original signal.
“All buttons in” mode: The “all buttons in” mode is a unique setting on the 1176 that can create a distinctive, aggressive sound. This involves engaging all four ratio buttons and setting the attack and release times to their fastest settings. This can be useful for adding energy and excitement to drums, guitars, and other instruments.
Distortion and saturation: The 1176 can be used to add subtle distortion and saturation to a signal. This can be achieved by setting the input gain high and allowing the signal to clip the input transformer. This can add warmth and character to the sound, especially on vocals and guitars.
Sidechain compression: The 1176 can also be used for sidechain compression, which involves using a separate signal to trigger the compressor. This can be useful for creating pumping or breathing effects, or for shaping the dynamics of a particular element in a mix.
Mid-side processing: The 1176 can also be used in mid-side processing, which involves processing the mid and side channels of a stereo signal separately. This can be useful for shaping the stereo image of a mix and creating space and dimension.
It’s important to note that these techniques should be used judiciously and with a careful ear. Always listen to the results and adjust settings as necessary to achieve the desired sound.
FAQ
Is 1176 it good for vocals?
Yes, the 1176 compressor is an excellent tool for processing vocals. It has a reputation for being one of the best compressors for vocals, and it has been used on countless classic recordings over the years.
The 1176 is particularly well-suited for vocals because it has a fast attack time and a relatively slow release time, which allows it to grab and tame transients while maintaining the natural dynamics of the vocal performance. This can help to even out the volume of the vocal and make it sit more comfortably in the mix.
Additionally, the 1176 has a distinctive sound that can add warmth, character, and presence to a vocal. The input and output transformers in the unit can add subtle harmonic distortion and saturation, which can help to give the vocal a rich, full-bodied sound.
It’s worth noting that there are many different settings and techniques for using the 1176 on vocals, and the best approach will depend on the particular song and vocal performance.
Some engineers prefer to use light compression with a fast attack time to smooth out the vocal, while others prefer to use more aggressive compression with slower attack and release times to add character and excitement. Experimentation and careful listening are key to achieving the best results with the 1176 on vocals.
Is the 1176 a compressor or limiter?
The 1176 is a compressor, but it can also function as a limiter.
The 1176 is a type of peak limiter, which means that it is designed to prevent audio signals from exceeding a certain level, known as the threshold. When the signal exceeds the threshold, the 1176 applies gain reduction to the signal, effectively limiting its maximum level.
However, the 1176 is primarily known as a compressor because it is typically used to apply varying amounts of gain reduction to a signal based on its level. This can help to even out the volume of the signal and make it sit more comfortably in the mix.
The 1176 has a distinctive sound that is prized by many engineers for its ability to add warmth, character, and presence to a signal.
So while the 1176 can be used as a limiter, it is primarily a compressor and is most commonly used in this capacity in music production.
Which is the best 1176?
There is no one “best” 1176 compressor, as different models and revisions of the 1176 can have slightly different sonic characteristics and features that appeal to different users. Here are a few popular versions of the 1176:
Rev A: The earliest version of the 1176, known for its distinctive sound and slightly slower attack time.
Rev D: This version of the 1176 is often regarded as the “classic” 1176, with a faster attack time and a slightly brighter sound.
Rev E: This version of the 1176 introduced several improvements over the previous models, including lower noise and distortion, and a wider range of compression settings.
1176LN: This is a modern reissue of the classic 1176 design, with updated components and improved build quality.
Ultimately, the “best” 1176 compressor for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific sound you’re looking to achieve. It’s worth trying out different versions of the 1176 and comparing them to find the one that works best for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1176 compressor is a powerful tool that has been used to shape the sound of countless classic recordings over the years. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a beginner music producer, the 1176 is a compressor that you should definitely have in your toolkit.
We hope that this article has given you some valuable insights into the history, design, and uses of the 1176 compressor. If you want to learn more about music production and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the field, be sure to keep visiting our blog for more informative articles and resources. Happy mixing!