UNIVERSAL AUDIO / 1176LN

The limiter sound has been loved by many people, both then and now. It remains a staple compressor in studios. From natural limiting on vocals and acoustic guitars to hard limiting with distortion via the input, and the four-button press, the 1176 produces a unique sound that can only be achieved with this unit.

■Compressor

Released in 1967, the 1176 Limiting Amplifier offers an astonishingly fast attack and release time, a musical Class A output stage, and a wide range of sounds, from delicate and transparent compression to driven sounds and distortion. Universal Audio's 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier faithfully reproduces the original, distinctive design developed by Bill Putnam Sr., and is a part of audio history, having been used in recordings by Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and others.

Rich Tones, Colorful Compressor

The 1176's main selling point is its ultra-fast attack time, which is just 20 μS (0.00002 seconds) at its fastest setting. This performs exceptionally well for all types of programming. However, engineers quickly realized that the 1176's circuitry imparted character and vibe to the signal. Some engineers even used the 1176 with the compression turned off to achieve its distinctive tone. The unit's amplifier and transformer add a ""hot"" quality to every sound that passes through it.

Recreating the Legend

When Bill Putnam, Jr. rebuilt Universal Audio in 1999, the company's first product was a recreation of the Blackface 1176 LN. Re-released in 2000, it was designed based on revisions C, D, and E of the classic 1176. As one of the most important aspects of recreating the sound of the original hardware, the number of windings in the final line-out amplifier circuit supplying the feedback signal was increased to faithfully reproduce the original output transformer. Bill Putnam Jr. found a wide range of design notes that allowed him to recreate and improve upon his father's original design.

Push-Button Magic

One of the 1176's famous features is the ability to select the ratio from 4:1 and 8:1 for compression, and 12:1 and 20:1 for limiting, using a push button. The 1176 offers a wide range of settings, from 4:1 to an ""all-button"" mode where all ratio buttons are pressed simultaneously. This allows for unique sounds not found in other processors. With a stable slope and lagtime that responds to early transients, distortion increases, creating a sound reminiscent of a room microphone on drums, or you can tighten bass, electric guitar, or vocals to center the mix.


An irreplaceable and unique existence

Each unit is built and tested to an uncompromising level by skilled Universal Audio staff. This Universal Audio classic version of the 1176LN meticulously captures the nuances of the original, faithfully reproducing its distinctive sound.


■Key Features

* Faithful to the original 1176 design, manufacturing methods, and performance

* Models the 1176LN, Blackface model, revisions D and E

* Ultra-fast attack time - 20 msec to 800 msec

* Class A line-level output amplifier

* Custom-built Putnam-designed output transformer

* Stereo operation possible

■Specifications

Input Impedance: 600 Ω, Bridge-T control (floating)

Output Load Impedance: 600 Ω, Floating, Damping Factor 20

External Connections: Jones Barrier terminal and XLR terminal

Frequency Response: ±1 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Gain: 50 dB

Distortion: THD less than 0.5% (limited) at 50 Hz to 15 kHz

S/N Ratio: 70 dB or higher at +10 dBm

Attack Time: 20 μSec to 800 μSec

Release Time: 50 mSec to 1.1 Sec

Stereo Interaction: Uses 1176 SA network accessory (sold separately)

Meters: dB Gain Reduction, dB Output

Power Supply: 120V

Operating Environment: Maximum operating humidity 160°F

Dimensions: 48.26(W) x 8.89(H) x 31.12(D) cm (2U)

Weight: 5kg

*The adjustment trim below the VU meter is for 0VU fine adjustment in +4 and +8 modes.

*This product is 120V specification, but will also operate on 100V.