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The Universal Audio / Urei 1176 compressor has become a studio legend since its introduction in 1967. Created by audio pioneer Bill Putnam Sr., the 1176 was a groundbreaking design, replacing the tube-based 176 limiter with solid-state technology to achieve lightning-fast attack times. This combination of speed and precision, along with its distinctive "all-buttons-in" mode, made the 1176 a favorite for taming vocals, drums, and other dynamic sources, all while adding a unique tonal character.
The 1176 quickly carved out a reputation as one of the most versatile and musical compressors in recording history. Over the decades, its simple yet powerful design has continued to inspire, and as a result, many manufacturers have developed modern reproductions of this iconic compressor, each bringing their own take on the timeless design.
In this blog, we'll dive into some of today’s most popular 1176-style compressors, from meticulously recreated hardware units to powerful plug-ins. Whether you're looking to capture the magic of the original in your studio or explore new variations of the FET compression sound, we've rounded up a range of options that cater to all budgets and workflows. Let's dive in!
Price: $35.99
Released in 2010 as part of the Chris Lord-Alge Signature Series, Waves' CLA-76 is one of the most affordable 1176-style plug-ins on the market. In addition to the standard controls, the CLA-76 features a dedicated "all-buttons-in" mode, options to replicate the 50 or 60-cycle hum of European or American audio gear, and options to toggle between the original "Bluestripe" and "Blackface" models.
Price: $79
IK Multimedia's Black 76 compressor is based on the 1176 Rev E, prized for combining the Class A circuitry of early models with an additional power transformer to switch between 110v and 220v. Black 76 also features two updates not found on the original 1176; switchable Left/Right and Mid/Side modes, and a selectable gain reduction bypass switch, enabling you to impart the unit's signature FET sound on any source without applying compression.
Price: $150
Arturia's COMP FET-76 takes things to a whole new level with a host of versatile features including advanced sidechain controls, dedicated high- and low-pass filters, a one-band equalizer, an adjustable compression range, and an innovative "Time Warp" function that lets you adjust the placement of the compression envelope as it engages and releases.
Price: $299
Who better to create an authentic 1176 plug-in than the brand behind the original hardware units? Universal Audio's 1176 Classic Limiter collection includes three variants of the legendary FET limiter, each with its own sonic attributes.
The Rev A “Bluestripe” plug-in is based on the original Putnam FET limiter design, which offers higher distortion and unique FET gain amplifier characteristics. The Rev E “Blackface” is based on Brad Plunkett's “LN” (Low Noise) design of the early '70s, which offers a more linear compression response and transistor gain amplification. Finally, the 1176AE is based on UA’s rare 1176 40th Anniversary Edition, which features exclusive mods including a lower 2:1 compression ratio.
Price: $199
Audio engineers aren't the only ones who appreciate the gritty tones and biting compression of the 1176. Universal Audio's UAFX 1176 pedal captures the authentic sound of the brand's beloved FET compressor in a compact and versatile pedal. In addition to the familiar controls of the original, the UAFX 1176 pedal includes four modes of operation; Single mode for straight-ahead clean sounds, Dual mode for classic crunch, Sustain mode for soaring melodies, and Parallel mode for complex signal chains.
Price: $699
Bluey 500 is a 500 Series version of Black Lion Audio's popular Bluey, which itself is a modified "Bluestripe" compressor based on Chris Lord-Alge's most prized 1176. To capture the sound of the original, Black Lion fully recreated CLA's console’s insert path inside Bluey 500 and added two custom Cinemag transformers. Plus, Bluey 500 features a Wet/Dry mix knob for parallel compression, just like CLA's modded rack unit.
Price: $895
If you love the sound of the 1176 but wish it offered a bit more flexibility, the IGS Audio Alter 500 may be the compressor for you. In addition to the standard ratios available on the original unit, Alter 500 offers a subtle 2:1 ratio that works great for mix bus compression, as well as a 1:1 ratio setting that enables you to color signals using the custom Carnhill output transformer without actually applying any compression.
Unlike the original 1176, which features sweepable attack and release times, Alter 500 uses a 3-pole switch for selecting Fast/Mid/Slow attack and release times. A second switch can be used to engage Slam mode at any ratio, offering a wide range of unique sounds not available on the original models.
Price: $1200
If you're looking for a 500 Series FET compressor that's a little closer to the original 1176, check out the BAE 500C. Just like the vintage models, the BAE 500C features variable controls for attack and release, a “fixed” threshold, and an array of useful compression ratios. Equipped with BAE’s proprietary discreet 2520-style op-amps and output transformer, the 500C delivers transparent, warm sound.
The 500C also sports a couple of new features not found in the original, including a push-button high-pass filter at 125 Hz and a GR Off button, which disables the gain reduction feature, giving your signals a thick, rich analog tone without any of the compression.
Price: $1399
True to its name, Serpent Audio's Splice SA76 splices sounds from two classic 1176 revisions. Splice-500’s unique mode switching allows you to switch between vintage Bluestripe (Rev A) or classic Blackface (Rev E) circuits at the push of a button. Plus, Splice-500 can also mix and match the two for entirely new sounds called “Blueface” and "Blackstripe." Additional features include an additional 2:1 ratio setting, switchable Slam mode, optional high-pass filter, Wet/Dry knob for parallel compression, and stereo linking capabilities.
Price: $399
Moving up to the full-sized 19" rack unit category, Lindell Audio's LIN 76 is the most affordable option on our list. But don't let its price tag fool you, the Lin 76 has been carefully designed to recreate the timbres of nuances of vintage-era '76-style FET compressors.
Based on the beloved Rev E "Blackface" models, Warm Audio's WA76 uses all discrete, through-hole components, high-quality CineMag input and output transformers, and Class A circuitry that stays true to the original vintage designs.
Price: $1499
Perhaps the most advanced compressor on our list, WesAudio's NG76 is a "next-generation" all-analog FET compressor with full digital recall. In addition to the standard controls for Input, Output, Attack, and Release, NG76 features a dedicated Wet/Dry knob for parallel compression, a selectable side-chain filter, and a dedicated Saturation mode for adding subtle harmonics to your tracks.
WesAudio also makes the BETA76, another 1176-style compressor featuring Modern and Vintage modes but does not include digital recall functionality.
Price: $1850
The purple box that launched a series of affordable vintage recreations, Purple Audio's MC77 was first introduced in 1997 and has been a studio staple ever since. The MC77 painstakingly recreates the coveted Rev E model using high-quality modern components and introduces several new improvements such as True Bypass, improved stereo linking, and a dedicated side chain insert.
Price: $2590
Unlike the other outboard units on this list, the Overstayer Stereo Field Effect only takes up a single rack space. However, as soon as you use one, you'll realize that big things come in small packages. In addition to the standard controls, the Stereo Field Effect includes discrete harmonics circuitry to add rich color and character, a Nonlinear mode for extreme punch, a built-in side-chain filter, a Wet/Dry knob for parallel compression, and additional ratio settings.
Price: $2999
Last but not least, we have an authentic recreation of the legendary 1176 Rev E from the originators themselves, Universal Audio. A faithful recreation of UA founder Bill Putnam Sr.’s visionary design, the 1176LN is true to the original in nearly every way, right down to the custom-designed output transformer.
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