Universal Audio 1176 LN Classic Limiting Amplifier

The Universal Audio 1176 LN is a hand-built reissue of the iconic "limiting amplifier" that has defined the sound of countless hit records since the 1960s. Featuring colorful transistor circuitry, ultra-responsive dynamics, and the original four ratio buttons with optional "nuke" setting, the 1176LN delivers classic tone. Universal Audio's modern reissue revives the legendary sound of the original hardware while enhancing its reliability with hand-built quality you can trust.

COLORFUL FET-STYLE COMPRESSION

The 1176LN limiting amplifier’s FET transistor circuitry injects its famously musical character and rich tone into every track. Though it can provide relatively transparent compression, the 1176 really shines when you crank up the gain reduction and embrace its analog coloration. In the right hands, this iconic FET compressor and peak limiter delivers the fat, punchy sounds heard on famous recordings by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and countless others.

ULTRA-FAST ATTACK/RELEASE TIMES

Thanks to its "feedback" signal routing, the Universal Audio 1176 LN boasts extremely responsive attack time and release speeds. With ultra-fast attack times as low as 20 microseconds, the 1176 can act as a true peak limiter to catch initial transients to avoid clipping and distortion. The variable release controls allow you to tailor the reaction time for a smooth envelope or aggressive pumping effects.

PUSH-BUTTON-SELECTABLE RATIOS & "ALL BUTTONS IN" MODE

One of the standout features of this classic limiting amplifier is its push-button ratio controls, which include settings for 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 gain reduction. These four settings allow you to easily switch between moderate compression and extreme limiting action, providing flexibility for almost any recording or mixing application. Pushing all four ratio buttons at once engages the extreme "nuke" or "British Mode" compression that helped make the 1176 compressor famous. Whether you need subtle vocal leveling or bombastic pumping and distortion on your drum bus, the 1176 LN delivers.

REVIVING THE LEGENDARY 1176 COMPRESSOR

Bill Putnam, Jr. relaunched Universal Audio in 1999 to revive his father's legacy, and no product is more synonymous with that legacy than the 1176 limiting amplifier. From the input circuitry to the output stage, this faithful recreation of the classic limiting amplifier stays true to the sound and features that made it one of the most famous pieces of gear in audio history. Make your next studio purchase a piece of music history with Bill Putnam's original masterpiece.