26-03-2021

1176 Plugin

1176LN / 1176SE Limiting Amplifier by Universal Audio is a Virtual Effect Audio Plugin for macOS and Windows. It functions as a VST Plugin, an Audio Units Plugin, an RTAS Plugin and an AAX Plugin. UAD Hardware is required. Plug-in, App & Soundware Format (s). Updates & Drivers; Updates & Drivers. Universal Audio 1176 Compressor Legacy Update (PC/Mac) This is the latest update of the UA 1176 Compressor Plugin for Legacy VS recorders (VS-1680/1880/1824CD).

1176 Plugin Free
1176 Compressor Waves
Best 1176 Plugin 2020

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The human voice is one of the most dynamic musical instruments, and therefore presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. Here are the plugin compressors that I find myself using most frequently when I mix vocals.

1. The 1176/LA2A Combo

Plugin emulations of these two classic compressors are a dime a dozen. While I have my own preferences, most on the market are pretty great and are mostly faithful to their hardware counterparts, and at a fraction of the cost. Individually, they’re wonderful tools for mixing vocals, but when used in series (and in a specific way) they’re on a whole new level (pun intended).

Mix Tip:

Start with the 1176, and set it so that only the loudest passages of the vocal performance are being compressed. A medium-to-fast attack/release should do the trick, and tweak the input/ratio so you see the desired amount of Gain Reduction. Next, insert an instance of the LA2A after the 1176, and set the Peak Reduction knob so that you’re getting a couple of dB of compression at any given moment.

The idea is that the faster or “grabbier” 1176 handles and tames the loudest peaks so that the LA2A is never pushed too hard and can focus on general, consistent compression duties. The resulting sound is smooth, warm and natural. If you’ve never done this — try it now. If you’re more of a visual learner, below is a video of the technique being applied.

Compression Basics: 1176 into LA-2A on Vocals + CL1-B on Keyboards

1176 Plugin Free

2. FabFilter Pro-C 2

FabFilter has a different approach than most plugin companies. While most are creating tools that faithfully mimic the sonics and controls of tried-and-true hardware units, FabFilter has always been more interested in developing state-of-the-art plugins, complete with highly scientific visual interfaces and endlessly tweakable parameters.

For surgical work, which I find myself doing often when mixing vocals, they’re indispensable tools. If you’re interested in learning what compression actually does, the Pro-C 2 is a fantastic learning tool. The eight distinct compression “styles” built into the Pro- C 2 (including one especially for vocals) really place it head-and-shoulders above the competition when it comes to versatility.

Mix Tip:

In Pro Tools, I route all of my audio tracks through one of several sub-aux tracks. Generally, these auxes consist of Drums, other instruments, vocals and effects. I insert the Pro- C 2 on the instrument buss and using the vocal signal to trigger sidechain compression, subtly duck everything around the vocals. I’m not talking intense, EDM-style pumping, I’m talking one to two dB of gain reduction at most. This technique helps establish a defined space for the vocals, as instruments like guitars and synthesizers sometimes occupy the same frequency range as singers. I also use the kick and snare to trigger compression if they need to be a bit more prominent.

Introduction to FabFilter Pro-C 2 compressor

3. UAD Distressor

The Distressor is one of the most flexible hardware compressors, offering a lot of dynamic and tonal control over whatever you run through it. It’s one of those units that can be used transparently, but has a very distinct sound when it’s pushed.

I commonly apply well over 10 dB of Gain Reduction on vocals with this thing, and it still sounds awesome. Very few compressors can handle this kind of abuse while still sounding natural. The UAD version meticulously emulates all of the features of this wonderful unit, and in addition, incorporates the all-important Dry/Wet blend knob.

UAD Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor on Drums, Bass, Vocals & More

Mix Tip:

Use the “band emphasis function” of the detector for taming harshness. What this does is make the unit more sensitive to nasty, mid-range frequencies. For singers that have a build-up in the mids, this feature really takes the edge off.

4. Softube/UAD Tube-Tech CL 1B

Another sought-after hardware unit that has been faithfully reproduced, available as a Softube Native plugin, and also for those of us that have UAD Hardware. When I want to achieve a smooth, warm sound, quickly, I reach for the CL 1B. If I’m in a pinch and don’t feel like going through the 1176/LA-2A gain-staging process, this is my go-to.

Mix Tip:

The Softube Native version has a sidechain option, so I use it similarly to the FabFilter Pro-C 2 method mentioned earlier. The CL 1B is not as precise — but is a great option when you’d like to add a bit of color to your signal.

UAD Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor Plug-In by Softube Trailer

5. Waves V-Comp

Modeled after a vintage Neve 2254 Unit, but updated with some more modern features, I find myself using the V-Comp for pretty particular applications. It doesn’t work on every singer, but when it does work, it’s a special sound. It’s not as precise and variable timing-wise as the other compressors here, but sometimes it’s just what a vocal needs. The De-esser makes it even more vocal-friendly.

Mix Tip:

The V-Comp is great for achieving an upfront sound. If you want your vocal to pop and sit closer to the listener than other elements, the V-Comp is my go-to. That said, it takes some tweaking to achieve what you want, but when you hit the sweet-spot with the V-Comp, you’ll know.

Eddie Kramer on Modeled Plugins and Waves V-Series

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A software developer in Germany is claiming to have modelled an 1176 compressor and made a plugin for use in any DAW that supports AU, VST and AAX.

Klaus Mann, a developer, based in Norderstedt just outside Hamburg in Germany, made the bold claim on a closed internet forum. However, the information was leaked before it was taken down.

It has been a long-held wish of audio professionals and enthusiasts since the creation of the original 1176 hardware by audio legend Bill Putnam in 1968 for someone to make a plugin version. Until now, no developer has attempted to make an 1176 compressor.

Mann, a solo developer, who also claims to be the only developer in the world never to have worked at Avid, Universal Audio or Native Instruments, says his claim is entirely true and will be releasing it later this year.

Responses to the claim have been scathing with one person saying; 'This is nothing more than vapourware if you could make an 1176 plugin then don't you think someone would have already done it?'

1176 Compressor Waves

Another member of the closed forum was equally scathing; 'He makes these claims all the time, he told us that it was also possible to make a Pultec EQ plugin, he must be smoking something.'

Best 1176 Plugin 2020

One well-known developer who spoke to us on the condition they remained anonymous said; 'An 1176 plugin emulation is rarer than the original hardware. If Mann has made one and can get it out before any other software developer thinks of it, then he'll have a winner on his hands.'

We reached out to Mann for comment who declined but would only say; 'I'm too busy working on other ideas of hard to find gear. I’ve found an old limiter in the back cupboard of a school that was made by a student as part of the school PA system. Once everyone demos that plugin it will bring back memories of a sound they've never heard before!'