Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Plugin Boutique
4.8 (625)
$149.00
Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$129.00
Thomann
4.4 (5)
$116.00 $115.00 $1.00

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Pulsar 1178". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of vintage sound with the Pulsar 1178, an emulated marvel that brings the legendary FET compressor's magic right into your DAW. Designed for those who demand precision and character, this plugin not only mirrors the tonal brilliance of the original hardware but goes above and beyond with modern enhancements. The Pulsar 1178 is a transient-taming powerhouse, perfect for adding a distinct edge to your mixes. Whether it's infusing your drum room with aggressive energy or giving vocals the punch they need to stand out, you'll revel in the versatility and control this plugin offers.

Equipped with a full sidechain EQ and four unique saturation modes — Tape, Triode, Warm, and Clip — the Pulsar 1178 elevates your sound crafting with its innovative features. Its transparent yet dynamic compression is ideal for everything from subtle dynamic shaping to full-blown signal smashing. The advanced metering system provides clear insights into your dynamics, ensuring every element of your mix is perfectly balanced.

For producers and engineers who crave the authentic touch of a classic with the adaptability of modern technology, the Pulsar 1178 is a game-changer. It’s not just a plugin; it’s a bridge to the iconic soundscapes of the past, now accessible to creators on every level. Dive into the realm of unparalleled sound control and discover what the Pulsar 1178 can do for your music.

Key Features:

  • Emulated and enhanced version of a legendary FET compressor
  • Transparent sound with aggressive peak-eating behavior
  • Lookahead limiting for proactive transient detection
  • Full-featured sidechain EQ and external sidechain input
  • Four saturation modes: Tape, Triode, Warm, and Clip
  • Mid-side processing capability
  • Modern metering with peak, RMS, and scrolling views
  • Compatible with AAX Native, VST 2.4, VST 3, and Audio Unit formats

Product specs

Available since May 2021
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Delay No
Dynamics Yes
Effect Filter No
Encoder/Decoder No
Equalizer No
Guitar amps/-effects No
Channel Strip No
Metering / Analysis / Correction No
Modulation Effects No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host No
Overdrive/Distortion No
Preamp / Saturation No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter No
Restauration No
Reverb No
Special FX No
Summer / Mixing Consoles No
Tape Simulation No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching No
Transient Processing No
Vocoder / Vocal effect No
Mastering Tools Yes
Hardware Controller No
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FAQs

What makes the Pulsar 1178 compressor plugin unique compared to other compressors?

The Pulsar 1178 emulates the classic 1176 hardware compressor with a modern twist, offering precise control over dynamics and a unique character that enhances both subtle and aggressive compression tasks.

Is the Pulsar 1178 suitable for mastering applications?

Yes, the Pulsar 1178 is designed with mastering tools in mind, providing transparent compression and a range of controls that are ideal for fine-tuning the dynamics of a mix.

Does the Pulsar 1178 plugin support sidechain compression?

Yes, the Pulsar 1178 supports sidechain compression, allowing users to create dynamic mixes by ducking audio signals based on an external input source.

Can the Pulsar 1178 be used with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?

The Pulsar 1178 is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, ensuring seamless integration into your existing workflow.

How does the Pulsar 1178 handle different audio sources, such as vocals or drums?

The Pulsar 1178 excels at processing a variety of audio sources, offering both smooth and aggressive compression settings that suit vocals, drums, and other instruments effectively.

Puremix

Puremix

The Great Big Plugin Show | @PulsarPlugins 1178 most versatile compressor EVER ?

Video thumbnail for The Great Big Plugin Show |  @PulsarPlugins 1178 most versatile compressor EVER ? by Puremix

The Great Big Plugin Show | @PulsarPlugins 1178 most versatile compressor EVER ?

Puremix

Puremix

Video thumbnail for Pulsar 1178, the most versatile FET compressor! by Pulsar Audio

Pulsar 1178, the most versatile FET compressor!

Pulsar Audio

Pulsar Audio

Video thumbnail for Pulsar 1178 - Feature walkthrough by Pulsar Audio

Pulsar 1178 - Feature walkthrough

Pulsar Audio

Pulsar Audio

Video thumbnail for $4000 Vintage Compressor finally gets a Sim! by SpectreSoundStudios

$4000 Vintage Compressor finally gets a Sim!

SpectreSoundStudios

SpectreSoundStudios

Video thumbnail for Pulsar - 1178 - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week by Mixing With Mike

Pulsar - 1178 - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week

Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike

Video thumbnail for Pulsar 1178, the most versatile FET compressor! by Pulsar Audio

Pulsar 1178, the most versatile FET compressor!

Pulsar Audio

Pulsar Audio

Video thumbnail for is this an 1176 on steroids? | Plugin VS Hardware | UREI 1178 vs Pulsar 1178 by Thomas van Opstal

is this an 1176 on steroids? | Plugin VS Hardware | UREI 1178 vs Pulsar 1178

Thomas van Opstal

Thomas van Opstal

Video thumbnail for Pulsar 1178 VS Hardware by Pulsar Audio

Pulsar 1178 VS Hardware

Pulsar Audio

Pulsar Audio

Video thumbnail for YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS.... -  PULSAR 1178 by Studio Life

YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS.... - PULSAR 1178

Studio Life

Studio Life

Reviews

PROS

  • Achieves higher quality than older compression plugins according to some users

  • Reminds users of hardware units in terms of behavior and sound

  • Sounds particularly good on acoustic guitar

  • Installation is straightforward and the software is stable

  • Acceptable CPU usage during operation

CONS

  • Lacks a threshold control, making the clipper function less useful

  • Saturation feature is limited, often feels all-or-nothing

  • Does not hit as hard as other FET plugins

  • Feels like a 'jack of all trades, master of none' product

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pulsar 1178.

Features and functionality

  • Pulsar 1178 offers auto-gain, a compensated drive knob, and two tube flavors, enhancing tone shaping versatility compared to some other plugins.

    Source
  • The plugin's display is praised for clearly showing real-time compression activity, a feature often missing in physical gear models.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users with Apple Silicon M1 Macs report tracking with Pulsar 1178 at lower latency than UAD Apollo setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners prefer Pulsar's code efficiency and resource management, particularly appreciating the low CPU usage compared to UAD plugins.

    Source
  • Owners report that despite not needing another 1176-style compressor, the 1178 becomes indispensable after use, frequently appearing in subsequent projects.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Pulsar's Massive Passive plugin includes features like auto-gain and compensated drive, which are not present in UAD's version, offering a different user experience.

    Source
  • Although it's a compressor, the distortion modes receive mixed reactions, with some users preferring standalone plugins for distortion tasks.

    Source
  • Users note that the 1178 is crisper and cleaner compared to Black Rooster VFET and Arturia 1176, offering more versatility without sacrificing punch.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Pulsar plugins are favored by sound designers for game audio due to their feature richness and versatility in tone shaping.

    Source
  • Owners highlight its effectiveness on vocals, drums, bass, and busses, noting its snappy response akin to the 1176.

    Source
  • The presets are considered particularly useful, indicating target gain reduction, which some users find lacking in other compressor plugins.

    Source
  • The 1178 is praised for its flexibility in different projects, often becoming a go-to choice for users seeking a clean, punchy sound without excessive coloration.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One user suggests the price might drop to €59 during Black Friday, indicating potential future savings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Pulsar 1178

soundonsound.com

Pulsar 1178 takes the classic FET compressor design and amplifies it with modern digital conveniences. Its standout feature is the extensive four-band side-chain EQ, which provides impressive control over compression effects. While the saturation options are diverse and useful, some settings can make sounds overly 'flabby.' However, the overall tonal quality is solid, and the user-friendly interface, complete with helpful tooltips, makes it accessible for beginners. Though it may not revolutionize your sound, its thoughtful design and versatility make it a compelling choice for those seeking a capable, feature-rich compressor plugin.

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