Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,703
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier is a testament to modern engineering meeting classic design. This exceptional piece of studio gear revives the revered 1176 Rev. E circuit, offering the iconic sound that engineers and producers have cherished for decades. With its lightning-fast response time, the MC77 excels at everything from subtle dynamics control to full-on brickwall limiting. Whether you're sculpting punchy bass lines or adding clarity to lead vocals, the MC77's Class-A discrete design ensures huge, authentic tones.
But Purple Audio didn't stop at replication; they've integrated contemporary features that make the MC77 a versatile studio tool. The inclusion of sidechain functionality and stereo linking options transforms this classic limiter into a modern powerhouse. Its intuitive controls and robust build make it equally at home in professional studios or high-end home setups.
For musicians and audio professionals seeking a reliable, transformative limiting amplifier that melds vintage charm with modern advancements, the MC77 is a must-have. Its capacity to deliver pristine audio quality while maintaining the character of the original unit makes it an invaluable asset in any recording arsenal.
Key Features:
- Recreation of the iconic 1176 Rev. E solid-state limiting amplifier
- Class-A discrete transistor audio path
- Transformer-balanced XLR inputs and outputs
- Compression ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1
- Fast Attack Time: 20 to 800 microseconds
- Release Time: 50 milliseconds to 1.1 second
- Sidechain input and stereo linking capabilities
- True bypass via sealed relay
- Purple-anodized aluminum front panel
- Heavy-gauge steel chassis for durability
- Switchable 115V/230V operation
- 3-year warranty
Product specs
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Controls | Input, Output, Attack, Release, Ratio (Buttons) |
| Ratio | 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1 |
| Inputs | 1 x XLR, 1 x TRS |
| Outputs | 1 x XLR, 1 x TRS |
| Sidechain I/O | Yes (With Front-panel Switch) |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 8" |
| Width | 19" |
FAQs
-
What type of audio sources is the Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier best suited for?
-
The Purple Audio MC77 is ideal for vocals, drums, and bass guitar, offering classic FET compression that enhances presence and punch in these audio sources.
-
How does the sidechain feature on the Purple Audio MC77 work?
-
The MC77 includes a sidechain input with a front-panel switch, allowing external audio signals to control the compression, which is useful for ducking effects or frequency-dependent compression.
-
What are the available ratio settings on the Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier?
-
The MC77 offers four ratio settings: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1, providing flexibility for different levels of compression intensity.
-
Is the Purple Audio MC77 compatible with modern studio setups?
-
Yes, the MC77 features both XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of modern studio equipment for easy integration.
-
Can the Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier be used for stereo applications?
-
The MC77 is a mono unit, but it can be used in stereo applications by linking two units together for consistent compression across both channels.
Videos
Hardcore Music Studio
SAME COMPRESSOR, 4 BUDGETS (Can you hear a difference?)
Reviews
PROS
-
Better and cheaper alternative to UAD
-
Faithfully replicates vintage 1176 sound
-
High-quality build ensures longevity
-
Consistent sound across multiple units
-
Excellent for live voice applications
-
Fastest attack setting effectively limits peaks
-
Adds warmth and weight to thin signals
-
Versatile, from natural to heavily compressed sounds
-
Serves well as a preamp, enhancing clarity
CONS
-
Adds coloration, not ideal for transparent compression
-
Some find the added warmth in low mids too much
-
Competing clones offer similar performance at lower prices
-
Extra features not seen as significantly innovative
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier.
Comparisons
-
The Purple Audio MC77 closely rivals the vintage Blackface, offering similar performance at a significantly lower price point.
Source -
The Purple Audio MC77 is praised for its similarity to the hardware Purples, maintaining a bright, gritty sound akin to its hardware counterparts.
Source -
The Plugin Alliance MC77 is noted for being too bright and crunchy compared to the authentic, slightly bright but naturally overdriven hardware sound of the Purple MC77.
Source -
The Hairball Audio Blue Stripe clone is favored over newer UA models by some users, praised for its sound and affordability as a DIY kit.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The MC77 is frequently recommended for vocal recording and complements a 1073 preamp, creating a classic vocal chain known for its warmth and transparency.
Source -
The MC77 is effectively used as a parallel compressor on snare drums, particularly in dense mixes, providing a pronounced, cutting effect.
Source -
A successful vocal chain includes pairing a U87 mic with a Neve or API preamp into the MC77, producing a finished-sounding vocal with minimal effort.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The MC77 is particularly effective in a vocal chain for electronic music, ballads, and hip hop, delivering transparent compression.
Source
User experience
-
Owners suggest that the MC77 is a versatile choice for both vocal and acoustic guitar tracking, integrating well into diverse recording setups.
Source -
Many users prefer the Plugin Alliance Purple MC77 for its quick dial-in capabilities and its ability to deliver a cleaner sound than other plugins.
Source -
The hardware MC77 can compress vocals by 15dB without sounding squished, unlike many plugins that fail to maintain the same sonic integrity.
Source
Software and compatibility
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
343
BEST COMPRESSOR EVER
Worth the money. Goes from natural and more transparent, to full on smashed. Sounds good even when you have it set wrong. Works great as a preamp, tons of headroom. Adds a little extra excitement and clarity on the top end. I will be getting a 2nd one eventually.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the third episode of ''Being Like Mike'', the items he use can be seen at (2:34), (7:51) and (8:20).
According to St Vincent's official Reverb shop, this was among one of the items that was sold in the shop.
In this SoundOnSound article, Jake Sinclair talks about how Brendon's vocals were recorded for the album. Mentioning that the entire record was recorded at his studio.
"The vocals were all recorded with a Wunder CM7. If you do a mic shootout with that mic it may not win, because it’s not the brightest mic, but I love the way it sits in a mix. So we stuck with it for the whole record. The rest of my vocal signal chain consisted of a BAE 1073 mic pre going into a Purple Audio MC77 compressor, which is like an 1176, and then an LA2A, and a Retro Instruments 2A3 EQ to add some sizzle at the top. I heavily compressed on the way in, with the MC77 doing 15–20 dB of gain reduction, which puts the vocal right in your face."
"That's coming into a Purple Audio MC77, and that is really good for just adding a bit more grit and texture... really nice compressor to have." (8:50)
I also have some Overstayer Imperial Channels [Model 8776A] that have a compressor circuit in them that sound phenomenal. Those have a real sonic imprint. I have a Retro 176, that’s great for fast attack stuff. I have a Purple Audio MC77, that I also dig, though it does tend to make things very dark. Distressors, even. Super useful.
Taken from his instagram Right in view, a Purple Audio MC77 Limiter/Compressor.
On August 21, 2018, Mariah Carey posted a photo on her Facebook page taken in a recording studio, which prominently features the Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier.
In Episode 5 of the series "I AM SOMI," titled "SPECIAL DELIVERY (feat. LISA BLACKPINK) + ANIMAL CROSSING," TEDDY is seen using the Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier in the studio. A user-uploaded photo provides visual evidence of this gear in his setup.
"After auditioning a handful of acoustic guitar preamps, mic pres, DIs and compressors, Sheryl, Tim and I all settled on Chandler Limited LTD-1 Preamp/EQs feeding into the Purple Audio MC77 limiting amplifier."
Album Usage
The Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier, curated by the Equipboard community.
$40.00 - $2,999.00
More Purple Audio Effects Processors
Accessories & Related Items
Most Popular Effects Processors
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
julianwolf2Gear IQ 13060
-