Pricing and availability

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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.

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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.

Hardcore Music Studio

Hardcore Music Studio

SAME COMPRESSOR, 4 BUDGETS (Can you hear a difference?)

Video thumbnail for SAME COMPRESSOR, 4 BUDGETS (Can you hear a difference?) by Hardcore Music Studio

SAME COMPRESSOR, 4 BUDGETS (Can you hear a difference?)

Hardcore Music Studio

Hardcore Music Studio

Video thumbnail for CLONE WARS: $400 1176 vs. $1700 1176?! | Capsule To Cone by Matt McQueen

CLONE WARS: $400 1176 vs. $1700 1176?! | Capsule To Cone

Matt McQueen

Matt McQueen

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio MC 77 Limiter - Feature Walkthrough | Plugin Alliance by Plugin Alliance

Purple Audio MC 77 Limiter - Feature Walkthrough | Plugin Alliance

Plugin Alliance

Plugin Alliance

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio MC77 1176 Compressor @ ZenProAudio.com by ZenProAudio

Purple Audio MC77 1176 Compressor @ ZenProAudio.com

ZenProAudio

ZenProAudio

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amp Overview by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amp Overview by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio MC77 at Rain King Recording Studios Nashville, TN by Ryan Goldbacher

Purple Audio MC77 at Rain King Recording Studios Nashville, TN

Ryan Goldbacher

Ryan Goldbacher

Video thumbnail for Urei 1178 vs Purple MC77 by Max Bauhof

Urei 1178 vs Purple MC77

Max Bauhof

Max Bauhof

Video thumbnail for Purple MC77 Compressor Demo by Max Bauhof

Purple MC77 Compressor Demo

Max Bauhof

Max Bauhof

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio MC77 Drum Demo by Max Bauhof

Purple Audio MC77 Drum Demo

Max Bauhof

Max Bauhof

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

  • Users highlight the Purple MC77 plugin from Plugin Alliance as being particularly clean and versatile compared to other 1176 emulations.

    Source
  • Users find the release behavior of the Plugin Alliance MC77 plugin accurate, aligning closely with the hardware's performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Purple Audio: MC77 FET Limiting Amplifier | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier is a stellar homage to the iconic UREI 1176, impressing with its build quality and sound fidelity. It holds its own against esteemed counterparts like the Universal Audio Rev E, delivering indistinguishable results. Standout features include a true bypass switch and a sidechain insert, adding versatility to the classic design. However, the absence of an illuminated bypass button and blend controls for parallel compression slightly detracts from its perfection. Despite these minor quibbles, the MC77 remains a highly recommended compressor for diverse recording needs.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nathan_whited

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

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See how Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the third episode of ''Being Like Mike'', the items he use can be seen at (2:34), (7:51) and (8:20).

See how St. Vincent uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

St. Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

The Polyphonic Spree

...
Verified via reverb.com

According to St Vincent's official Reverb shop, this was among one of the items that was sold in the shop.

See how Brendon Urie uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Brendon Urie

Singer, Guitarist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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."

See how Morgan Page uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Morgan Page

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"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)

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Vintage King Blog

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.

See how Sheryl Crow uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Sheryl Crow

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified

Sheryl Crow uses the Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier.

See how Mura Masa uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Mura Masa

Drummer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Instagram

Taken from his instagram Right in view, a Purple Audio MC77 Limiter/Compressor.

See how Mariah Carey uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Mariah Carey

Singer, Composer

Artists Stand Up to Cancer

...
Verified via Facebook

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.

See how TEDDY uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

TEDDY

Rapper, Composer

Blackpink

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Tim Smith uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Tim Smith

Guitarist

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"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."

See how Paul Wilson uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Paul Wilson

Bassist, Composer

Snow Patrol

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by user pablosnowpatrol, Paul Wilson can be seen using the Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier, positioned at the top of his studio rack.

See how Hether uses Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier

Hether

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, a Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier can be seen in the lower rack.

Album Usage

The Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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