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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Universal Audio 1176 Rev A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Universal Audio 1176 Rev A is a digital revival of a legendary studio staple, perfect for both seasoned engineers and budding producers. Known for its distinctive FET gain amplifier, this plugin captures the essence of the original 1176 hardware, offering the vibrant, punchy sound that has graced countless hit records since its inception in 1968. Universal Audio's precise circuit modeling ensures that every nuance of the original's character is preserved, while introducing modern enhancements only possible in a digital format. Experience the charm of the Rev A "Bluestripe" model, revered for its aggressive tonal color and rapid attack time, alongside other iconic iterations in this collection.
With the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A, you get the best of both worlds: the vintage warmth of the original hardware and the flexibility of contemporary digital technology. The plugin features a Sidechain Filter to mitigate low-frequency pumping and comes with presets crafted by renowned engineers who have mastered the 1176's capabilities. Whether you're looking to add some grit to your vocals, slam your drums, or give your mix a polished sheen, this plugin provides a versatile toolkit for any audio application.
Key Features:
- Faithful emulation of the iconic 1176 FET Compressor
- Includes three classic models: Rev A, Rev E, and Rev AE
- Proprietary Dry/Wet Mix control for easy parallel compression
- Sidechain Filter to reduce low-frequency pumping
- Improved VU metering with enhanced graphics
- Presets from legendary engineers like Joe Chiccarelli and Andrew Scheps
- Compatible with any interface and Universal Audio DSP-accelerated hardware
Product specs
| Software Type | 1176 Limiter Collection |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | AAX, AU, VST3 (UAD Native), UAD DSP |
| Authorization Type | iLok Account Required (UADx Native version) |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.15 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later |
FAQs
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What DAW formats is the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A compatible with?
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The Universal Audio 1176 Rev A is compatible with AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, making it suitable for use with most major DAWs.
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Does the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A require an iLok for authorization?
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Yes, the UADx Native version of the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A requires an iLok account for authorization.
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Can I use the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A on both Mac and PC?
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Yes, the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, requiring macOS 10.15 or later and Windows 10 or later, respectively.
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What are the minimum system requirements for running the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A on a PC?
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To run the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A on a PC, you need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor and a minimum of 4GB RAM.
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Is the Universal Audio 1176 Rev A plugin suitable for mastering applications?
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The Universal Audio 1176 Rev A is primarily designed as a limiter, making it excellent for dynamic range control and can be used in mastering to add character and punch.
Videos
Spinlight Studio
Hardware Vs Plugins - Audioscape VS UAD (1176 Rev A) - Blind Test
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio 1176 Rev A.
Comparisons
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The Rev A (blue stripe) 1176 offers more saturation and a pronounced midrange boost, while the Rev D (black) is cleaner and more neutral.
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Users note that while the legacy 1176 plugins are good, the full 1176 collection offers a significant improvement in sound quality and versatility.
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The Distressor plugin is often chosen over both the 1176 and LA2A collections for its versatility and sound quality, becoming a primary choice for many users after purchase.
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Use cases and applications
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The Rev A is preferred for rock, metal, and indie due to its dirtier sound, while Rev D is favored for pop and acoustic.
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The 1176 Rev A is favored on vocals, acoustic guitars, drum rooms, and brass for its brightness and character, enhancing the mix.
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This sidechain filter is useful on drum busses to prevent the bass drum from causing excessive compression on higher frequency elements like snares and cymbals.
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The UAD 1176 blue face is frequently highlighted as a preferred compressor for vocals, while the blackface is favored for parallel processing on drums and vocals.
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Software and compatibility
User experience
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The Hairball Rev A kit is praised for closely replicating the sound of an original Urei 1176, with owners noting it's worth the DIY effort.
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The Rev A enhances the top end and adds grit to vocals, becoming a go-to compressor for achieving harmonics in vocal tracks.
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Several users express a preference for the 1176 collection over the Neve dynamics plugins, citing the former as essential and the latter as supplementary.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Verse lead vocal: Antares Auto–Tune EFX, FabFilter Pro–DS, Pro–Q2, Pro–MB & Timeless 2, Waves Vocal Rider, H–Delay & Doubler, UAD API 560, 1176 & EP34, SoundToys Little Radiator & MicroShift, Audio Ease Altiverb.
In an interview with Tape Op Magazine, James Mercer of The Shins mentions purchasing the UA 6176 and the HHB Radius 10, highlighting the significant impact these pieces of gear had on his recording process.
Used for vocals on Another Country, as stated by mix engineer Kevin Savigar in this February 2016 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings, which specifies the Rev A plugin, can be found here.
“When we were at his house in LA I had a Neumann U67 for Rod, which I rent from LAFX. It’s an old vintage mic, which is in great shape, and which has been used on Rod’s voice for years. I also rented acoustic panels from LAFX, to control the room, which was a little live. They help to deaden the sound and also to give Rod a physical space to sing in. We kept the panels a little apart in front of him, because he likes to see me, which allows me to cue him in and give him feedback and things like that. I sat facing him, with a low table on which I have my laptop and the UAD Apollo Twin mic pre. Rod sings with Sony MDR-7506 headphones on. He likes them as they are crystal-clear and punchy.
“When we were in London I could not get a 67, so I used a U47 instead, which worked out great as well. His vocal mic goes straight into the Apollo Twin, and I used the UAD 610B tube preamp and EQ plug-in on him, which sounds nice, and some UAD 1176 with a very low threshold and not much compression at all, and UAD Helios 96 EQ to brighten his vocal sound up a bit. That was my entire input chain. Rod has a very loud voice, but also sings some passages very softly, so there’s quite a dynamic range in his vocal, and I needed the 1176 to keep that under control.
“It’s quite amazing really, because he had this nasty operation on his throat [in 2000, for thyroid cancer], with the scalpel coming within millimetres of his vocal cords. It was touch and go whether he could ever sing again. He had to completely retrain his muscles to get his voice back. But it’s now in great shape and he takes good care of it. He warms up extensively with a half-hour vocal exercise routine before he goes up to the microphone.”
(...) Kevin Savigar’s vocal chain for Rod Stewart began with the Universal Audio 610B Unison preamp plug-in, with brightness added by the same manufacturer’s Helios EQ, and dynamic control from the UAD 1176 emulation. Once again, the Waves CLA bundle came into effect, with a Waves De-Esser providing the final touches.
Album Usage
The Universal Audio 1176 Rev A 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 Universal Audio 1176 Rev A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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