The Bomb Factory 1176 is one of the plug-ins that comes free with Pro Tools. I had no problems installing it as it is automatically installed when you install Pro Tools. The configuration is simple - the same as a hardware 1176 and is easy to learn what does what. A 'Bluestripe' 1176 recreation at mixanalog, Waves CLA-76 and Slate Digital FG-116 Vintage/Monster (for 'all buttons in' mode). Video version on youtube - please comment, like and subscribe! Although YouTube is a great platform, it compresses audio.
- Based on an internal feedback configuration, FET compressor designs like the Urei 1176 are known for their super-quick attack times and a colorful tonal response that ranges from soft limiting to heavy saturation. When running in all-buttons-in mode, several things happen to the 1176’s circuit, including changes to the bias voltages.
- 1176 Plugin For those of us who haven't got thousands of pounds/dollars to splash out on an iconic 1176 hardware compressor we are left with one other option and that is a plugin software emulation. There have been many various attempts to capture the essence of what the real world counterpart does to audio but they have always been a little.
Let's face it, if you are mixing music: rock, EDM, acoustic or anything else - chances are you are using an 1176 somewhere along the process. It's one of those ubiquitous pieces that made their mark on productions for decades and its sonic footprint is here to stay.
Best 1176 Plugin
As with all things that have such a general appeal, people tend to take sides in what flavour of the 1176 is the best or what kind of emulation, really nailed it - if any at all. So I felt compelled to help - and make a fair, unbiased shootout.
Really, another 1176 shootout?
Yep, it's not the first one and probably also not the last one in the vastness of the internet. It's by far not a complete and thorough comparison of every hardware or software version of that legendary compressor, but this focus on just a few units makes it very easy to digest.
But it's an as fair as possible comparison of the four that I had access to, made in the good will of knowing the tools better and trying not to pass any unnecessary judgement.
Those units were: an original UREI 1178, a Rev. A 'Bluestripe' 1176 recreation at mixanalog, Waves CLA-76 and Slate Digital FG-116 Vintage/Monster (for 'all buttons in' mode).
Although YouTube is a great platform, it compresses audio. So if you'd like to listen to the samples in unspoiled, lossless quality, you can download them HERE.
The mixanalog unit has a very interesting history - but perhaps more importantly, you can use it at mixanalogFOR FREE (for up to 30min/24h per user), head HERE for the product details page and tutorial video. No purchase or credit card needed.
Tell me more about mix:analog
This plugin is included in our new MEGA Bundle Subscription at no extra cost!
Legend Reborn
How do you take a legendary compressor like the 1176 and not only do it justice but improve on it?
This was the vision behind the MC77 created by Purple Audio in the late nineties. It all started with an exacting recreation of the “E” revision of one of the most iconic solid-state limiting amplifiers of all time. From there, all modern, high performance components were used to match the unit to the original to create a flawless, discrete signal path.
Ua 1176 Plugin
With the MC77 (MC is 1100 in Roman numerals!) you have access to the same unrivaled functionality and lightning-fast response as the original 1176, with the added bonus of onboard side-chain and stereo linking facilities. There is no doubt that the Purple Audio MC77 can be your one stop shop for taming the dynamics and adding character to your tracks.
With the huge amount of compressors and limiters available today, why choose the MC77 you might ask? Well, for one, its design was based around the king of all limiters, the 1176. Offering a super fast response time and an impeccable, all-discrete signal path, the MC77 can deliver everything from well mannered and transparent dynamics to full-on brick wall stopping power.
Terrific on bass guitars, kicks, vocals, and much more. Also a huge asset when it comes to shaping punchy parallel processing on drums or other group busses. It’s also great for placing gentle piano tracks in complex mixes or even strapping it across the stereo buss to add some glue to your mix.
Classic Dynamics in the 21st Century
After Purple Audio crafted the massive success of the MC76 and armed with a ton of feedback from satisfied users, the MC77 was introduced to continue the legacy. This compressor was built with the highest standards in mind, utilizing the best of parts like the Toroidal power transformer, top of the line interlocking switches and only the highest grade conductive plastic potentiometers.
Uad 1176 Plugin Free Download
The MC77 uses Field Effect Transistor (FET) technology for the gain reduction element. The FET is the first component in the signal path and this is what allows for large amounts of limiting to occur without introducing severe distortion.
You can choose from four compression ratios (4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 20:1) to get the exact amount of gain reduction needed. For the Attack control you can select for anywhere from less than 20 microseconds and up to 800 microseconds. This remarkably quick attack time is independent of the frequency and duration of peaks in your tracks. The Release time is continuously variable from 50 microseconds to 1.1 seconds.
Brainworx Sweetens The Pot
Utilizing Brainworx expertise in precisely modeling complex analog circuits, MC77 now brings this versatile tool into your DAW preserving its unique sound and character.
As with many previous products, Brainworx didn't stop after finishing the pristine emulation. Additional plugin-only features like patent-pending TMT (Tolerance Modeling Technology, which effectively gives you many different analog units of the MC77 in one plugin), onboard M/S processing, a High-Pass side-chain, Brainworx Mono-Maker and a Stereo Width controls make this compressor all the more powerful and customizable!
1176 Plugin Free
You also have a Dry/Wet control that makes it very easy to use the MC77 in parallel setups. Try it out today and experience the huge potential of one of the best compressors of all time!
1176 Plugin Alliance
Please note: this is NOT a remake of the old TDM plugin (discontinued) made by AVID back in the days. This is a completely new plugin, developed from the ground up by Brainworx with the latest analog modeling techniques available.