Universal Audio 1176LN Limiting Amplifier
Best FET compressor for adding vintage character to vocals and drums.
This is the gold standard for adding instant, aggressive character to any track. While its lightning-fast FET circuitry demands a bit of finesse to master, the legendary 'Nuke Mode' provides a signature grit that software emulations simply cannot replicate.
$2999.00
at
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center
Who it's for
- Drummers and producers needing precise transient control
- Engineers seeking that classic, aggressive rock vocal character
- Sound designers wanting intense, over-compressed parallel processing
Who should skip it
- Engineers requiring exact, repeatable settings for recall
- Recordists working in ultra-quiet, pristine digital environments
- Budget-conscious home studio owners on a strict gear budget
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Lightning-fast attack times capture every nuance of percussive transients perfectly.
Harmonic Character
Class A circuitry adds a rich, musical warmth to any signal.
Operational Versatility
From subtle leveling to aggressive Nuke Mode, it handles everything effortlessly.
Build Integrity
Hand-wired construction ensures professional reliability for decades of studio use.
Ease of Calibration
Simple interface allows for quick, intuitive adjustments during high-pressure sessions.
Source Compatibility
Excels at shaping vocals, drums, and bass with signature sonic attitude.
Key Specs
Form Factor
Rackmount
Type
FET Limiting Amplifier
Channels
1
Input Impedance
600 ohms, bridges-T control (floating)
Output Impedance
600 ohms, floating, damping factor 20
Frequency Response
± 1 dB 20 Hz to 20kHz
Gain
50 dB
Distortion
Less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio
Greater than 70 dB at +10 dBm
Attack Time
20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
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