1176 Peak Limiter

1176 Peak Limiter
1176 Limiting Amplifier
UA 1176 Revision A
ManufacturerUniversal Audio
Dates1967–present
Technical specifications
Effects typeDynamic range compressor
HardwareAnalog
Controls
Input/output
Inputs1
Outputs1

The 1176 Peak Limiter is a dynamic range compressor designed by the American engineer Bill Putnam and introduced by UREI in 1967. Derived from the 175 and 176 tube compressors, it marked the transition from vacuum tubes to solid-state technology.[1]

With its distinctive tone and its wide range of sounds, deriving from the Class A amplifiers, its input and output transformers, the uncommonly fast attack and release times and their program dependence, and different compression ratios and modes, the 1176 was immediately appreciated by engineers and producers and established as a studio standard through the years.[2] At the time of its introduction, it was the first true peak limiter with all solid-state circuitry.

The 1176LN was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2008.[3]

  1. ^ Fuston, Lynn. "UA's Classic 1176 Compressor — A History". Universal Audio. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  2. ^ Hepworth-Sawyer, Russ; Hodgson, Jay; Paterson, Justin; Toulson, Rob (June 25, 2019). Innovation in Music: Performance, Production, Technology, and Business. Routledge. p. 204. ISBN 978-1-138-49821-1.
  3. ^ "2008 TECnology Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on July 12, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.