I know little about 1176 which is best please

[Trannin]

nvm.

[MattLeschuck]

The UAD collection is $19 today at Sweetwater for anyone interested.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... jfzgd_MOLE

[bmanic]

The UAD collection is $19 today at Sweetwater for anyone interested.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... jfzgd_MOLE

Note, this is only applicable in the USA. This deal did not work for me.

[ampetrosillo]

Honestly, I get by with Stillwell's Rocket. It does the job. Does it sound like a real 1176? I wouldn't know, I've never used one. Does it matter? Heh.

To tell the truth, do you actually need many different compressors? I say you don't, and if you learn to use one full-featured compressor (of course, you won't be able to do everything with an LA-2A, for instance, because it basically has no controls) you might find that you don't actually need to collect oh-so-many-different-types of compressor.

Take this free one for instance:

https://github.com/mzuther/Squeezer

It can be a feedforward (most VCA types) or a feedback comp (most other types). It can respond to peaks (faster) or to an averaged signal (slower, smoother, tends to go with perceived loudness). It has an "optical" mode which has a specific behaviour (namely, it should tend to respond quickly to level increases but much more slowly to level decreases, and also there are some other frequency-dependent aspects). You can decide on its attack and release curves (linear sounds much more abrupt, with some overhang, very nice with drums). It has a sidechain filter, stereo unlinking, etc.

I find it a very good digital compressor which can essentially do *anything* (with few exceptions). It doesn't have an inherent colour but on the other hand compressor action is a great part of the tone, with saturation and frequency colouration playing (IMO) an often minor role.

If you want a more "analog"-feeling one, the Distressor is a very good multi-purpose compressor you can use on anything.

[Uncle E]

Honestly, I get by with Stillwell's Rocket. It does the job. Does it sound like a real 1176? I wouldn't know, I've never used one. Does it matter? Heh.

To tell the truth, do you actually need many different compressors? I say you don't, and if you learn to use one full-featured compressor (of course, you won't be able to do everything with an LA-2A, for instance, because it basically has no controls) you might find that you don't actually need to collect oh-so-many-different-types of compressor.

Take this free one for instance:

https://github.com/mzuther/Squeezer

It can be a feedforward (most VCA types) or a feedback comp (most other types). It can respond to peaks (faster) or to an averaged signal (slower, smoother, tends to go with perceived loudness). It has an "optical" mode which has a specific behaviour (namely, it should tend to respond quickly to level increases but much more slowly to level decreases, and also there are some other frequency-dependent aspects). You can decide on its attack and release curves (linear sounds much more abrupt, with some overhang, very nice with drums). It has a sidechain filter, stereo unlinking, etc.

I find it a very good digital compressor which can essentially do *anything* (with few exceptions). It doesn't have an inherent colour but on the other hand compressor action is a great part of the tone, with saturation and frequency colouration playing (IMO) an often minor role.

If you want a more "analog"-feeling one, the Distressor is a very good multi-purpose compressor you can use on anything.

Saturation is crucial. That’s what keeps the compressor from overreacting to fast, sharp transients. Pairing a flexible compressor with a good saturator or clipper provides similar results as many classic compressors, that’s literally what the Distressor and is the reason it’s considered to be so versatile.

[jamcat]

To tell the truth, do you actually need many different compressors? I say you don't, and if you learn to use one full-featured compressor (of course, you won't be able to do everything with an LA-2A, for instance, because it basically has no controls) you might find that you don't actually need to collect oh-so-many-different-types of compressor.

Well honestly, I can’t even tell the difference from one compressor to another when soloed.

But, in a dense mix, subtle differences make all the difference for how a part cuts through in the mix. It’s a combination of compression curve, harmonic distortion, and frequency response.

So even the differences between different 1176 models will produce different results, where one might work better than another. I’ve had this experience many times where a guitar part might sound thin and plucky in a dense mix with one 1176 model, and full and sustained with another. And this is even when both are UADs.

[ampetrosillo]

I find it bad form to just try different compressors until you find the one that works, though. One should ideally know how to use their tools (otherwise you succumb to what is essentially "magic").

[discogsaddict]

I find it bad form to just try different compressors until you find the one that works, though. One should ideally know how to use their tools (otherwise you succumb to what is essentially "magic").

I get what you're saying but the only way to know this is by trying them and learning.

Which is why I recommend the UAD bundle. Quality plugins, buy, learn and master them.
Back to work without always chasing something new.

Plus they seem determined to almost give them away these days haha

[MystikDrift]

thx all, i tried but not the one for me afterall

[Mind Riot]

Well, they did turn out to be the ones for me. You all talked me into it. $39 hopefully well spent. I couldn't demo them, apparently I already tried them at some point because I was locked out of the trial. So I just went for it.

Haven't had time to use them much, and the only other one I have to compare them to is IK's Black 76. Gotta spend some time getting to know them and their differences.

And I guess this purchase was enough to tip the scales because UAD sent me a $25 coupon this time. Now I can't stop looking at EVEN MORE PLUGS.

I was thinking of getting the LA-3A, but I'm still trying it out. But then I got an e-mail about a guitar effect bundle for $49 that included the LA-3A along with a bunch of other stuff, when $49 is the current price of the LA-3A all on its own.

Decisions........

[jamcat]

[Mind Riot]

I was thinking of getting the LA-3A, but I'm still trying it out. But then I got an e-mail about a guitar effect bundle for $49 that included the LA-3A along with a bunch of other stuff, when $49 is the current price of the LA-3A all on its own.

Decisions........

Wait, the bundle is only available on plugin boutique and the coupon is only available on UAD's website, I'm an idiot. So I can get the LA-3A for $15 from UAD, which is a great deal, but I have to spring for $49 if I want the bundle. It's a little hard to pay $15 for the LA-3A when it's included in a $49 bundle with a bunch of other cool stuff.

$49 isn't much, but I've already spent more than I intended to this month. The deals keep pulling at me, just a little more money Mind Riot, they'll be useful, we promise, totally worth it, just another fifty bucks here, thirty bucks there, oh look! You've wanted this plug for a while, haven't you?...

[_leras]

UAD have the best 1176. They have an excellent range of compressors.

[miloszz]

Never really liked the UAD 1176s over other plugin compressors but I got Pulsar's 1178 when it was on sale and some point and I'm a big fan. Good interface, useful sidechain EQ, very nice saturation.

[Winstontaneous]

UAD have the best 1176. They have an excellent range of compressors.

I'd hope they make the best 1176 (and LA-2) - Bill Putnam Sr. designed the original hardware, and his sons run the company that makes the plugins!