Quick answer: The 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier is genuine Universal Audio analog studio hardware, hand-built in the USA. Priced at $2999.00, sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.

Legendary FET compression with tone and attitude — true to the original. The Universal Audio 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier is a handbuilt, faithful reproduction of Bill Putnam Sr.'s original 1967 design — the FET compressor heard on countless records from Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones to Michael Jackson and beyond.

At a Glance

Overview

Upon its release in 1967, the 1176 Limiting Amplifier became an instant classic. Its lightning-fast attack and release times, musical Class A output stage, and remarkable range of sounds — from subtle, near-transparent compression to all-out drive and distortion — set the standard for solid-state limiting that has never been surpassed. UA's 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier is built in the same Santa Cruz, California factory by trained UA staff who hand-wire and test each unit until it meets UA's uncompromising standards. Modeled after the 1176LN Blackface revisions D and E — widely considered the sweet spot of the 1176 evolution.

Key Features

• Hand-Built FET Compressor — Manufactured at the UA Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, by carefully trained staff.
• True to the Original — Modeled after 1176LN Blackface, D and E revisions; faithful reproduction of the original Putnam circuit.
• Ultra-Fast Attack Time — 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds adjustable.
• Class A Line-Level Output Amplifier — Musical, tube-like saturation character.
• Custom Putnam-Designed Output Transformer — The component that defines the 1176's signature sound.
• Four Ratio Settings — 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, plus the legendary "All Buttons In" mode.
• Stereo Interconnect — Pair two 1176LNs with the optional 1176-SA Stereo Adapter for true stereo operation.
• Jones Barrier Terminals and XLR Connectors — Studio-grade I/O.
• Hand-Built in USA — 1-year limited warranty.

The "All Buttons In" Trick

One of the 1176's most legendary features is the "All Buttons In" mode — pressing all four ratio buttons simultaneously. Distortion increases, the compression slope plateaus, and the unit develops a lag time in response to initial transients, creating an explosive sound on drum room mics, fuzzed-out bass or electric guitar, or squeezed-up-front vocals. It's one of the most-imitated sounds in recording history.

What the 1176 Does to a Track

Beyond simple compression, the 1176LN adds character. Engineers run signals through an 1176 with no compression engaged just to capture the Class A FET drive and output transformer color. With moderate compression, it tightens transients, adds presence, and produces the punchy, "in your face" sound of countless hit records. At extreme settings, it becomes a sound design tool — a creative weapon, not just a dynamics processor.

Specifications

• Compressor Type — FET
• Input/Output Impedance — 600 Ω bridges-T control (floating); 600 Ω output (floating, damping factor 20)
• Frequency Response — ±1 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Maximum Gain — 50 dB
• THD — Less than 0.5% from 50 Hz to 15 kHz with limiting
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Greater than 70 dB at +10 dBm
• Attack Time — 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
• Release Time — 50 milliseconds to 1.1 seconds
• Power — 120/240 V (switchable)
• Format — 19" rackmount, 2U
• Stereo Operation — Via 1176-SA Network accessory (sold separately)

What's in the Box

• 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier (2U rackmount)
• IEC power cable
• 1-year limited warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this analog hardware or a plug-in?

This is real Universal Audio analog studio hardware (rackmount), hand-built in the USA. It is not a software plug-in.

What is it best used for?

UA preamps and channel strips are used to track vocals and instruments with rich, musical analog tone, and to add character that digital preamps cannot replicate.

What's included in the box?

Your purchase includes: 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier (2U rackmount), IEC power cable, 1-year limited warranty.

Is the 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier a genuine Universal Audio product?

Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized Universal Audio dealer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new, factory-sealed, and covered by the full UA manufacturer warranty.

Can I get help choosing or setting it up?

Absolutely. You'll talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we'll help you spec the right gear and get it running.

Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments

Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned authorized UA dealer based in Miami, FL. We back every sale with real human support, fast shipping, and the kind of follow-through that only comes from a small dedicated team. Active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family save through our ID.me military discount program.