Universal Audio 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier

Upon its release in 1967, the 1176 Limiting Amplifier became an instant classic because of its unique lightning-fast attack and release times, musical Class A output stage, and its wide range of sounds, ranging from subtle, near-transparent compression, to all-out drive and distortion.

Universal Audio’s 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier is a handbuilt, faithful reproduction of Bill Putnam Sr.’s original visionary design — an iconic piece of audio history that had a hand behind classic recordings from Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and more.

One of the 1176’s famous features are its push-button selectable ratios of 4:1 and 8:1 for compression, and 12:1 and 20:1 for limiting. 1176 at 4:1, to its most notable setting, the “All Buttons In” mode, where all the ratio buttons are depressed simultaneously. This allows the 1176 to make a sound unlike any other processor ever heard before. Distortion increases, along with a plateaued slope and a lag time in response to initial transients, creating an explosive sound on drum room mics, fuzzing-out bass or electric guitar sound, or squeezing a vocal to bring it front and center of your mix.

Universal Audio 1176LN Features

• True to the original in design, manufacturing and performance
• Modeled after 1176LN, D and E revisions
• Ultra fast attack time -20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
• Class A line level output amplifier
• Custom built Putnam-designed output transformer
• Stereo interconnect operation
• Hand-built in USA; backed by 1-year limited warranty

• 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier1

• Input Impedance 600 ohms, bridges-T control (floating)
• Output Load Impedance 600 ohms, floating, damping factor 20
• External Connections Jones Barrier terminals and XLR connectors
• Frequency Response ± 1 dB 20 Hz to 20kHz
• Gain 50 dB
• Distortion Less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion 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
• Stereo Interconnection via 1176 SA Network accessory
• Meter dB gain reduction and dB output
• Power Requirements 120/240 V
• Environmental Maximum operating temperature 160°F
• Dimensions 19" Rackmount chassis, 2U
• Weight (unboxed) 11 lbs