List of the Best 1176 Compressors for 2024
The original 1176 compressor, initially released in 1967, is one of the most revered compressors of all time, but with many software variations available for producers these days we thought it was time to see what are the best 1176 plugins on the market.
In this article
- What are 1176 compressor plugins, and why use them?
- History of the iconic 1176 compressor
- Our top-7 of the best 1176 plugins. Their features and benefits
- Conclusion
What are 1176 compressor plugins, and why use them?
All the best 1176 compressor plug-ins are software emulations of the vintage 1176 compressor. There are many different reasons you would choose to use a plug in compressor in your track, first and foremost a software compressor costs way less than a hardware version of the same thing, and emulations can sound really good these so don’t automatically play second fiddle to the hardware. So before we get stuck in to the best 1176 plugins, let’s have a look at why you would want to use a compressor in your productions;
- Dynamic Range Control
- Enhancing Punch and Groove
- Gluing the Mix Together
- Increasing Loudness
- Improving Vocal Performance
- Control Over Transients
We won’t go into a lot of detail here but we recommend you check out all of our amazing tutorials on compression on the website.
History of the iconic 1176 compressor
The 1176 is a classic FET (Field Effect Transistor) compressor known for its fast response and the unique character it adds to any audio signal it processes. Originally developed in the mid-1960s by Bill Putnam Sr. the 1176 quickly became a staple in both live and studio settings for its ability to add punch, clarity, and warmth to vocals, drums, bass, and almost any instrument track.
Its most notable features include a fixed threshold, variable input and output levels, and selectable ratios (4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1) including the famous “All Buttons In” mode, which activates all ratio buttons simultaneously for a more aggressive compression effect. The 1176 is renowned for its super-fast attack and release times, which can dramatically shape the transients and body of the sound. So now we know a bit about the original compressor, let’s see how the best 1176 plugins stack up against it.
Our top-7 of the best 1176 plugins. Their features and benefits
Over the decades there have been a number of the big name plug-in developers, and some smaller ones, that have created software emulations of the classic 1176 compressor. Here’s our run down of the top-7 best 1176 compressor plugins available today.
1 - SA76
Well it had to be at the top of the list right? We believe that we have developed the best 1176 clone plugin recreation to date. Merging the timeless analog warmth of vintage gear with contemporary control and adaptability, the original 1176 compressors are celebrated for their super quick response times, vibrant sound, and their deft hand at adding density to all audio sources. The SA-76 analog compressor also comes fully loaded with a bunch of modern controls, taking its UI to another level. Moreover, the SA76 is offered at no additional cost to all our existing and prospective subscribers, and it’s also available for purchase on the Sonic Academy website.
But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what revered producer BT had to say about the SA76,
“If you’re looking for something to make both drums and or very plosive synth type instruments pop, look no further than SA76 - this thing is a weapon”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, it really is the best 1176 emulation / 1176 style compressor out there!
2 - Arturia Comp FET-76
Another one of the best 1176 compressor plugin options around is the The Arturia Comp FET-76, which uses Arturia’s renowned TAE® technology, accurately capturing the original 1176’s feel and dynamic response. It features the iconic “All-Buttons-In” mode for aggressive compression, selectable ratios for varied intensity, and modern additions like side-chain filtering. With an intuitive UI, the FET-76 is ideal for vocals, drums, and more.
3 - UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
The UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection offers brilliantly modeled versions of three distinct 1176 versions: the Rev A “Bluestripe,” Rev E “Blackface,” and the rare 1176AE. Each limiter perfectly captures the unique sound of those vintage machines, including the legendary fast attack times. They also include the ubiquitous “All Buttons” mode as well as the ever present side-chain functionality and stereo linking. Not just one of the best 1176 plugins, but part of an excellent limiter collection.
4 - IK Multimedia Black 76
One of the best 1176 clones out there, this plugin is part of IK Multimedia’s T-RackS series, and offers a pretty slick emulation of the original hardware’s sound and functions. It features the classic compression ratios (4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1) along with the famous “All Buttons In” mode for more aggressive compression effects. Its simple, user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both beginners and professionals. The Black 76 is a great tool for adding punch, warmth, and presence to vocals, drums, and full mixes. Well worth a look if you’re after one of the best 1176 VSTs on the market.
5 - Softube FET Compressor
This one does still qualify for our best 1176 vst plugin list, although it is a slight curveball as it’s not specifically an emulation of the 1176 but a more generally FET style compression emulator. That said, it’s still worth a look if you’re after the aggressive behavior and unique sound characteristics of the FET compressors of that era. The plugin offers features like parallel compression, continuous ratio selection, and side-chaining. Ideal for drums, vocals, and general limiting in your productions. So even though it’s a more general FET compressor plugin it still makes it onto the list of best 1776 emulations.
6 - Slate FG-116 Series
Another solid option here, as this compressor takes its inspiration from the Rev A Bluestripe version of the classic 1176, but not just the vintage model, but also more recent hardware versions, which makes it one the best 1176 clone plugins around. This gives it the option to draw from the aggressive and punchy toes of the original bluestripe, to more subtle variations of the modern versions.
7 - Native Instruments VC76
Last but definitely not least, one of the best 1176 clone plugins comes from Native’s impressive Vintage Compressors series. Packing the expected list of 1176 emulation features i.e. fast punchy sound, the All BUttons mode, and much more. It’s worth checking out the whole Vintage Compressors pack, as they also feature the VC2A, it’s tube compressor emulator, and the VC160 its take on the classic DBX 160 compressor, so you get one of the best 1176 plugins and a whale lot more.
Conclusion
So for every producer trying to get that specific vintage sound of the classic 1176 from a plug-in, there are many different options to try, from some of the big guns like Native Instruments down to the smaller layers like Slate, all producing some of the best 1176 clone VSTs around. Our choice for the best 1176 plugin? Well obviously we’re going to point you in the direction of our own amazing SA76 plugin, which we believe is the best out there, but we can’t say you’re not spoilt for choice.
