You can now get the 1176 Classic FET Compressor plugin for free as part of Universal Audio’s Valentine’s Day Giveaway.
After all these years, the famous 1176 compressor, in all its revisions, is still one of the most sought-after pieces of vintage hardware.
To a lesser extent, the same is true of re-issues, hardware clones, and plugin emulations; people love the 1176.
No one is better equipped to recreate the iconic compressor in plugin form than Universal Audio, and you can download the latest version for free this Valentine’s Day.
Universal Audio released its first 1176 plugin in 2001. Over the last two decades, end-to-end circuit modelling and painstaking attention to detail have made it a go-to compressor for countless professionals.
The revision featured in UAD’s Valentine’s giveaway is the Rev E.”Blackface, and this latest version boasts improved graphics and additional controls for a modern workflow.
The 1176LN Blackface hardware model features Brad Plunkett’s low-noise circuitry and increased linearity.
UAD’s free plugin delivers the classic FET-style compression and the defining characteristics of the hardware.
It replicates the lightning-fast attack times of the original from 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds. The fast attack times are great for various instruments and vocals when you want to slightly soften the sound without altering it too much. Alternatively, a slower attack and fast release are great for busy kick drums.
The interface mirrors the hardware, and the Ratio buttons allow for multi-button settings and the famous all-button mode.
You can add even more grit to the all-button mode by setting the fastest attack and release times. The fluctuating levels sound like distortion and work well on bass guitars.
For more distortion, check out the free Cactus Lite from Hivetune.
You don’t need Universal Audio hardware to run the UAD Native version of the free 1176 plugin. The plugin runs on macOS 10.15 upwards, and Windows 10 and 11.
I know subscription models aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, which is putting it mildly. But I have a UAD Spark subscription, and I think it’s great value, considering the number of plugins and instruments featured (as long as you use it enough).
The downside is that I feel like I’m missing out on a freebie when UAD runs these promotions!
I’ll live, but if you don’t have a Spark subscription or the 1176 bundle, don’t miss this offer, it’s awesome.
Check out the deal: 1176 Classic FET Compressor (FREE as part of Universal Audio’s Valentine’s Day Giveaway)
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Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
