description Urei 1176 Overview
The Urei 1176 is an audio compressor introduced in 1967 and designed by Bill Putnam. It uses field-effect transistor (FET) circuitry for gain reduction and is known for its fast attack and release times, which made it suitable for treating vocals, drums, and bass. The device became a widely used tool in professional recording studios and remains in production through various revisions. Its design is frequently referenced in discussions of studio outboard equipment.
help Urei 1176 FAQ
Who designed the original Urei 1176 compressor?
The Urei 1176 was designed by legendary audio engineer Bill Putnam and first introduced in 1967. It was notably one of the first professional audio compressors to use a field-effect transistor (FET) to achieve gain reduction.
Why does the Urei 1176 have buttons instead of a continuous ratio knob?
The 1176 features distinctive push-button switches for its compression ratios (4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1) rather than a dial. Audio engineers famously press all four buttons simultaneously, known as the 'all buttons' or 'British' mode, to create an aggressive, distorted sound.
What makes the attack time of the Urei 1176 so special?
The Urei 1176 is legendary for its ultra-fast attack times, which can be set as quick as 20 microseconds. This lightning-fast response makes it incredibly popular for tightening up drums, aggressive vocals, and electric guitars.
What is the difference between the original Urei 1176 and the Universal Audio reissue?
Urei was the original company founded by Bill Putnam, which later evolved into Universal Audio (UA). Today, Universal Audio produces highly accurate hardware reissues of the classic Urei 1176 Rev D, Rev E, and other iconic blue stripe models.
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