The Historical past of the 1176. ·
Supply:
Common Audio
Simply one of the cloned items of audio {hardware} ever produced, the legendary 1176 Limiting Amplifier has been extensively used within the recording business since its introduction.
In-built 1967the 1176 marked the tip of the vacuum-tube period, because the design advanced from the Common Audio 176. This was a tube-based variable-mu compressor with 4 selectable ratios and variable assault and launch controls.
It was then changed by the 1176, which on the time was the primary transistor-based compressor produced within the USA.
The design of the 1176 Limiting Amplifier
An enter level-dependent suggestions compressor by design, the 1176 makes use of a line enter transformer and a variable resistor within the type of an FET (Discipline Impact Transistor), which controls the acquire discount.
In a number of the revisions, the FET directs a portion of the enter sign to floor, whereas others use it as the highest leg of a voltage divider which is positioned in parallel to the preamp stage enter.
Because the design advanced, the general acquire of the circuit was immediately affected by the connection between fastened resistances and the dynamic resistance of the FET.
The 1176 revisions
The 1176 underwent many revisions over time, from beauty adjustments to utilizing completely different enter and output transformers and general effectivity enhancements. It’s necessary to notice that the sound does differ between revisions, so let’s discover out why.
Blueface (Rev A/AB/B)
The primary Blueface 1176 was inbuilt 1967 and have become the muse for all of the revisions that may comply with. In comparison with others, the preliminary Rev A mannequin has some variations in that it makes use of an FET in each the preamp and the road amp.
As well as, the Rev A doesn’t have low-noise circuitry. This implies you get way more harmonic distortion with an elevated noise ground. With solely 25 Rev A items ever produced, this makes it one of many rarest classic compressors ever.
Rev AB tweaked a number of resistors and a bypass capacitor was added to the circuit feeding the gain-reduction FET. Consequently, the limiter carried out in a barely extra predictable means and could possibly be managed extra exactly.
Blueface
Blackface (Rev C/D/E)
From Rev C onwards, the entire enhancements in circuitry have been meant to cut back noise and distortion. So other than the black entrance panel, the mannequin now bore the LN (Low Noise) designation.
The gain-reduction FET now functioned in a extra linear vogue, as its voltage consumption was decreased. As well as, a Q-bias pot was added to the circuit to cut back distortion.
This LN circuitry was solely patented in Rev D, so Rev C used a specifically designed epoxy module to guard it. In the meantime, Rev E introduced in 220v operation, to the enjoyment of customers within the UK, Europe, and the remainder of the world.
Blackface
Rev F/G
Revision F nonetheless retained the formidable-looking black faceplate, however the 1108 class-A preamplifier that was used within the output acquire circuit up till that time was changed with a push-pull amplifier primarily based on the 1109 preamp.
With this addition, Rev F might produce extra output acquire. Nevertheless, the general sound is characteristically completely different from the earlier variations, because it produces the bottom distortion readings of any revision.
Each Revs F and G used built-in circuitry for the primary time. Whereas F altered the metering circuit from discrete to an opamp-based design, Rev G then swapped out the enter transformer with an NE5532 IC.
Silverface (Rev H)
Some 1176 fans could declare it’s essentially the most aesthetically pleasing model, however the enhancements launched in Rev H have been exactly that – aesthetic.
All the important thing circuitry adjustments from Revs F and G have been maintained, however there have been a number of minor tweaks.
Aside from the silver faceplate, these included a pink “off” button, a blue UREI emblem, and a brand new Modutec “lightbox” kind VU meter with two inside lamps.
Silverface
Common Audio Reissue and Anniversary Version
In 2000, the newly re-established Common Audio model launched the 1176 LN as its first providing. This reissue was carefully primarily based on the revisions from the C, D, and E period however because it was 220v suitable, it’s closest to the Rev E design.
This reissue proved immensely well-liked and remains to be accessible at present. Furthermore, the basic monitoring channel strip pairing of the Neve 1073 preamp and the 1176 stays one of many requirements for vocal recording.
Common Audio later launched a particular Aniversary Version in 2008 with a return to the character of the Rev A. There have been many extra unimaginable options added, however solely 500 items have been ever produced.
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Picture Sources:
- Blueface: Common Audio
- Blackface: Classic King
- Silverface: BAKU Pru Audio
