![]() ![]() Often, we producers are encouraged to resort to third-party VST compressor plugins. It could soon become a fixture in the signal chain that you won’t want to turn off.Simply named “Compressor”, the stock compressor in Logic Pro X is a standard AU plugin that is included when you purchase Logic Pro X. MusicRadar verdict: The UAFX 1176 delivers on its simple but significant mission statement: a trusted pro studio compressor with wide usability delivered in a compact pedal. Then turning the 1176 off makes you realise how much it brings to your clean foundation tone. Such is the unsung hero role of a good compressor – and this one is great. Moreover, it can be a core part of your guitar and bass signal path its quick attack and lower ratio settings aren't necessarily huge tonal shifts but can bring out more presence and movement in the note attack and release for feel of your playing. It being an 1176 plugin in a pedal, the instrument applications go beyond guitar if you want it to. It’s a hugely versatile compressor with these modes providing an easier startpoint to adjust on-the-fly. There’s also a true and buffered bypass switch - the UAFX Control Bluetooth mobile app is not required or designed to be used here on a self-sufficient unit. The 1176's 'all-buttons-in' (British mode) setting is found on the most extreme Ratio setting and produces an effect akin to a fuzz in dual mode – it's a lot of fun to use (Image credit: Future) UA also describes it as a 'Lowell George' slide-friendly go-to and they're not wrong. Sustain mode is two stacked 1176s again aimed for a rounder sound for sustaining slide work with compression and without the distortion. Dialled back it thickens things nicely too. It's a nice thing to have, though I doubt many would buy a compressor pedal for it, I actually really like it as a fuzz alternative at the more extreme setting as it can bite and also give that direct-to-desk character. This is the sound of two stacked 1176s in series (the first driving the second into distortion) and can be pushed from mild drive into fuzzy Led Zeppelin Black Dog territory – which is exactly what Page used. In Single mode it's a traditional 1176, but switch into Dual mode and turn up the input and the real grit begins to be revealed – it's essentially an overdrive mode. The pedal's output and input levels need to be balanced for the levels of compression and signal level you want (Image credit: Universal Audio) Once you do this, the 1176 can double as a boost with drive options, further underlining the versatility. ![]() The caveat is there’s a bit of a learning curve for anyone new to the 1176, even if you have owned other compressor pedals, but it’s worth leaning into. But there is an appeal to the latter, and this is actually the most affordable option out there that captures the 1176 – and surely no better provider than straight from the source. The answer isn't a simple universal 'yes' for all players because the 1176 is often used as a post-recording limiter, not within the guitar signal chain itself. ![]() Universal Audio UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal: Performance and verdict The question is whether this adds up to being worth a $200 investment for guitarists. UA has also brought the useful options of parallel compression, and even stacked compression, at the touch of a switch. The 1176 has been a go-to for studio engineers since 1967 and on a pedalboard it can offer sustain and funk-friendly dynamics, but it’s also a very good option for subtler always-on enhancement when dialled in specific ways. But why is it desirable over the wealth of other compression options out there? A single-pedal option capturing the 1176 makes perfect sense then, especially as other companies have made hay with their own, pricier takes on the 1176. While the Max combined this with two other compressors and UA’s 610 valve preamp emulation and it was undoubtedly impressive, it was a lot of compression and preamp options for some players get their heads around especially for those who primarily want grab-and-go, always-on compression. Universal Audio – creators of the 1176 compressor – bring their acclaimed plugin emulation of the studio unit to a digital pedal. The proposition is compelling enough on paper, but it's also simple to achieve for the compact. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |