When using a VCA in a compressors circuit the control voltage is derived from the input signal and any gain reduction is related to this level. These compressors use a transistor based voltage-controlled amplifier. VCA Compressors are arguably the most common design. The classic UA LA-2A and modern Tube Tech CL-1B are examples of popular Opto compressors. As noted by Izhaki (2008) despite the fact that light is used, Opto compressors are slow to respond to rapidly changing musical dynamics making them a poor choice if quick clamping on transients is required. A bulb, illuminated by the level detection circuit, shines on a photo-resistant material to control the amount of gain change. Optical compressors (more commonly known as Opto) use a light and a light sensitive resistor to alter gain (Case 2007). The classic Fairchild 660/670, Altec 436 and modern Manley Variable Mu are all examples of compressors that use valves for gain reduction.
#UREI 1176 COMPRESSOR PLUGIN FULL#
This can make them a suitable choice for drum busses and full mixes when preservation of transients is desirable. Due to the use of a valve for gain reduction, Vari-Mu compressors are not as fast as the transistor-based units. Vari-Mu compressors do not have a ratio control and increasing amounts of gain reduction are achieved with louder levels (Izhaki 2008). As pointed out by Case (2007) a circuit is sent to a valve by the level detection unit to alter its gain, which results in compression of the audio signal. Unlike some designs, which simply have a valve in the circuit, a Vari-Mu compressor uses the valve for gain control. Tube (valve) compressors are more typically know as Vari-Mu. Hardware Compressor types and characteristics
#UREI 1176 COMPRESSOR PLUGIN SERIES#
From this information the author will attempt to ascertain how producers use the 1176 and undertake a series of subjective listening tests to verify their views. Due to the nature of popular music production and its under researched status in academia, information will primarily be gathered from textbooks and interviews given by contemporary music producers. This paper aims to investigate why the 1176 is so widely used in production and will attempt to define its particular sonic signature. Many engineers attribute its famous sound to the FET and fast time constants and despite being through many revisions it is still a studio staple today.
Bill Putnam introduced the design in 1966 and at the time it was the first peak limiter based on all transistor circuit (Universal Audio 2009). The Urei/Universal Audio 1176 is one of the most revered and popular compressors used in music production (Senior 2009).
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