Universal Audio 1176AE - Manual (Page 10)

Front Panel
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(4) Release - Sets the amount of time it takes the 1176AE to return to its initial (pre-gain reduction)
level. The 1176AE release time is adjustable from 50 milliseconds to 1100 milliseconds (1.1
seconds). The release time is fastest when the Release knob is in its fully clockwise position, and is
slowest when it is in its fully counterclockwise position.
(5) Ratio - These four buttons determine the severity of the applied gain reduction. (A ratio of 4:1, for
example, means that whenever there is an increase of up to 4 decibels in the loudness of the input
signal, there will only be a 1 dB increase in output level, while a ratio of 8:1 means that any time
there is an increase of up to 8 dB in the input signal, there will still only be a 1 dB increase in output
level.) When the highest ratio (20:1) is selected, the 1176AE is limiting instead of compressing. Note
that higher Ratio settings also set the threshold higher. (


see page 16 for more information)
The 1176AE Ratio buttons allow four different modes of operation:
2 - Selects a 2:1 ratio (mild compression).
4 - Selects a 4:1 ratio (moderate compression).
8 - Selects an 8:1 ratio (severe compression).
20 - Selects a 20:1 ratio (hard limiting).


If the release time is too fast, "pumping" and "breathing" artifacts can occur, due to the
rapid rise of background noise as the gain is restored. If the release time is too slow,
however, a loud section of the program may cause gain reduction that persists through a
soft section, making the soft section difficult to hear.

Unlike many other devices, the 1176AE Attack and Release times get faster, not slower,
as their corresponding knobs are turned up (clockwise).

“All-Button” is famous trick employed my many engineers to achieve extreme compression
characteristics and increased distortion. This technique has been expanded with the 1176AE,
with several “Multi-Button” combinations offering a wider array of tonality. Playing with
various combinations will yield audibly different compression characteristics—try it!
Important: The identical compression characteristics of “All-Button” found on the 1176LN
standard unit is achieved with the 1176AE by pushing in only the top three ratios: 20:1, 8:1
and 4:1—All four will yield a slightly tamer sound.


Engineers typically use “All-button” mode on drums or on ambience or room mics. It can
also be used to “dirty” up a bass or guitar sound, or for putting vocals “in your face.”
(


see page 18 for more information)