Universal Audio 2-1176 Dual 1176LN User Manual
Page 8
Front Panel
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NOTE: The 2-1176 provides two channels, each of which have identical front panel controls.
(1) Attack - Sets the amount of time it takes the 2-1176 channel to respond to an incoming signal and
begin gain reduction. The 2-1176 attack time is adjustable from 20 microseconds to 800
microseconds (both extremely fast). The attack time is fastest when the Attack knob is in its fully
clockwise position, and is slowest when it is in its fully counterclockwise position.
(2) Release - Sets the amount of time it takes the 2-1176 channel to return to its initial (pre-gain
reduction) level. The 2-1176 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.
(3) Meter Function – This two-position switch determines what the channel’s VU meter displays:
either the amount of gain reduction (GR) or the final output level (+4). When “+4” is selected, a meter
reading of 0 corresponds to a level of +4 dBm at the rear panel output. (
see #2 on page 7)
When GR (Gain Reduction) is selected (the leftmost position), the channel’s meter will read 0 dB when
there is no incoming signal or when no compression is being applied.
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 inaudible.
Unlike many other devices, the 2-1176 Attack and Release times get faster, not slower,
as their corresponding knobs are turned up (clockwise).
When a fast attack time is selected, gain reduction kicks in almost immediately and
catches transient signals of very brief duration, reducing their level and thus "softening"
the sound. Slower attack times allow transients to pass through unscathed before limiting
or compression begins on the rest of the signal.