Universal Audio 1176LN Solid-State - Manual (Page 9)

Front Panel
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9
(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 higher ratios (12:1 or 20:1) are selected, the 1176LN is limiting instead of compressing. Note
that higher Ratio settings also set the threshold higher. (

see page 20 for more information)
The 1176LN Ratio buttons allow four different modes of operation:
4 - Selects a 4:1 ratio (moderate compression).
8 - Selects an 8:1 ratio (severe compression).
12 - Selects a 12:1 ratio (mild limiting).
20 - Selects a 20:1 ratio (hard limiting).

Unlike many other devices, the 1176LN Attack and Release times get faster, not slower, as
their corresponding knobs are turned up (clockwise).

Pressing all four Ratio buttons in simultaneously yields an extreme form of compression
that many engineers love! When the 1176LN is in this “All-Button” mode, distortion
increases radically due to a lag time on the attack of initial transients and there are
constant changes in the attack and release times, as well as a change in the bias points.
Consequently, the meter will go wild, often resting at maximum. Don’t worry, though – you
won’t be harming the 1176LN by using this mode!

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 22 for more information)