Video by Wampler Pedals via YouTube
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Compression pedals can stir up strong opinions among guitar players. While essential in studios for polishing tracks and adding punch, some worry they hide a guitar’s natural sound. The Universal Audio 1176 Peak Limiter, a legendary studio compressor, has been a critical tool in music production, known for enhancing track cohesion and dynamics.
The 1176, created by Bill Putnam in 1967, revolutionized recording with its FET technology, differing from the then-common tube-based equipment. It became famous for adding vibrancy and fullness to guitar tones, with its fast attack time becoming a favorite among engineers and producers. Its unique sound was so valued that it was used to add tonal quality even without applying compression.
One of the 1176’s standout features was the "British Mode," which provided a distinct, highly compressed sound by activating all ratio buttons at once. This mode, especially when used in parallel setups, offered a rich and intense sound that became iconic in classic rock.
The Ego76 compressor pedal by Wampler Pedals aims to bring the 1176’s legendary qualities to guitarists in a unique way. Instead of just copying the 1176 circuit, the Ego76 recreates the full experience of the 1176, including its tonality and dynamic response, specifically tailored for guitar use.
Rather than simply adapting the 1176 schematics for a pedal, the Ego76 seeks to capture the entire signal chain’s effect on the guitar sound. It acknowledges that the 1176’s magic often came from parallel processing, blending compressed and uncompressed signals for a more dynamic sound.
The Ego76 is designed to offer guitarists the nuanced and powerful characteristics of the 1176, with controls that are easy to use yet provide enough flexibility. It includes parallel compression to allow players to blend in their natural guitar sound, making it versatile for any playing style.
After extensive development, the Ego76 provides an authentic FET-based compression experience, with controls for blend, attack, release, and tone, allowing for precise sound shaping. It goes beyond traditional compression, offering a range of sounds from subtle enhancement to aggressive "British Mode" compression.
The Ego76 is not just a tribute to the 1176; it’s a tool for guitarists to explore new creative possibilities. It allows for everything from leveling dynamics to achieving the distinct 1176 sound, offering versatility and inspiring guitarists to experiment with their tone.
The Ego76 is a unique pedal that captures the spirit of the 1176 compressor, tailored for guitar and bass players. It combines the legendary studio compressor’s sound with practical features for the pedalboard, offering a blend of authenticity, innovation, and playability.
Huge thanks to the always-amazing King of Tone pedal from Analogman for the dirt duties in this video!
More info here:
Timestamps:
00:00 What’s a "studio" compressor?
00:30 Why is the 1176 special?
01:56 example of 1176 Comp applied to signal chain
03:47 how does this relate to guitar pedals?
05:03 Introducing the Ego76 Pedal
08:17 Ego76 through clean amp input
13:00 How I personally use it
13:27 Ego76 in effects loop with clean amp
15:30 Ego76 in effects loop with distorted amp
16:21 Closing comments about this type of compression