We have a possibly contentious video for you today…
It’s a rack-compressor shootout – with a giveaway [see below] – let’s jump right into it!
For today’s shootout, I’m accompanied by the unique vocal stylings of Juno Hasson who performs one of her original songs.
Multitracks available for download here.
And, we make use of it to demonstrate the differences (and similarities) between the infamous Universal Audio 1176LN Classic limiting Amplifier and the Warm Audio WA76 Discrere FET Compressor.
The Compressor That Needs No Introduction
The “1176” has been an industry gold standard since its release in 1967. In fact, many of our favorite songs have been recorded using it. So it was only natural to decide to use it as the control in such an audio experiment.
You can read more about the history of the “1176” (and why it’s become an industry standard) here.
Negligible and Non-Negligible Differences
To be completely honest, when switching between soloed tracks on the recording, I found myself straining my ear to pick out some the sonic subtleties between the two compressors. Although it’s not just about that aspect.
Many of the companies who focus on “faithful reproductions” (as Warm Audio puts it) aim to match the quality of their predecessors and improve upon certain features like usability, and practical application. Having worked with countless 1176s over the years, I’ve noticed that they tend to have varying calibrations, while nearly all have consistent release time.
In this shootout, I did notice that the attack on the 1176 was different enough from the WA76, to the extent that I had to crank its attack dial to match the 1176. The release time was left alone as it was comparable on both units.
This may seem like a small detail but, for those of us going for a specific effect on an instrument like drums, this may be a differentiator.
Lastly, the output was what divided these two, sonically. There’s significantly more output from the WA 76 and, again, in a world where volume and presence count more than ever, some engineers may find this essential.
Next, let’s talk about price…
Priced for the Practical?
Due to the aforementioned popularity, and omnipresence, of the UA 1176, it seems that everybody wants one.
The 1176 we used for the video was rented from a local studio. If purchasing one, the 1176 ranges from $2,000-4,000+ (and many multiples of that, for vintage models). Not cheap, though it may be worth it to discerning audio engineers.
By contrast, the Warm Audio WA 76 is available, on average, for a much more palatable $499. I’d say that’s a check in the “+” column for Warm Audio.
However, at the end of the day – all that matters is how it sounds to the engineer who’s using either model.
How do they actually sound in comparison? We’ll let you witness them in action and be your own judge.
(Don’t forget to download the multitracks.)
Thanks ever so much and have a marvellous time, recording, mixing, and mastering.
Be sure to check out and register for the Warm Studios Master Class, with myself and Joe Carrell (hosted by Warm Audio), on June 18th. There are two options – with or without accommodations.
Hurry, as seats are filling up!
Many Thanks,
Warren
