UAD-1 1176 Compressor - Help Me See The Light - Please!!!

[Bob's Mods]

Alot of users of this plugin wet their pants with compliments for this compressor plug. Correct me if I am wrong but there seems to be no other plugin that simulates this vintage piece gear.
I get this feeling in my gut that I am missing out on something but I really don't know what as I don't know what it is I'm not getting. Just what is so special about this particular compressor, it's color? it's unique way of compressing? Can someone clearly state what it is about this unduplicated plug that makes it so desireable? I know this is a tall order, to put into words that is, but please do your best (the same could be said about the UAD Pultec and LA2A plugs too, unduplicated, high praise).
Would it really matter for someone like me as I generally use compression very sparingly. Currently I'm using the Kjaerhus GCO-1 compressor which seems to do the trick for whatever light use of compression I do do.
Please help me and other inquiring minds to see the light on this often complimented holy grail of plugin compressors. Apparently the thing can do no wrong.

If there was a damn demo of this puppy, I wouldn't be askin this question.
Thanks for your patient explantion...if one is even possible.

Bob the Mod Guy

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by Bob's Mods

Correct me if I am wrong but there seems to be no other plugin that simulates this vintage piece gear.

I can name at least a few.

The UAD-1 happens to do a pretty decent job; a little better than most.

What makes it special is that it's capable of simulating some really obvious-sounding compression effects that are normally associated with expensive boutique outboard gear.

Whether this is going to be useful to you depends on the types of things you're trying to do with a compressor ... and how well you can use it. It's not going to act like a magic button or anything. You still have to figure out the right settings to get out of it what you're trying to get out of it.

If lighter, low-key compression is your bag, then I'd think this type of plugin would go mostly to waste.

.

[TexRoadkill]

LA2A and 1176 are considered to be "the" vocal comps for that tight pop/rock sound. The 1176 is also a beast on bass and drums.

[Bob's Mods]

What about the Pultec Pro EQ? Does anyone else do a VST plugin of it that captures its color like the UAD-1 plug does?

Bob

[Cloneboy Studio]

BombFactory plugins were the originals for vintage emulation. They were first to market with the "classic compressor" lineup of 1176LN and LA2A plugs. They also have very accurate Pultec EQP/MEQ clones.

Both are excellent but only available as TDM/RTAS/Audiosuite plugins.

[darnold]

The 1176 sound, at least from what i know from using the UAD1 is a really cool compressor sound. I really dont use it for everything because it has a major color. Its one of those compressors you can really push hard to for some really cool effects.

It makes things sound more present without being overly bright and also seems to add a kind of airyness. Its really fun to use on different things.

But its definately got a character you can spot out. It also just compresses well. You dont have much control over the options. Like you cant go below a ratio of 4:1 which is why i dont like it on light stuff. But when you compress with this thing it just sounds right.

The LA2A i havnt found as much character. Its just it really really compresses hard in my opinion. Its not colorfull so its really just meant for squashing. I guess it really depends on what your going for.

BTW i didnt like the bomb factory versions much. The just didnt have the same vibe to me.

Danny