Jack Hammer
New member
1176...This is a familiar sequence of numbers. Notably, it is the model for the current Universal Audio limiter that was originally manufactured, i believe, by Urei. That said, today, of course, one can purchase a brand spanking new box from Universal Audio for a reasonable price and have the sounds so often used and sought after.
But there are many knockoffs to consider and the questions is, should one actually consider these. Further, should one even hold out for an original Urei model?
For instance, Purple...This company makes an avowed 1176 knock-off. It seems to me that it is actualy more expensive than the official version.
Also, Studio Electronics makes a stereo knock-off of the 1176 that incorporates elements of the predecessor to the 1176 which, according to Studio Electronics, is better than the official reissue (big surprise there).
So, exactly what is the take on this. Are the differences real or are they appealing to our sense of ego that compels us to purchase these pieces of gear as if they were an extension of our personality rather than simply something to create our art with. In the creative process, in the final result, will it matter at all whether the limiter used was manufactured by UA, Purple or SE? What then should the criteria be for a prospective purchaser or, is it simply a matter of purchasing the "orginal" or "real thing". The mere existence of knock-offs suggests an axiom that usually guides me and that is this: The mere existence of knock-offs indicates that the original is held in high esteem and that the "orginal" has been validated as the best design or incarnation and the one to beat.
What are your thoughts on this subject.
Oh, and by the way, usually, the knock-off is less expensive and therefore it provides a way for those that cannot afford the original to get in the act. In this case, however, the Purple issue is, apparently MORE expensive whereas the Studio Electronics version is less expensive by virtue of the fact that it is stereo. Go figure!
But there are many knockoffs to consider and the questions is, should one actually consider these. Further, should one even hold out for an original Urei model?
For instance, Purple...This company makes an avowed 1176 knock-off. It seems to me that it is actualy more expensive than the official version.
Also, Studio Electronics makes a stereo knock-off of the 1176 that incorporates elements of the predecessor to the 1176 which, according to Studio Electronics, is better than the official reissue (big surprise there).
So, exactly what is the take on this. Are the differences real or are they appealing to our sense of ego that compels us to purchase these pieces of gear as if they were an extension of our personality rather than simply something to create our art with. In the creative process, in the final result, will it matter at all whether the limiter used was manufactured by UA, Purple or SE? What then should the criteria be for a prospective purchaser or, is it simply a matter of purchasing the "orginal" or "real thing". The mere existence of knock-offs suggests an axiom that usually guides me and that is this: The mere existence of knock-offs indicates that the original is held in high esteem and that the "orginal" has been validated as the best design or incarnation and the one to beat.
What are your thoughts on this subject.
Oh, and by the way, usually, the knock-off is less expensive and therefore it provides a way for those that cannot afford the original to get in the act. In this case, however, the Purple issue is, apparently MORE expensive whereas the Studio Electronics version is less expensive by virtue of the fact that it is stereo. Go figure!
