Before the 76-KT and its incredible low pricing my access to the magical sound of a FET based compressor was very limited, basically all I ever had was some form of VCA based compression. After I bought my UA-1176 I was spoiled and hooked on that fast attack and adjustable release sound, none of my DBX pieces ever sounded like that, not even the original 160-VU.
 |
| (L Rack) Top UA1176, 4x76-KT, (R Rack) LA-2a, 2xWA-76, 4xDBX166 DAW to Console, Dedicated Inline Mixing Compressors |
When Warm Audio came out with their WA-76 it was a devastating price breakthrough and the audio community did not know how to react, eventually they decided to hate Warm Audio (for destroying the profit for boutique companies). I thought the WA-76 looked good and I bought one for $550 new. The sound from the WA-76 was thinner and had more treble emphasis than my UA-1176 but it was still better than most VCA and bargain optical compressor products.
 |
| On Sale for $150 with Free Shipping ($219 regularly) |
Eventually the Klark Teknik brand brought their 76-KT to the market, I bought two for $500 each. Of course I opened them up, looked inside and tried them in a variety of situations. The sound quality from the 76-KT was good, a little brighter and clearer than the UA1176 and not nearly as much brightness as the WA-76. Around that time I was also experimenting with the optical compressors from KT and Warm Audio. The attack on the optical compressors is not as fast as any of the FET models (that’s just what my ears tell me).
USING FET COMPS
I rarely “track” with a compressor, I like to record with lots of headroom and then run the track through a compressor when I’m mixing. I’ve tried a lot of plugins and never found any that I liked better or even as much as my hardware compressors. I eventually rewired my console so that all seven of the FET-76 style compressors are inline with DAW channels feeding my mixer. This lets me run the lead vocal through any of the three brands (Universal Audio, Warm Audio or Klark Teknik) by just choosing which channel I send the vocal to.
 |
| Universal Audio 1176, currently $2999.00 with Free Shipping |
Here is how the three breakout in usage: Sometimes I like the UA-1176 because it has a bit “softer” kind of a sound, I rarely choose the WA-76 for vocals (it’s too bright and does not have the weight of the others), more and more I find myself choosing the 76-KT (purely off the sound). The KT is fast, it’s bright but it’s full sounding and can keep a lead vocal out in front without sounding squished or weird. The 76-KT has a bite that I like, it’s not distortion (or maybe it is) - whatever it is I like it and choose it regularly over the others. I’ve developed standard settings on all the units, one or two of the 76-KT for lead and vocal doubles, then the UA-1176 on the backing vocal track(s) which helps them sit behind the lead vocal.
Alright, there I’ve said it; I like the 76-KT. The sound from this box fits what I want to hear in my head. These days I have many compressors to choose from, Vari-Mu, FET, lots of VCA models, comps that use optical gain control elements and a couple of different limiters that use diodes in their operation (Neve and Prism). When I cut a new vocal track the first thing I do is route it through a 76-KT so I can listen to a fully produced version. It’s a great sounding piece of gear and it’s ridiculously inexpensive compared to everything else, what is not to like? You’ll need to look past the low cost stigma and use your ears, if you regularly use hardware compressors it is hard to not like this one.
76-KT SPECIFICATIONS
- Input: 600Ω transformer balanced, XLR-F and TRS (parallel wired jacks)
- Max Input Level: +30 dBu
- Pad Switch: -20 dB typical
- Output: 105Ω, transformer balanced, XLR-M and TRS (parallel wired jacks)
- Max Output Level: +25 dBu
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, (plus or minus:1dB)
- S/N ratio: 80 dB@ +4dBu in
- Distortion: (THD+N): 0.15% typical
- Attack Time: 25-760 micro seconds, adjustable
- Release Time: 80-670 ms, adjustable
- Ratio: 20:1, 12:1, 8:1, 4:1
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
- A.C. Power: 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 10 Watts
LIKES
- Low accessible price
- Good FET compressor sound (Class A Output Driver)
- Classic 1176 form, controls and function
- Inbuilt switching power supply (no wall wart), works anywhere in the world
- IEC style power cord connection
DISLIKES
- 2-rack spaces for mono processor
- No bypass switch (none on original UREI either)
 |
| (L) 76-KT, (R) UNIVERSAL AUDIO 1176 |
 |
| Getting the latest pair ready to use |
This is the second time I’ve scored one of these 76-KT compressor units for the $150 sale price (including shipping). These latest two units are going into my new synthesizer rig to help level out the chaos of instrument hardware sounds I’m playing with.
These KT FET compressors deliver the expensive sound of the low-production, boutique units costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars more. Listen to actual recordings produced using them (if anyone will admit to it lol), the KT-difference is like a different brand of guitar strings or maybe a higher quality IEC power cord - virtually indistinguishable in actual use from the most expensive models.
If you are like me and take good care of your studio recording equipment then there is no reason 76-KT compressors won’t last at least as long as your recording career ;-)
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©July 2025 by Mark King, it is not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
Go and create something beautiful. . . . . . .
YOU CAN ALWAYS SPEND MORE, THERE ARE LOTS OF 1176 TO CHOOSE FROM
 |
| Universal Audio 1176LN $2999 |
 |
| Purple Version $1850 |
 |
| Wes Audio $1399 |
 |
| Black Lion $999 |
 |
| Lindell $299 |
I have the Arturia 1176 plugin and have experimented with it, but like most plugins it sounds sterile and one-dimensional to my old ears. Logic Pro has several 1176 style plugins included, they sound as good as any other plugins which is to say, they sound clinical and less lively.
Since starting High on Technology I've learned I'm not alone, there are A LOT of other people who like and use hardware from a variety of brands and price ranges, these folks are using their own ears to make decisions and they are making music, their music.
The bottom line is what you create - did you get out of your couch and make something original - and along the way, try as hard as you could? That is what matters most, now get out there and give it all you've got!
