|
Post by OtisGreying on Nov 5, 2020 9:32:14 GMT -6
I'm trying to decide on a no compromise high-end 1176 clone as my primary (and only for now) hardware vocal compressor. I'm trying to stay under 2000$ or so if possible. I've been eyeballing the Serpent Audio Splice MKII and the MC77 as both units seem to be pretty highly praised. Also considering the current UA 1176LN. Anyone have any experience with these particular units?
Which other units should I consider and what do you guys feel in your experience to be your favorite 1176 compressor out there that isn't the real vintage UREI (which unfortunately is out of my budget)? Which one does it for you?
Any suggestions/thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks guys.
|
|
|
Post by phantom on Nov 5, 2020 10:21:18 GMT -6
I'm trying to decide on a no compromise high-end 1176 clone as my primary (and only for now) hardware vocal compressor. I'm trying to stay under 2000$ or so if possible. I've been eyeballing the Serpent Audio Splice MKII and the MC77 as both units seem to be pretty highly praised. Also considering the current UA 1176LN. Anyone have any experience with these particular units?
Which other units should I consider and what do you guys feel in your experience to be your favorite 1176 compressor out there that isn't the real vintage UREI (which unfortunately is out of my budget)? Which one does it for you?
Any suggestions/thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks guys.
I like the MC77. Never used the Splice, but it sure looks like a good unit. UA 1176LN are useful but a bit boring,imo. Have used a lot of times, but it never blew my mind. I don't know how to put it in a better way. Audioscape 76A looks like the best clone out there, if you wouldn't mind having the A revision. Stam Audio as well, but that might be harder to get.
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,937
Member is Online
|
Post by ericn on Nov 5, 2020 10:27:47 GMT -6
If you want something that nails the sound of the real deal spend your time looking for the original Purple MC76.
|
|
|
Post by soundintheround on Nov 5, 2020 12:35:25 GMT -6
If you can get an early UA version, I think you’d be happy. But even the info regarding serial numbers on UA website doesn’t totally account for the changes. You want one before they changed the transformer out, which was different in the early run.
Also heard good things about the purple but never heard myself. I just know between UA units they are pretty different sounding.
|
|
|
Post by Michael O. on Nov 5, 2020 13:09:14 GMT -6
If I didn’t already have 1176’s and I was working with your budget I’d probably opt to build/have someone build a diy clone from Hairball pcb’s using mostly new old stock parts (specifically the input transformer, the non-polarized capacitors, and the transistors), and still have some cash left over. In my personal experience that sort of build can sound every bit as good as the real (Urei) deal. In my own work I usually use the Rev A (non-LN) over the others for vocal duties, but they’re all absolutely usable, including the UA1176LN.
|
|
|
Post by phantom on Nov 5, 2020 14:20:16 GMT -6
If you can get an early UA version, I think you’d be happy. But even the info regarding serial numbers on UA website doesn’t totally account for the changes. You want one before they changed the transformer out, which was different in the early run. Also heard good things about the purple but never heard myself. I just know between UA units they are pretty different sounding. That's interesting. How would you describe the differences between them?
|
|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Nov 5, 2020 16:22:30 GMT -6
If you want something that nails the sound of the real deal spend your time looking for the original Purple MC76. ericn, I've read these are more sought after, are the differences unsubtle? Why is the MC76 the preferred choice?
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,937
Member is Online
|
Post by ericn on Nov 5, 2020 16:43:47 GMT -6
If you want something that nails the sound of the real deal spend your time looking for the original Purple MC76. ericn, I've read these are more sought after, are the differences unsubtle? Why is the MC76 the preferred choice? The MC76 was a dead ringer sonically and circuit wise for what ever rev. It was based on. Andrew suspended production when the attunuator became unavailable, unlike UA. The 77 was designed as how Andrew would build a 1176 after what he had learned building MC76s and servicing 1176s. Most find MC77s a bit on the bright side.
|
|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Nov 5, 2020 16:57:03 GMT -6
I'm trying to decide on a no compromise high-end 1176 clone as my primary (and only for now) hardware vocal compressor. I'm trying to stay under 2000$ or so if possible. I've been eyeballing the Serpent Audio Splice MKII and the MC77 as both units seem to be pretty highly praised. Also considering the current UA 1176LN. Anyone have any experience with these particular units?
Which other units should I consider and what do you guys feel in your experience to be your favorite 1176 compressor out there that isn't the real vintage UREI (which unfortunately is out of my budget)? Which one does it for you?
Any suggestions/thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks guys.
I like the MC77. Never used the Splice, but it sure looks like a good unit. UA 1176LN are useful but a bit boring,imo. Have used a lot of times, but it never blew my mind. I don't know how to put it in a better way. Audioscape 76A looks like the best clone out there, if you wouldn't mind having the A revision. Stam Audio as well, but that might be harder to get. Audioscape looks they're doing some serious no-compromise recreations, hard to find in stock however. What other Audioscape compressors have you tried and like phantom? (And would consider for vocals.)
|
|
|
Post by Blackdawg on Nov 5, 2020 17:25:20 GMT -6
I quite like my 76A.
But if i get more 1176s they will be Splice's or Hairballs.
|
|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Nov 5, 2020 17:45:01 GMT -6
I quite like my 76A. But if i get more 1176s they will be Splice's or Hairballs. Blackdawg, do you prefer the Splice's or Hairball's to your 76A? Is your Hairball unit the standard components that come in their kit, or did you source NOS components for your unit? How would you say these all compare?
|
|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Nov 5, 2020 17:48:49 GMT -6
If I didn’t already have 1176’s and I was working with your budget I’d probably opt to build/have someone build a diy clone from Hairball pcb’s using mostly new old stock parts (specifically the input transformer, the non-polarized capacitors, and the transistors), and still have some cash left over. In my personal experience that sort of build can sound every bit as good as the real (Urei) deal. In my own work I usually use the Rev A (non-LN) over the others for vocal duties, but they’re all absolutely usable, including the UA1176LN. So just to clarify this isn't buying their kit right? Their kit seems to come with their own custom transformers, other components etc.
Does Hairball source NOS components by request by any chance?
|
|
|
Post by Blackdawg on Nov 5, 2020 17:49:08 GMT -6
I quite like my 76A. But if i get more 1176s they will be Splice's or Hairballs. Blackdawg, do you prefer the Splice's or Hairball's to your 76A? Is your Hairball unit the standard components that come in their kit, or did you source NOS components for your unit? How would you say these all compare? Sorry I should have clarified. I don't have either of those units, but when I do buy more 1176s, those are the ones I will be getting. I'd probably just get their parts kit for the Blackface units.
|
|
|
Post by Michael O. on Nov 5, 2020 18:03:02 GMT -6
If I didn’t already have 1176’s and I was working with your budget I’d probably opt to build/have someone build a diy clone from Hairball pcb’s using mostly new old stock parts (specifically the input transformer, the non-polarized capacitors, and the transistors), and still have some cash left over. In my personal experience that sort of build can sound every bit as good as the real (Urei) deal. In my own work I usually use the Rev A (non-LN) over the others for vocal duties, but they’re all absolutely usable, including the UA1176LN. So just to clarify this isn't buying their kit right? Their kit seems to come with their own custom transformers, other components etc.
Does Hairball source NOS components by request by any chance?
That’s right- you’d source the pcb itself and the non-pcb parts from them (housing, pots/t-pad, buttons, etc.), and then get the pcb components and input transformer separately. Hairball doesn’t offer NOS components, but they’re easy to come by elsewhere. The Hairball kits utilizing their components do sound great and work well (at least the iterations I’ve used, their current offerings appear to be updateda bit), but not identical to a Urei unit as one made with original-equivalent components would essentially be. If you want a clone that is true to an original unit then this is essentially the only way to go, because the 1176 circuits are such that individual component choices can make an audible difference.
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,937
Member is Online
|
Post by ericn on Nov 5, 2020 18:18:15 GMT -6
Blackdawg, do you prefer the Splice's or Hairball's to your 76A? Is your Hairball unit the standard components that come in their kit, or did you source NOS components for your unit? How would you say these all compare? Sorry I should have clarified. I don't have either of those units, but when I do buy more 1176s, those are the ones I will be getting. I'd probably just get their parts kit for the Blackface units. If I were buying right now my top 1176 contenders available right now would be 1 Audioscape, price/ quality factor can’t be beat. 2 Hairball kit. See above if you can solder. 3 Splice, it wins the varsitlity battle. But if I could find MC76’s used for the price of Audioscape, sorry Ward and Audioscape it would be MC76’s because I know them miss them and to quote Patrick from sponge Bob “ party till we’re purple “ !. The only downside of the MC76 is that when Andrew couldn’t source the attenuator, he offered a kit so you were at the mercy of the builder. But I’m putting Audioscape up against a legend. It’s like putting some new kid up against EVH or Clapton😎.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2020 18:30:13 GMT -6
Sorry I should have clarified. I don't have either of those units, but when I do buy more 1176s, those are the ones I will be getting. I'd probably just get their parts kit for the Blackface units. If I were buying right now my top 1176 contenders available right now would be 1 Audioscape, price/ quality factor can’t be beat. 2 Hairball kit. See above if you can solder. 3 Splice, it wins the varsitlity battle. But if I could find MC76’s used for the price of Audioscape, sorry Ward and Audioscape it would be MC76’s because I know them miss them and to quote Patrick from sponge Bob “ party till we’re purple “ !. The only downside of the MC76 is that when Andrew couldn’t source the attenuator, he offered a kit so you were at the mercy of the builder. But I’m putting Audioscape up against a legend. It’s like putting some new kid up against EVH or Clapton😎. what about the Pro Replicas from Poland? www.proreplicas.com/recent 1176LN couldn't get the job done for me a while back. Sounded bright like a bad soft clipper at times.
|
|
|
Post by kcatthedog on Nov 5, 2020 23:44:50 GMT -6
I can vouch for the stock Hairball 76a: very nice presence and body.
If the edge of the A distortion is desirable I guess we should at least mention bla bluey, seawell’s video showed it off well I thought.
I think the price jump is a little gougey as after all it is just a 76a comp and you can get a premium sounding unit from Audioscape or the Hairball kit for less if you are a diy person.
|
|
|
Post by mrholmes on Nov 6, 2020 5:25:33 GMT -6
I don't know which revision the 76-KT/Warm is modeled after but I doubt that someone would hear a big difference, to a more expensive build, in a blind test. To my ears it stands out that I can hear the family style independently form the revision.
Have a good one. A.
|
|
|
Post by phantom on Nov 6, 2020 5:44:35 GMT -6
I like the MC77. Never used the Splice, but it sure looks like a good unit. UA 1176LN are useful but a bit boring,imo. Have used a lot of times, but it never blew my mind. I don't know how to put it in a better way. Audioscape 76A looks like the best clone out there, if you wouldn't mind having the A revision. Stam Audio as well, but that might be harder to get. Audioscape looks they're doing some serious no-compromise recreations, hard to find in stock however. What other Audioscape compressors have you tried and like phantom? (And would consider for vocals.) I've just used the 76A and the Optical. Both are excellent for vocals. And I saw many positive reviews about their V-Comp. Btw, when Audioscape say "out of stock", it's not really that. They build very small batches almost every week/month or so and sell then quickly. From their website: “SOLD OUT” simply means we are busy building more! Follow us on IG/FB for the latest “INVENTORY UPDATES”. Each new, small batch of products goes up on the site @ 8PM EST EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY!
|
|
|
Post by soundintheround on Nov 6, 2020 13:47:49 GMT -6
If you can get an early UA version, I think you’d be happy. But even the info regarding serial numbers on UA website doesn’t totally account for the changes. You want one before they changed the transformer out, which was different in the early run. Also heard good things about the purple but never heard myself. I just know between UA units they are pretty different sounding. That's interesting. How would you describe the differences between them? To my ears came it down to how it grabs, and the overall tone. The earlier ones just sounded like I thought an 1176 should based on records and having the UAD version of it. A little more aggressive with a nice bite to it. The newer (old) ones just sounded a bit more pillowy if that makes any sense, didnt have that signature tone. Its possible they all sound good again, but I was mostly comparing early versions 101-1959. There is a transformer change not documented there.
|
|
|
Post by Michael O. on Nov 6, 2020 15:07:25 GMT -6
That’s interesting info and it groks with my own experience- my UA unit’s serial number is ~125 (c. year 2000 I guess) and differs in obvious ways from the slightly newer units. Specifically it has older components like the old Phillips electrolytic capacitors, a captive ac cable like the urei’s rather than a removable iec cable, and even the old school UA serial number sticker. Never popped open the o17 to see which input xformer it uses, but I can vouch for it sounding great even next to the Urei.
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,937
Member is Online
|
Post by ericn on Nov 6, 2020 15:53:40 GMT -6
If I were buying right now my top 1176 contenders available right now would be 1 Audioscape, price/ quality factor can’t be beat. 2 Hairball kit. See above if you can solder. 3 Splice, it wins the varsitlity battle. But if I could find MC76’s used for the price of Audioscape, sorry Ward and Audioscape it would be MC76’s because I know them miss them and to quote Patrick from sponge Bob “ party till we’re purple “ !. The only downside of the MC76 is that when Andrew couldn’t source the attenuator, he offered a kit so you were at the mercy of the builder. But I’m putting Audioscape up against a legend. It’s like putting some new kid up against EVH or Clapton😎. what about the Pro Replicas from Poland? www.proreplicas.com/recent 1176LN couldn't get the job done for me a while back. Sounded bright like a bad soft clipper at times. Haven’t had one to try nor have I heard anything from those who’s ears I know and trust.
|
|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Nov 6, 2020 16:48:33 GMT -6
So just to clarify this isn't buying their kit right? Their kit seems to come with their own custom transformers, other components etc.
Does Hairball source NOS components by request by any chance?
That’s right- you’d source the pcb itself and the non-pcb parts from them (housing, pots/t-pad, buttons, etc.), and then get the pcb components and input transformer separately. Hairball doesn’t offer NOS components, but they’re easy to come by elsewhere. The Hairball kits utilizing their components do sound great and work well (at least the iterations I’ve used, their current offerings appear to be updateda bit), but not identical to a Urei unit as one made with original-equivalent components would essentially be. If you want a clone that is true to an original unit then this is essentially the only way to go, because the 1176 circuits are such that individual component choices can make an audible difference. Makes sense Michael, It looks like the Cinemag 0-12 is easy to get ahold of, where would you look for the other separate faithful pcb components? This would be my first DIY project, but I want a faithful Rev D pretty badly.
|
|
|
Post by yotonic on Nov 6, 2020 16:56:59 GMT -6
I have owned one of the early Purple MC77 and the UA 1176LN. Neither come close in my opinion to a UREI 1178, especially on vocals duty. I paid $2,200 on a couple of occasions for a very good 1178. Just program a couple of alerts for new listings on Reverb, and pay attention on the boards.
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Nov 6, 2020 17:04:52 GMT -6
If I wanted to DIY - hairball - but not with the stock components. The guys I know that are in the know always substitute out for various NOS parts.
If I wanted dirt cheap - I'd go for the KT. Two hundred bucks.
If I wanted versatility and the ultimate in sonics, the splice is a no brainer, and I own 4 of them and love them to death.
If I had more rack space and still wanted a incredibly great unit - AudioScape. Hands down.
|
|