An Authentic Recreation Of The Most Underrated 1176 Revision
The 1176 Revision F is, in AudioScape's opinion, the real sleeper of the 1176 lineup. Everybody knows the blue stripe “Rev A” and black panel “Rev D,” but this later revision - built with slightly more modern components (carbon film instead of carbon composition resistors, for example) and the brighter, more aggressive-sounding B11148 output transformer - often gets overlooked.
It’s long been one of AudioScape's favorites, so they set out to nail this revision even before taking on the much more popular Rev D.
Quality In, Quality Out
If users are familiar with the 76A or 76D, they know AudioScape is what you might call “obsessive” when it comes to the component selection for a truly authentic 1176 build. Yes, you can use modern parts, follow the available schematics, and end up with something that definitely resembles a vintage compressor. But if AudioScape wants to nail the originals, they have to use original-style components.
It Starts With Iron
Like the 76A and 76D, the 76F prominently features a Cinemag CM-O12 input transformer - by far the most authentic-sounding replica of the famous UTC O-12 “Ouncer” used in the original Urei units. For some reason, no other manufacturer out there has picked up on this. AudioScape evaluated every modern transformer option available while designing their 76 circuits, and this one smokes any off-the-shelf transformer out there. Cinemag completely nailed it!
Because the B11148 plays such a crucial role in the box tone of the Rev F, AudioScape went to their transformer guru and spent months working on a custom-wound replica. The result captures all the bright, modern polish of the original while retaining some vintage 1970s character. It’s the perfect complement to the aggressive midrange bite of the 76A and the smooth, rich harmonic tone of the 76D.
Vintage 1176 Parts = Vintage 1176 Sound
Where most 1176 recreations fall short is in the FETs used in the compression section. It’s a “FET” compressor, so getting this part right is essential. Modern JFETs won’t cut it. AudioScape has been stockpiling NOS 1970s FETs for years, and won’t use anything else in their 1176 builds. Having access to the NOS component market is a huge advantage of building in the USA, and it’s probably why no other manufacturer has gone this route.
A More Modern 1176 For Vocals, Bass, And Acoustic Guitar
The slightly more modern components and design of the Rev F give it a shine and polish not usually associated with this style of compressor. AudioScape has heard it aptly described as sounding like “liquid gold.” Combined with the slightly slower attack and better low end handling compared to the earlier revisions, the 76F is right at home on modern productions - perfectly suited to pop or rock vocals, bass guitars, and even kick drums. It especially shines on acoustic guitar.
Like the other AudioScape 76 compressors, the 76F stands out from the field in its ability to hold up even when cranked to the maximum. Inferior 1176 builds, like many plugins, show their weaknesses at high compression settings, falling apart and failing to keep up with aggressive transients. The 76F will put up with anything a user can throw at it, with excellent low end retention even under heavy compression - even outperforming the 76D in this regard.
Premium, Vintage-Accurate Components Throughout
True to AudioScape form, they use only the highest-grade parts that match the original sonics in this unit. The audio path features carbon film resistors like the original units, with high-quality precision metal film resistors in the sidechain, where accuracy is needed.
76F “Deluxe Edition”
The 76F “Deluxe Edition” adds a few new, modern features to the core circuit of the 76F:
- “COMP BLEND” for wet/dry signal mix
- New compression engage “push/pull” on/off knob - Deluxe models only
- Variable sidechain high-pass filtert (HPF), with 8 fixed options (OFF, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz, 200 Hz, 260 Hz, 320 Hz)
- New “Stereo Link” mode for chaining multiple units
- Fully regulated power supply, eliminating the meter drift found in the original circuit
The 76F Deluxe Edition also features what AudioScape calls the “secret mod”: a new range of attack times not available in the original 76F circuit. Here’s how it works:
From noon to 7 on the attack knob (fully CW), the 76F DE operates within the original range of attack times, from slowest to fastest. However, turning the attack past noon in the other direction (CCW) unlocks a new range of even slower attack times than the original, allowing more transient information through and making these units even more versatile for modern productions. Like the classic 76 units, turning the attack fully CCW to “OFF” disengages the compression circuit but allows signal to pass through the transformers. The numbering scheme stays the same as the originals - from 1 to 7 - hence “secret mod”!
