Pulsar Audio has introduced Pulsar Smasher ($54 value), an 1176-style compressor effect that is available for free download until March 11th, 2020. The iLok License Manager needs to be installed for plugin activation purposes (iLok USB key is not required).
Pulsar Smasher is a FET compressor effect modeled after the vintage UREI 1176LN peak limiter from 1967. The plugin closely emulates the “British mode” of a heavily modded 1176 hardware unit. The result is an extreme compressor effect with an aggressive and “crunchy” compression character. Pulsar Smasher is available in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for compatible digital audio workstations on PC and Mac.
The developers at Pulsar Audio describe the Pulsar Smasher plugin as a raw and gritty dynamics processor that is somewhere between a compressor and a saturation effect. It is the type of compressor that is suitable for processing your audio mixes in the style of bands such as Vulfpeck and The Black Keys. The Smasher is perfect for making the drums sound crunchy and distorted without losing the dynamics. You can also experiment with using the Pulsar Smasher compressor on vocals, bass guitars, or as a secret ingredient on the master channel.
- Compression Basics: 1176 into LA-2A on Vocals + CL1-B on Keyboards The human voice is one of the most dynamic musical instruments, and therefore presents unique challenges when recording and mixing. Here are the plugin compressors that I find myself using most frequently when I mix vocals.
- It is a spot-on digital replica of Roberts’ acclaimed MC77 Limiting Amplifier, which in turn is an update of his classic MC76 hardware unit. Representing a different take on the 1176-style FET limiter, Purple Audio MC77 gives you access to all the goodness of the original with the convenience and flexibility only a plug-in can offer.
- Introducing the 'True Peak Limiter' The Universal Audio 1176 Compressor/Limiter was first introduced in 1968, created by Bill Putnam Sr. As the solid state successor to his tube-based 176 limiting amplifier.
- The LA2A stands alongside the 1176 as one of the most iconic compressors of all time, and Universal Audio’s version is a faithful digital recreation offering three generations of the classic optical design. It offers the same response and aesthetic as the hardware, and is possibly the best emulation of this style of compressor ever made.
The secret behind Pulsar Smasher’s aggressive compression style is the hardware 1176’s so-called “British mode” that is engaged by pressing all four compression ratio buttons at the same time. The hardware compressor’s analog behavior, along with certain custom algorithm modifications implemented by Pulsar Audio, are the essential ingredients of Pulsar Smasher’s signature gritty sound. According to the info on the product page, the Pulsar Smasher is the first plugin ever to emulate the 1176 compressor’s all-button mode.
Working with virtual studio technology (VST) plugins is tremendously convenient, but a lot of the best VST plugins out there are very expensive. If you're looking to expand your library of VST instrument (VSTi) plugins, or tweak your mixes with some great effects or MIDI effects VST plugins, you can do it for free.
Unlike its complex analog hardware emulation algorithms, Pulsar Smasher’s user interface is quite simple. It features the input and output gain controls, a mix knob, and a bypass switch. The mix knob is handy for quick and easy parallel compression. A gain reduction meter is also provided, along with a preset manager and undo/redo buttons. The user interface can be freely resized from 50% to 200% of its original dimensions. The plugin is optimized to use as few CPU resources as possible.
Visit the product page linked below to download your free copy of the Pulsar Smasher plugin. The download installer file will install both the Pulsar Smasher software and the iLok License Manager. The activation code provided on the page can be used to claim your free license before March 11th, 2020.
To activate your copy of Pulsar Smasher, you will need to sign up for a free iLok user account (valid email address required). When loading the plugin for the first time, paste the activation code provided on the product page. The license will then be registered to your free iLok user account and activated on your computer.
PSA: Your antivirus software may report that the installer contains malware. In my opinion (and from my experience), this is a false positive. That said, use your own judgment – you’re installing the software at your own risk.
More info:Pulsar Smasher(242 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & macOS)
FAST AND PUNCHY
Uad 1176 Vst
- Super-fast attack, as quick as 50 microseconds
- 'All button mode' and 'No button mode'
- Integrated sidechain input
- This product is only available as part of VINTAGE COMPRESSORS and can no longer be bought separately.
THE VC 76 — FAST AND PUNCHY
Great presence, punchy, clear high end. Good
for drums, vocals or stereo limiting.
1176 Vst
FET COMPRESSOR
This effect is also available as part of the specially-priced VINTAGE COMPRESSORS bundle.
IMPROVING ON THE ORIGINAL
The VC 76 is great for making drums hit hard in the mix, but it's also great on vocals, bass and for compressing the stereo sum.
DOWNLOAD FREE DEMO
ABOUT SOFTUBE
As well as working with NATIVE INSTRUMENTS, they make a wide range of their own products. Their reputation in the industry is exceptional.
FET TECHNOLOGY
1176 Limiter
FET compressors are fast, relatively clean-sounding, and inherently reliable.
ARTISTS ON VC 76
Tim Goldsworthy (co-founder DFA Records, producer for Massive Attack, The Maccabees, Hercules & Love Affair)
'Trying the VC 76 in 'British Mode' I discovered it could have been one of my beloved hardware ones!'
Zdar (Producer for Phoenix, Beastie Boys, The Rapture)
AT A GLANCE
| Product type | High-quality FET compressor/peak limiter emulation |
| For use with | All popular host sequencers as a native plug-in |
| Effect category | Studio Compressors |
| Size (Mac / PC) | Mac: 111 MB, PC: 45 MB |
| User manual | Download Manual |
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
1176 Vst Plugin Free
Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 (latest Service Pack), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 2 GB RAM
An Internet connection and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.1 or higher are required to download and activate this product. Once installed and activated, the product can be used offline.
Supported interfaces:
Windows (64-bit only): VST, AAX
Mac OS X (64-bit only): VST, AU, AAX
Universal Audio 1176 Compressor