Retro Instruments 176 Limiting Amplifier
The Retro 176 faithfully reproduces the sound of the 1960s original with new features for the modern recording studio. The Retro 176 provides one of the most desirable compression signatures in recording history. The Retro 176 Limiting Amplifier has the largest feature set in any variable-mu design.
Unlike many modern-day “recreations”, the Retro Instruments 176 limiting amplifier doesn’t merely copy the sonic blueprint of the legendary 175B and 176 – it arguably improves upon it in almost every way. It possesses the same desirable qualities that are indicative of the original whilst offering a host of additional features that make it considerably more versatile (and reliable!) in the modern studio. Beautiful on drums, bass, vocals, acoustic guitar and mix-buss duties (matched pairs are available), it’s capable of everything from smooth and harmonically-rich limiting to more transparent and dynamic compression of delicate sources.
Features:
- Precision Knob scales for easy recallability
- Continuously variable attack and release time
- Four settings of compression ratio from soft compression to limiting (2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1)
- Wide-Range Sidechain Highpass Filter
- Vocal Asymmetry Tool
- Hard-wire Bypass Switch
- Interstage Transformer Bypass Switch
- High Quality VU Meter switchable between Input, Output and Gain Reduction
- XLR input and output connections
- IEC power connector
- 115/230V AC Mains
- Integral tube balance test
- Easy stereo strapping of two or more units
- Selected NOS tubes and components
“The 176 is extremely good! I use it on most things. It’s a bit of a sonic magician, makes everything come alive. If sonics could be described in gold carats then the 176 would have to be at least a 24.”
“I put the Retro 176 in the same class as its legendary inspiration. There are only a handful of compressors that everyone an agree are desert island worthy, time will prove this to be one of them. It’s a perfect vocal tool, now I can’t imagine mixing without it”
– Jacquire King Grammy Winning Producer & Engineer
“Phil Moore did a great job! Bill Putnam would smile!!! The Retro 176 has become my first choice for lead vocals It now stands alone at the finish line! ”
– Chris Lord-Alge Grammy Winning Producer & Engineer
“The Retro 176 pulls out the breath of vocals with out any need of additional EQ. With all the versatile controls it’s very easy to make a vocal sit in a mix with out losing definition or clarity.”
– Al Sutton Grammy Nominated Producer & Engineer
“Just wanted to thank you for the AMAZING Retro 176, the vocals on is wawwwwwwwww! Cheers!”
– Jean Marie Riachi Grammy Nominated Producer & Engineer
“The 176 sounds as impressive as my old tube giants (Gates, Federal, RCA) but also more modern if needed. I continue to use my three 176’s on every project I do. I can’t be without them! Please keep making gear like this. ”
– Greg Wells Grammy Nominated Producer & Engineer
Specifications
- 20 dB of available gain reduction
- Signal to noise ratio of greater than 76dB
- Flat frequency response within 0.5dB from 20-20,000Hz
- Harmonic Distortion of less than 1% from 0-15dB gain reduction