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Universal Audio GPS-1176

Universal Audio 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal User Manual

Model: GPS-1176

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Universal Audio 1176 Studio Compressor Pedal user manual. This document provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your new compressor pedal. The 1176 Studio Compressor brings the legendary punchy and expressive tones of the classic 1176 Limiting Amplifier to a compact stompbox format, built on the powerful UAFX engine. It offers switchable true/buffered bypass and a parallel compression mode, making it a versatile addition to any pedalboard.

2. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various components and controls of your 1176 Studio Compressor pedal.

Front Panel

Universal Audio 1176 Studio Compressor pedal, front view, showing Input, Output, Attack, Release, and Ratio knobs, a toggle switch for Single/Dual/Sustain modes, and a footswitch.

The front panel features the primary controls for shaping your compression sound. From top to bottom, you will find the Input and Output level knobs, a toggle switch for selecting compression modes (Single, Dual, Sustain), and three lower knobs for Attack, Release, and Ratio. A bright LED indicates the pedal's status, and the large footswitch activates or bypasses the effect.

Rear Panel

Rear view of the Universal Audio 1176 Studio Compressor pedal, showing the input and output jacks, 9V DC power input, and toggle switches for Bypass (Buffer/True) and Parallel (Off/On).

The rear panel houses the audio input and output jacks, the 9V DC power input, and two important configuration switches: the Bypass switch (Buffer/True) and the Parallel switch (Off/On).

Side Panel

Side view of the Universal Audio 1176 Studio Compressor pedal, showing a USB-C port.

One side of the pedal features a USB-C port, used for firmware updates and registration.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your 1176 Studio Compressor pedal for the first time.

  1. Power Connection: Connect a standard 9V DC power supply (center-negative, 250mA minimum) to the 9V DC input jack on the rear panel. Ensure the power supply meets these specifications to prevent damage.
  2. Audio Input: Connect your instrument (e.g., guitar) to the IN jack on the rear panel using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
  3. Audio Output: Connect the OUT jack on the rear panel to your amplifier, audio interface, or the next pedal in your signal chain using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
  4. Bypass Mode Selection: On the rear panel, set the BYPASS switch to either TRUE (for true bypass, which completely removes the pedal from the signal path when off) or BUFFER (for buffered bypass, which maintains signal integrity over long cable runs).
  5. Parallel Mode Selection: On the rear panel, set the PARALLEL switch to OFF or ON. When ON, the pedal will blend a dry signal with the compressed signal.

4. Operating Instructions

Understand the functions of each control to effectively use your 1176 Studio Compressor.

Controls