2-1176 vs MC77 vs UA 1176 Plugin! MP3's!!!

**James 'LA' Lugo** · 15th March 2008, 06:37 PM

Watcha think???

I think the chain was U87ai>Pacifica, we ran the vocal through the 3 suspects after tracking. Gain structure and reduction was spot on.

Brent · 15th March 2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James 'LA' Lugo

Watcha think???

I think the chain was U87ai>Pacifica, we ran the vocal through the 3 suspects after tracking. Gain structure and reduction was spot on.

I by no means have golden ears so take this with a grain of salt. I listend using HD600's.

I was impressed with how well the plugin did, but it was a bit more dead? Flat? compared to the real compressors.

The MC77 seemed clearer/smoother, while the 2-1176 seemed a touch looser/cloudier if that makes any sense at all.

The differences were very slight though. Too tough to call in MP3 format.

**James 'LA' Lugo** · 15th March 2008, 07:27 PM

my thoughts too

Kelly644 · 15th March 2008, 07:27 PM

The difference between the 2-1176 and the others was pretty significant imo.

The MC77 was my personal preference, with the plugin coming in second.

To clarify:

The 2-1176 has some saturation grit thing going on. It is the most forward sounding of the 3 and it did not seem to have the dynamics the of MC77.

The MC77 was the smoothest. Best depth and the most dynamics left. Didnt sound as compressed.

Software was similar to MC77 but less depth & less tone. Compression sounds like it presses against the singers voice a tad more.

So:

1. MC77
2. Plug
3. 2-1176

IMO

BIG_MYDUS · 15th March 2008, 07:43 PM

1ST- MC77
2ND- Plug-in
3RD- 2-1176

Brent · 15th March 2008, 07:47 PM

Hey James,

Just curious if you could post the .wav versions of these somewhere?

Brent

craigmorris74 · 15th March 2008, 07:59 PM

Like to hear a UA 1176LN the had the "proper" components (a few had inferior subbed parts from what I understand).

The MC77 did sound great, though.

Nahuel · 15th March 2008, 08:07 PM

1ST- MC77
2ND- 2-1176
3RD- Plug-in

for me.

the mc77 sound like it have the "clean" sound of the plugin+the "real" sound of analog gear.

the plugin sound good but it have that "ITB 2D" to it, the 2-1176 sound "vintage" but it have that "real" 3D sound.

xj32 · 15th March 2008, 08:13 PM

Thanks for doing this James,

I have a "correct" recient 1176LN & the plug-in, and have experienced similar results IE the plug-in reacts correctly in everyway, and is sonically about 85% of the real thing.

Meaning the real thing sounds slightly bigger & airy, and is also easier to push harder while still retaining its musicallity.

In other words while the real thing is better, if you still cant nail a an awesome mix with the plug-in...the problem lies with you.

XJ

TheBluesBrother · 15th March 2008, 08:26 PM

If I had to choose which to use on the record it would be the 1176 because it seems the most present without as much of the audible straining of the plugin on the really loud phrase. The mc77 sounds good though; I just think it lags just a hair in presence in the more moderately compressed phrases. I would have no problem choosing any of them.

Thanks for the clips!

ImJohn · 15th March 2008, 08:41 PM

Well, FWIW listening on my 'ok' computer speakers I like the 2-1176 the best by a very small margin. It has a hair more clarity/openess/rawness to it than the others and I think it fits better for this track/style. (IMHO of course) the UAD and MC77 both sound fine and very close to each other. I would of liked to hear a sample with the vocal not compressed at all as a reference.

And I seriously love the singing, James! You kick ASS!

**James 'LA' Lugo** · 15th March 2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImJohn

Well, FWIW listening on my 'ok' computer speakers I like the 2-1176 the best by a very small margin. It has a hair more clarity/openess/rawness to it than the others and I think it fits better for this track/style. (IMHO of course) the UAD and MC77 both sound fine and very close to each other. I would of liked to hear a sample with the vocal not compressed at all as a reference.

And I seriously love the singing, James! You kick ASS!

Thanks man. Here's a no compression pass.

EBGB · 15th March 2008, 09:52 PM

Are people using the MC77 for less aggressive/heavy music too with good results?

Or is it more of a hard rock thing?

xj32 · 15th March 2008, 10:00 PM

I think one thing thats cool here is that everyone seems to like different ones for different reasons, taste mainly. Proving that each piece is quite cool and usable...not one is Golden and the other two suck!

At least thats my take.

Thanks again James!

XJ

Brent · 15th March 2008, 10:08 PM

What settings did you have dialed in for this?

**James 'LA' Lugo** · 15th March 2008, 10:27 PM

8:1
attack and release fastest
hitting about 2/3 the way of gain reduction on the VU at the hottest spots.

Aearth · 15th March 2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_MYDUS

1ST- MC77
2ND- Plug-in
3RD- 2-1176

Agreed

nIC

Aearth · 15th March 2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James 'LA' Lugo

Thanks man. Here's a no compression pass.

James you really got to stop swollowing those compressors.

Sounded cool, but that is what an experienced singer can do with or without gear. Dig your singing man.

nIC

theSoundFactory · 15th March 2008, 10:41 PM

1. 2-1176
2. MC77
3. Plug-in

I thought the 2-1176 had better low-end.. the plug-in sounded good.. but really flat.. the MC77 was nice! :)

**James 'LA' Lugo** · 15th March 2008, 10:52 PM

Just used the MC77 and the 2-1176 for the kick and the MC77 was way better for kick. Meaner and heavier.

indie · 15th March 2008, 10:55 PM

James, you were hilarious on 'Idol Chat'.

stagefright13 · 15th March 2008, 11:11 PM

I liked the 2-1176 the best on that track. The MC77 does sound cleaner tho. Guess would depend on the voice which to use. And the plugin does not sound quite as dynamic if that makes any sense. But all 3 did a damn respectable job! I guess I should start using my 1176 plugin more...

Great Voice BTW. My favorite style.

indie · 15th March 2008, 11:17 PM

just listened on 7506 headphones.
For me:
1. 2-1176
2. MC77
3. Plug

**James 'LA' Lugo** · 15th March 2008, 11:34 PM

So this proves that a lot of new re-issue gear has mojo. Also people saying that MC77 is the only 1176 with mojo, it's BS.

stagefright13 · 15th March 2008, 11:48 PM

Very true! I actually like the 2-1176 by a good margin over the others. To my ears wins hands down. I listened on my Tannoy system 800's and headphones. But just one person's opinion in my room... :) Sure that was a U87? I can get that exact sound with an SM7. But hard to tell with mp3. Thanks for doing it!

Kaigen · 16th March 2008, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James 'LA' Lugo

So this proves that a lot of new re-issue gear has mojo. Also people saying that MC77 is the only 1176 with mojo, it's BS.

To me, only MC77 has MOJO. People saying here GS is true!

stagefright13 · 16th March 2008, 04:56 AM

Andrew at purple makes awesome stuff! No doubt about it! But UA won on the hard rock vocal IMHO by a good margin. Like I said before I would use the purple MC77 on a different vocal or application. Not everyone does hard rock vocal.

But I do...

**James 'LA' Lugo** · 16th March 2008, 04:58 AM

What I'm saying is the MC77 isn't the only one with mojo. The 2-1176 is a great piece of gear whether it's chips or surface mount etc... Whatever, it's great. I just think people saying the 77 is the only piece out that is worth it's weight is BS. I've been using them side by side and if you can't get mojo out of a 2-1176 then you need post less and work more. They're both great, hell the plug sounds cool, I don't care if it's zeros and ones.

I have zero affection to any piece of equipment, I'm 44 and have been making records since I'm 17, old gear is fine if it does the job, for me new gear is better if it does the job (warranty, less wear and tear etc).

Peace

Rep · 16th March 2008, 05:07 AM

In a Blind test , on the ADAMs ,
The NO Compression pass was My Favorite,
had the most Feel to me...... anyway list is :

1 No Compression
2 MC77
2 Plug-in
3 2-1176

stagefright13 · 16th March 2008, 05:09 AM

Andrew at purple makes awesome stuff! No doubt about it! But UA won on the hard rock vocal IMHO by a good margin. Like I said before I would use the purple MC77 on a different vocal or application. Not everyone does hard rock vocal. But I specialize in it.

The MC77 is more advanced with true bypass and the meter buffer. I think the biggest difference is the settings. The UA was more forward as vocals should be. Also an opinion. I don't think turning the knobs on either are equivalent. Different transformers etc. SO prolly not a great test. But I really like the Purple stuff. But I buy UA stuff also...

Yeah almost didn't need compression on the vocals. You sing like me wfo all the time. Kinda like a Marshall lol!

Hey I turned 44 too! Hate to admit it but still in business. If I had to chose 1 I would take the 2-1176 cause I would get 2. If I had to chose 1 I would get the MC77 I studied it alot it's a better design for modern stuff,

Both units don't have chips lol! They are FET compressors!

Uncompressed vocal sounded great but the compressors pushed it over the edge. Well done
Doesn't sound like a U87 tho ;') They suck for hard rock vocals in my experience.

Try an SM7 into a LA2A Will be great for your voice!!!!!!! Hit the high end switch to hit the rasp. But make sure ya plug it first. The release time is very slow. As you know.

15th March 2008, 07:27 PM	#4
Kelly644 Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 481	The difference between the 2-1176 and the others was pretty significant imo. The MC77 was my personal preference, with the plugin coming in second. To clarify: The 2-1176 has some saturation grit thing going on. It is the most forward sounding of the 3 and it did not seem to have the dynamics the of MC77. The MC77 was the smoothest. Best depth and the most dynamics left. Didnt sound as compressed. Software was similar to MC77 but less depth & less tone. Compression sounds like it presses against the singers voice a tad more. So: 1. MC77 2. Plug 3. 2-1176 IMO __________________ "The 160VU is like ordering a nice drink but instead of serving you a drink, the waiter punches you in the face........." -nlc201

15th March 2008, 07:43 PM	#5
BIG_MYDUS Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bristol UK Posts: 146	1ST- MC77 2ND- Plug-in 3RD- 2-1176 __________________ Mike N www.modernworldstudios.com www.myspace.com/modernworldstudios

15th March 2008, 07:47 PM	#6
Brent Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gearslutz.com.... Posts: 686	.wav? Hey James, Just curious if you could post the .wav versions of these somewhere? Brent

15th March 2008, 08:13 PM	#9
xj32 Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,058	Thanks for doing this James, I have a "correct" recient 1176LN & the plug-in, and have experienced similar results IE the plug-in reacts correctly in everyway, and is sonically about 85% of the real thing. Meaning the real thing sounds slightly bigger & airy, and is also easier to push harder while still retaining its musicallity. In other words while the real thing is better, if you still cant nail a an awesome mix with the plug-in...the problem lies with you. XJ __________________ "...learning it is far different from getting a good sound out of it" Mike Caffrey "The gear doesn't really care what kind of music you pump through it, be it rap or classical " thethrillfactor "Maybe it doesn't sound much like the original, but given that only 0.00000000000000137% of the population would know and only 0.00000041% of those would care, I'm not too worried about it." Dean Roddey

15th March 2008, 08:41 PM	#11
ImJohn Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: WA USA Posts: 1,409	Well, FWIW listening on my 'ok' computer speakers I like the 2-1176 the best by a very small margin. It has a hair more clarity/openess/rawness to it than the others and I think it fits better for this track/style. (IMHO of course) the UAD and MC77 both sound fine and very close to each other. I would of liked to hear a sample with the vocal not compressed at all as a reference. And I seriously love the singing, James! You kick ASS! __________________ John L Rice

15th March 2008, 07:59 PM	#7
craigmorris74 Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 255	Like to hear a UA 1176LN the had the "proper" components (a few had inferior subbed parts from what I understand). The MC77 did sound great, though.

15th March 2008, 08:07 PM	#8
Nahuel Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,599	1ST- MC77 2ND- 2-1176 3RD- Plug-in for me. the mc77 sound like it have the "clean" sound of the plugin+the "real" sound of analog gear. the plugin sound good but it have that "ITB 2D" to it, the 2-1176 sound "vintage" but it have that "real" 3D sound.

15th March 2008, 08:26 PM	#10
TheBluesBrother Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 52	If I had to choose which to use on the record it would be the 1176 because it seems the most present without as much of the audible straining of the plugin on the really loud phrase. The mc77 sounds good though; I just think it lags just a hair in presence in the more moderately compressed phrases. I would have no problem choosing any of them. Thanks for the clips!

15th March 2008, 09:52 PM	#13
EBGB Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 83	Are people using the MC77 for less aggressive/heavy music too with good results? Or is it more of a hard rock thing? __________________ I am a guitar player and have a small, but soundproofed and drum-ready, recording studio in midtown Manhattan. For info and audio clips please visit: www.ethanfiks.com www.myspace.com/ethanfiks www.90thstreet.com for 2 film scores www.youtube.com search "Ethan Fiks" for performances

15th March 2008, 10:00 PM	#14
xj32 Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,058	I think one thing thats cool here is that everyone seems to like different ones for different reasons, taste mainly. Proving that each piece is quite cool and usable...not one is Golden and the other two suck! At least thats my take. Thanks again James! XJ __________________ "...learning it is far different from getting a good sound out of it" Mike Caffrey "The gear doesn't really care what kind of music you pump through it, be it rap or classical " thethrillfactor "Maybe it doesn't sound much like the original, but given that only 0.00000000000000137% of the population would know and only 0.00000041% of those would care, I'm not too worried about it." Dean Roddey

15th March 2008, 10:08 PM	#15
Brent Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gearslutz.com.... Posts: 686	What settings did you have dialed in for this?

15th March 2008, 10:41 PM	#19
theSoundFactory Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 63	1. 2-1176 2. MC77 3. Plug-in I thought the 2-1176 had better low-end.. the plug-in sounded good.. but really flat.. the MC77 was nice! :)

15th March 2008, 10:55 PM	#21
indie Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: C-ville area VA Posts: 1,566	James, you were hilarious on 'Idol Chat'. __________________ rock on, Micah http://www.micahmixer.com http://www.myspace.com/wilshires

15th March 2008, 11:11 PM	#22
stagefright13 Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,130	I liked the 2-1176 the best on that track. The MC77 does sound cleaner tho. Guess would depend on the voice which to use. And the plugin does not sound quite as dynamic if that makes any sense. But all 3 did a damn respectable job! I guess I should start using my 1176 plugin more... Great Voice BTW. My favorite style. __________________ Stagefrightrecords.com

15th March 2008, 11:17 PM	#23
indie Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: C-ville area VA Posts: 1,566	just listened on 7506 headphones. For me: 1. 2-1176 2. MC77 3. Plug __________________ rock on, Micah http://www.micahmixer.com http://www.myspace.com/wilshires

15th March 2008, 11:48 PM	#25
stagefright13 Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,130	Very true! I actually like the 2-1176 by a good margin over the others. To my ears wins hands down. I listened on my Tannoy system 800's and headphones. But just one person's opinion in my room... :) Sure that was a U87? I can get that exact sound with an SM7. But hard to tell with mp3. Thanks for doing it! __________________ Stagefrightrecords.com

16th March 2008, 04:56 AM	#27
stagefright13 Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,130	Andrew at purple makes awesome stuff! No doubt about it! But UA won on the hard rock vocal IMHO by a good margin. Like I said before I would use the purple MC77 on a different vocal or application. Not everyone does hard rock vocal. But I do... __________________ Stagefrightrecords.com

16th March 2008, 05:07 AM	#29
Rep Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: So-Cal Posts: 1,778	In a Blind test , on the ADAMs , The NO Compression pass was My Favorite, had the most Feel to me...... anyway list is : 1 No Compression 2 MC77 2 Plug-in 3 2-1176 __________________ The only regrets We will have in Life......Are the things we Never Tried To do.

16th March 2008, 05:09 AM	#30
stagefright13 Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,130	Andrew at purple makes awesome stuff! No doubt about it! But UA won on the hard rock vocal IMHO by a good margin. Like I said before I would use the purple MC77 on a different vocal or application. Not everyone does hard rock vocal. But I specialize in it. The MC77 is more advanced with true bypass and the meter buffer. I think the biggest difference is the settings. The UA was more forward as vocals should be. Also an opinion. I don't think turning the knobs on either are equivalent. Different transformers etc. SO prolly not a great test. But I really like the Purple stuff. But I buy UA stuff also... Yeah almost didn't need compression on the vocals. You sing like me wfo all the time. Kinda like a Marshall lol! Hey I turned 44 too! Hate to admit it but still in business. If I had to chose 1 I would take the 2-1176 cause I would get 2. If I had to chose 1 I would get the MC77 I studied it alot it's a better design for modern stuff, Both units don't have chips lol! They are FET compressors! Uncompressed vocal sounded great but the compressors pushed it over the edge. Well done Doesn't sound like a U87 tho ;') They suck for hard rock vocals in my experience. Try an SM7 into a LA2A Will be great for your voice!!!!!!! Hit the high end switch to hit the rasp. But make sure ya plug it first. The release time is very slow. As you know. __________________ Stagefrightrecords.com

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