Purple Audio MC77/Urei 1176

[impact studios]

Hi

Considering a new toy for Xmas.
I'm looking to buy a compressor/limiter to add to my vocal recording chain.
My one and only decent pre amp / chanel strip is an Avalon 737,of which i love the pre and eq but find the compressor is really only any good for light compression ( -2 to -3 db ).

Seeing as it seems the Urei 1176 is almost a standard choice for most pop style vocals,i am considering getting the Purple Audio MC/77.

After reading threads on this site and hearing that some of you are not keen on the Universal Audio reissue 1176.What are your views on an Avalon 737 pre amp and MC/77 combination.....

I'm not to keen on getting an original Urei 1176 (Black Face).
Due to the possible need of regular repairs to a 30 year old unit...

Anyone hear tried this combination of pre and compressor...?

Paul

[syra]

Just one tip...don't base your purchases on other people's advice...ever....

[impact studios]

I couldn't agree more in most cases,but it has to be taken into consideration..

My reason being that the UA 1176 reissue apparently had a vital part missing from the original 1176...(Input transformer i think)..

Whereas Purple audio couldn't get the part,and therefore stopped production of the unit for a while untill a replacement part could be designed and used.....

I may be wrong but its just something i remember reading here sometime ago...

Paul

[echorec]

I don´t think you should worry too much about regular repairs on the older units. I have a couple of older Urei/teletronix units and they just keep working, never had a problem.

[HudHudson]

I've never had a maintenance issue with my 1176LN (Rev D), which is almost 30 years old, and it rocks. BTW I thought I saw a recent thread on the Purple unit and thought they'd started making them again.

Just to confuse the issue,
I love my re-issue as much as any "real" 1176 I have heard.
This includes the purple.

I can't say I have heard an 1176 I didn't like unless it was in need.

Use you ears.
This is a character piece so, buy the character you like.

D

[GilWave]

The passion, care and meticulous attention to detail that goes into each Purple MC76 cannot be matched by a production-line manufactured piece of gear.

There are many reasons to own an original 1176, including the vintage aspect of it and the associated resale value (which has been diminsihed some by the introduction of the Universal Audio version), but I would have no qualms in recomending the MC76 if what you are looking for is the sonic qualities of an 1176-style unit.

Just look inside one and compare, then listen!! You won't be disappointed.

-gil

[Jeff A. Roberts]

I've got a vintage model, series "E".

Eddie Ciletti fixed the meter for me after I bought it, and he added a capacitor which greatly improved the S/N. Total damages were $75. It has worked flawlessly since for five years.

I would not hesitate to buy either a Purple, or another vintage unit.

BTW, I'm also running 8-LA4's, four blackface, and four silver. They have all been refurbed/upgraded by Eddie and have been running well for years with no further maintenance.

[robot gigante]

Originally posted by GilWave
I would have no qualms in recomending the MC76 if what you are looking for is the sonic qualities of an 1176-style unit.

Another for the MC76! Great unit. I want another one.