1176s or LA-3As (reissues)

[AlexLakis]

Time for my next slutty gear purchase. I've had lots of experience with the 1176s, and I've used the LA-3As a few times before. When I use the 1176s, 90% of the time the ratio stays at 4 (other times, it's mostly "all button" mode)...If I'm not changing the ratio on the 1176s, should I just go for the LA-3As? Are the guts the same? I can't really judge how similar they sound since the times I used the LA-3As were in a different studio under different circumstances. What say you all?

[dokushoka]

Its hard to not recommend the 1176. If you don't do this already, try looping up the section of audio that you are compressing, and with every other pass up the ratio. Its really interesting what effect this can have...

[theom]

These are two very differen't limiters. In sound and design.

the 1176 is fet based, and considerably faster than the Opto based la3a.
They sound completly different.

Of the 2 reissues I think the 1176 is prob more usefull. The original la3a is my fave vocal tracking comp ever, but the reissue lacks some of the magic of an original. Do a topic search on la3a and you will see a lot of info.

If it were me I would get the more versatile reissue 1176 or better yet the purple 1176 (MC77). And save $ for an original la3a.

[C/G]

Last time I checked there was not too much commentary on the new LA3A reissue, unless you found something I did not. Maybe post a link of the info you found, because I know there is not much about the new one here on Gearslutz.

[theom]

Originally Posted by Colin Gaucher

Last time I checked there was not too much commentary on the new LA3A reissue, unless you found something I did not. Maybe post a link of the info you found, because I know there is not much about the new one here on Gearslutz.

you are right, I can't find the la3 thread, I thought is was in the new products section.?

Might have been on another forum alltogether, I'll keep looking.

[Les Issmore]

We tried a pair of the LA-3A reissues next to our very well cared for original units along with the Langevin Dual El-Op. They were 3 very different sets of compressors, the original LA-3A's being the most useful; the Langevin second; and the reissues returned to the dealer.

The best 1176 reissue I've ever heard is the Purple Audio MC-77. I had read Fletcher pushing those things for quite a while and figured that he was only pushing them because he doesn't sell the UA 1176, but when we tried them next to each other the Purple sounded bigger, had a better grip on the sound and overall was closest sounding to our vintage 1176's.

[AlexLakis]

Thank you for the replys! Yeah, the whole Purple vs. UA opens up a whole new can of worms for me. Does anyone else have any experience with comparing these two units? I've never used (or even seen in a studio) the Purple line...

[AlexLakis]

Originally Posted by dokushoka

If you don't do this already, try looping up the section of audio that you are compressing, and with every other pass up the ratio. Its really interesting what effect this can have...

Intriguing...What do you like to use this technique on?

[dokushoka]

Originally Posted by AlexLakis

Intriguing...What do you like to use this technique on?

Whatever I am trying to decide which ratio will sound best on.

[AlexLakis]

Originally Posted by dokushoka

Whatever I am trying to decide which ratio will sound best on.

Oh, I thought you were re-compressing (layering the compression) each time.

[dokushoka]

Originally Posted by AlexLakis

Oh, I thought you were re-compressing (layering the compression) each time.

Oh no that would be kind of crazy. I just use this way for auditioning the differences between the ratios. It can really help you make a decision. 20:1 may just starting sounding better and better to you

[AlexLakis]

Originally Posted by dokushoka

Oh no that would be kind of crazy. I just use this way for auditioning the differences between the ratios. It can really help you make a decision. 20:1 may just starting sounding better and better to you

Crazy indeed. In my experiences, I've used the hardware 1176 exclusively while tracking, and mostly for vocals. I don't think the ratio ever went above 4:1 for me. With this addition to my setup at home, I look forward to using it for mixing, and on lots of different sources. For example, I'm really looking forward to using all-button mode for a second, "distorted" bass track. Anyways, I've pretty much made up my mind to go for the UA 1176 as opposed to the LA-3A, as I desire faster attack, and have more experience using them. I found another thread on the different remakes, so I'll leave that debate there. Thanks for the feedback, all! thumbsup

[dokushoka]

You know, I use all the ratios pretty frequently, except for the "all button" ratio. The only time I pretty much stick with 4:1 is on bass for some reason.

[u b k]

drums, blackface, and 12:1 is the closest thing to a formula i have.


gregoire
del ubik

[gabler]

Originally Posted by theom

These are two very differen't limiters. In sound and design.

the 1176 is fet based, and considerably faster than the Opto based la3a.
They sound completly different.

Of the 2 reissues I think the 1176 is prob more usefull. The original la3a is my fave vocal tracking comp ever, but the reissue lacks some of the magic of an original. Do a topic search on la3a and you will see a lot of info.

If it were me I would get the more versatile reissue 1176 or better yet the purple 1176 (MC77). And save $ for an original la3a.

I just purchased a LA3A on ebay for $1225.00 It looks clean and should work perfectly. Did I pay to much?

[max cooper]

12:1 is great, but I never get above 4:1 when decision time comes. Funny how 1176's are such different things to different people.

Maybe I'm just a wuss.

[AlexLakis]

Originally Posted by gabler

I just purchased a LA3A on ebay for $1225.00 It looks clean and should work perfectly. Did I pay to much?

Well, the re-issues retail for around $1400, so, for used, I'd say that was slightly pricey. But, hey, if it's in good shape, at least you saved yourself $175. thumbsup

Max, I hear ya, you're not a wuss, I think it's just the age that we live in...with all the technology and options available to us, I think that less is definately better than it used to be a few years ago, at least as far as tracking goes. Hell, if you decide you want more of the 1176 on a vocal, you can always just run it thru the processor again! CRAAAAAZY TALK!!!

[Bob Olhsson]

Too bad about the reissue. The first piece of gear I ever bought was my LA-3a because it was the best tracking limiter I had ever heard.

[AlexLakis]

Yeah, it seems that many owners of the original LA-3As speak very highly of it as a tracking limiter. It might appear that the gap in "magic" between the original LA-3A and the reissue is larger than the gap between the original 1176 and it's various re-issues (whichever one is your preference). Just an observation. I've never used a re-issue LA-3A, just two originals (for tracking), and they were both awesome. I've used both the original 1176s and the UA 1176s, and I thought they came pretty close to each other as far as functionality goes (they were in different studios with different setups, so it's hard for me to truly compare the two).

[bongo]

Originally Posted by gabler

I just purchased a LA3A on ebay for $1225.00 It looks clean and should work perfectly. Did I pay to much?

I believe Vintage King usually sells a pair for $2800 (recapped etc.), so I think you did OK.
I use some of mine almost every day!

[oneminuteblues]

For Sale:
(1) UREI 1176LN
Original Black Face

Or perhaps the UREI LA3A

Both, Original owner, unmodified, excellent condition, No issues.

More gear here...
Direct email: 7days@socal.rr.com
(818) 602-4056

[SiliconAudioLab]

I know oneminuteblues and he's legit. I might snatch up that 1176 myself. I bet his are near mint too.

Anyway, I would strongly recommend the originals (LA3 & 1176).

I picked up a pair of original LA4's and had Bob Alach mod 'em WOW!! So don't forget you can always grab the original vintage stuff and do any one of the numerous rockin' mods.

Even mod'ed it will resell for probably more than what you paid should you not like it and want to unload it. Provided you haven't scratched it too damn badly.

The re-issue stuff doesn't hit the same emotional nerve (for re-sale OR sound) that originlas do.

[jpupo74]

I've heard horrible things about the 1176 reissue at Geraslutz, that means that the LA3A is a piece of shit?

Pupo

[gabler]

Originally Posted by AlexLakis

Well, the re-issues retail for around $1400, so, for used, I'd say that was slightly pricey. But, hey, if it's in good shape, at least you saved yourself $175. thumbsup

Max, I hear ya, you're not a wuss, I think it's just the age that we live in...with all the technology and options available to us, I think that less is definately better than it used to be a few years ago, at least as far as tracking goes. Hell, if you decide you want more of the 1176 on a vocal, you can always just run it thru the processor again! CRAAAAAZY TALK!!!

I should have let you know this one is oringinal and in nice shape. Do you still think I pd a little to much? Thanks, Steve

[JTR]

Originally Posted by gabler

I should have let you know this one is oringinal and in nice shape. Do you still think I pd a little to much? Thanks, Steve

Relax

for starters, you said it was Ebay purchase, and that it "should" be really good - meaning you don't yet have it in your possession, which means that its originality and condition are somewhat speculative at this point, no?

Let's assume it is all original, and in tip-top condition -
including stuff like caps, & absent the low noise mod

you paid FMV - the going rate seems to be anywhere up to 1400; they've been steadlly climbing the last few years, as demand and dealer pricing drives them.
the slight differences in the model don't seem to have the effect on price like original 1176's do

put another way, you paid less than the re-issue; try doing that with a D or E series 1176

[gabler]

Originally Posted by JTR

Relax

for starters, you said it was Ebay purchase, and that it "should" be really good - meaning you don't yet have it in your possession, which means that its originality and condition are somewhat speculative at this point, no?

Let's assume it is all original, and in tip-top condition -
including stuff like caps, & absent the low noise mod

you paid FMV - the going rate seems to be anywhere up to 1400; they've been steadlly climbing the last few years, as demand and dealer pricing drives them.
the slight differences in the model don't seem to have the effect on price like original 1176's do

put another way, you paid less than the re-issue; try doing that with a D or E series 1176

Im just wondering. Yes anything on E-bay is a risk. Im asking your opinion assuming everything is fine. (the auction stated they were clean looking..
I havent recieved it yet. Cant wait! Thanks,Steve

[popmann]

Hey...I asked for someone with both old and new La3a to perform a test (in another thread)--no one took me up on it. The test was to pass signal at unity--no make gain--no gain reduction. I've used old and new T4 comps--I don't hear any difference in the way they compress--just the overall "tone" which can be heard in the La3a by passing at unity. I won't attempt to describe the tone with words except to say it sounds "old".

Anyone care to run the test? If not, I'll order a RI, rent my usualy Urei pieces and do it myself...but, I don't think the "grab/release action" of the T4 has changed...the only thing to be concerned with, IMO, is the tone imparted by the circuit.

In fact...cool sound? Take my Millenia Hv3 (uber clean/modern) and track through the La3a at unity--tight and distinctly 70's sound.

I can't/won't speak to the 1176, because I haven't used the RI...because I never really cared for the old ones. Too hard and foward for my soft rock stylings, IMO.