RETRO Instruments 176 Limiting Amplifier - Vintage Valve Compressor with Modern Controls

Today we are going to talk about the Retro 176 Limiting Amplifier from Retro Instruments. The Retro 176 is a tube compressor based on the famous Universal Audio UA176 designed by Bill Putnam in 1960.

Design and technical features of the Retro 176

The Retro 176 boasts a retro look with a fantastic gray finish, the quality of the machine is immediately obvious to the touch.

Standing out is this huge VU meter that lights up and from which you can monitor the input stage, output and gain reduction via the "Meter" switch.

It features the same controls as the original UA176, such as Input, Output, attack, release, ratio and sidechain, and in addition we have more modern controls such as "Interstage" and "Asymmetry."

The Interstage and Asymmetry controls.

TheInterstage adds a transformer placed between the gain reduction stage and the amplification stage so it will color the signal normally on the low frequencies giving three-dimensionality.

The Asymmetry switch can be placed on positive, negative or neutral position which is the symmetry position; it is used to change the detection of how the compressor goes to work.

Simply put, it depends a little bit on the sound source, trying asymmetry is as if the transient is not "eaten," pass the term, and therefore the result is more full-bodied.

Retro 176 vs. UA76: compressors compared

As can be seen upon listening, the behavior of the Retro 176 is not purely like that of the UA76, in fact theattack while quite fast, was not as fast as is known in the original UA76.

In fact the Retro 176 is more versatile in that the attack potentiometer has two positions, the IN position being the more relaxed programmed controlposition with which the Retro 176 sounds more natural and with less distortion when used with fast attacks and releases.

But the Retro 176 retains the characteristic of the UA176 by simply pulling the attack potentiometer, entering the single stage. This position will ensure the same machine behavior characteristics as the original UA76.

As always, we invite you to watch our YouTube video to learn more about the product and visit our store and showroom for live listening.