The phrase “industry standard” gets used a lot in music production circles, but few products actually live up the hype.
The original 1176 compressor designed by Bill Putnam Sr. truly lives up to the name. Now - thanks to Arturia’s TAE® technology - you can enjoy its legendary tone-shaping from the convenience of a software plugin.
Produced from the late 60s, the original hardware compressor was a staple of all major studios. Every mix engineer demanded at least one in a session, and they were used to shape the sound of countless hit records from Michael Jackson to The Killers, Guns n Roses to Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen to Chaka Khan. You won’t have to settle for just one, though; with Comp FET-76, you can load up one of these classic compressors on as many channels as you want.
A fantastic all-rounder for both compressing and heating up your tone, Comp FET-76 is a must-have plugin.
People often say the 1176 “just makes things sound better”, but how does it do it? Our engineers carefully analyzed and modelled every component, electronics nuance, and quirk in the data of an original D/E model to find out, and recreate it as software. The combination of the Field Effect Transistor, the “Class A” amplifier, and its unique design imparts a subtle, but very desirable tonal change even at very low compression levels.
Crank the input, patch in higher ratio, or even go “all in”, and that FET magic really comes alive. We didn’t simply create a software clone, we created a truly modern compressor with updated features, but featuring the same legendary sound.
What’s so special
about Comp FET-76?
All of the tone, all of the dynamic-shaping power, but with the convenience and versatility of software.
While a rack full of hardware FET compressors is a dream setup for many, that sort of setup is confined to only the world’s top studios. However, thanks to Arturia’s award-winning skill and heritage of breathing new life into vintage equipment, and reimagining it as software, you can now live out your fantasies, and make the famous 1176 sound part of your creative setup.
The perfect vocal compressor
The Comp FET-76 characteristic tone imparts an interesting flavor to this live acoustic guitar and vocal track.
Backing vocal control
It’s easy to use, and super effective. Keep everything under control, and make mixing a piece of cake.
Side-Chain Power
Discover the power of Arturia’s Advanced Side-chain panel with this rythmic track. The Chord movement is triggered by the 808 Kick, while the original FET-76 tone colors the rhythm section.
Add unique tone
“All buttons” ratio mode nicely blended with the original track using the included Mix parallel compression. The kick is also preserved using the Side chain High Pass Filter.
Saturated “all in” mode
Want to spice up a drum loop with analog saturation? Easy! Go “all in”, push the famed “All Buttons” ratio mode, and enjoy!
Subtle when needed
Using a little bit of Side-chain EQ and Time Warp snap, this acoustic guitar has its low-mid spectrum under control using the FET-76.
A legend reborn
for the 21st century
While there’s no doubt the original hardware FET compressor is practically faultless, we couldn’t help but imagine what modern production tricks we could conjure from it.
One of the benefits of recreating a classic is that we have been able to add some subtle but powerful new features that truly make this a compressor fit for the modern studio, without altering its legendary tone.
The top panel of the interface gives you access to all of the original controls. You can click to expand the plugin to and access its advanced, new features.
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01. Input-output Link
Rather than the now standard “threshold” parameter, the original hardware compressor made you crank the input to engage the effect. This will obviously give you volume boosts and alter levels in your mix, but you can simply hit the “link” button to keep volume levelled as you boost the input, so you get compressed sound with steady volume.
02. Advanced Sidechain Control
Ever wondered what sidechaining a legendary FET compressor would sound like? Spoilers: it sounds awesome. The advanced panel gives you access to contemporary sidechain controls with SSL-style EQ, as well as mid-side processing so you can carve exactly the sound you want to control the compressor.
03. Let’s do the Time Warp
Because we’re working in the digital domain, it’s easy to introduce a couple of milliseconds of pre-delay without you even noticing. The “Time Warp” function lets you take advantage of this, so you can get creative with your placement of the compression envelope as it engages and releases. This is a dream come true for experimental producers and sound designers!
Artistscorner
Thiago Baggio
An engineer’s most-wanted weapons
Thiago’s recording and mixing engineer work spans across funky pop, jazzy keyboard experimentations, and dreamy indie rock.
Read the StoryIncluded in
FX collection
Effects you'll actually use
This effect is part of FX Collection, a suite of essential audio effect plugins empowering musicians, producers, and artists to get creative with their production. From iconic recording gear modeled with breathtaking accuracy, to cutting-edge contemporary effects, the collection includes the most sought-after studio tools, rare guitar pedals, modern mix enhancers, and beyond. Elevate your production and add color to your mix like never before.
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The features
you need
However you use these plugins; for the amazing tone of their reverb, for the gritty preamps, or for their incredible sound design abilities, you'll be safe in the knowledge that they are fully compatible with your setup. These plugins work with all major DAWs, and on both Windows and MacOS.
Arturia Software Center lets you download, organize, and update all of your Arturia software titles in one place, as well as manage all of your licenses across multiple devices. Keep it simple.
Whether you want the full visual immersion of our classic effects emulations, or to save precious screen real estate, the interfaces for all of your Arturia plugins can be resized to a scale that suits you.
Every parameter in every FX Collection plugin can be mapped to your favorite MIDI controller for instant, hands-on control of your mix. Sweep a filter, crank a preamp, or warp your modulation on the fly.
Every plugin in FX Collection comes with built-in tutorials, guiding you step-by-step through the crucial parameters, adjustments, and mixing hacks to get the most out of your sound. The tutorial panel also explains the controls you’re using in real-time - so you’ll never miss a tweak.
FX Collection’s streamlined preset browser lets you filter, organize, and save your favorite presets for instant recall. Search by instrument type, genre, production technique, and much more - so you can quickly find the tweak you need and save valuable creative time!
TAE® Powered
The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.
By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.
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Gallery
Main Features
Virtual recreation of famed classic tube compressor
Original tube electronic path accurately modeled, using Arturia’s state-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling
Original ultra fast attack & release parameters down to 20 microseconds
"All Buttons" British mode ratio for explosive sound
Additional Arturia creative side-chain features:
- External side-chain source to trigger the compressor to an external source
- 5 creative detection mode, including M/S processing
- Advanced Side-chain EQ
- Monitor Side-chain signal directly
- Compression range parameter to limit the amount of gain reduction applied, with 0dB position for FET-76 with no compression/distorsion only sound
- Monitor Side-chain signal directly
Dry/wet Mix knob for parallel compression
Input-Output gain link switch
Switchable Analog VU meter with 3 calibrations mode (-18dBFs, -12dBS, -8 dBFs)
Analog clipping LED indicator
Comprehensive set of presets
A/B comparison setting
Integrated tutorials and unique dynamic preset tips
Resizable window
State-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling
Platforms specifications
Windows
- Win 10+ (64bit)
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
- 1GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
- ARM processors not supported on Windows
Required configuration
- VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).
Apple
- Mac OS 10.13+
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
- 1GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
Work with ASC
- An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software.
* All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.
*NKS ready