My new take on FET studio style compression… the EGO 76 guitar compressor pedal
Compression pedals can stir up strong opinions among guitar players. While essential in studios for polishing tracks and adding punch, some worry they hide a guitar’s natural sound. The Universal Audio 1176 Peak Limiter, a legendary studio compressor, has been a critical tool in music production, known for enhancing track cohesion and dynamics.
The 1176, created by Bill Putnam in 1967, revolutionized recording with its FET technology, differing from the then-common tube-based equipment. It became famous for adding vibrancy and fullness to guitar tones, with its fast attack time becoming a favorite among engineers and producers. Its unique sound was so valued that it was used to add tonal quality even without applying compression.
One of the 1176’s standout features was the “British Mode,” which provided a distinct, highly compressed sound by activating all ratio buttons at once. This mode, especially when used in parallel setups, offered a rich and intense sound that became iconic in classic rock.
The Ego76 compressor pedal by Wampler Pedals aims to bring the 1176’s legendary qualities to guitarists in a unique way. Instead of just copying the 1176 circuit, the Ego76 recreates the full experience of the 1176, including its tonality and dynamic response, specifically tailored for guitar use.
Rather than simply adapting the 1176 schematics for a pedal, the Ego76 seeks to capture the entire signal chain’s effect on the guitar sound. It acknowledges that the 1176’s magic often came from parallel processing, blending compressed and uncompressed signals for a more dynamic sound.
The Ego76 is designed to offer guitarists the nuanced and powerful characteristics of the 1176, with controls that are easy to use yet provide enough flexibility. It includes parallel compression to allow players to blend in their natural guitar sound, making it versatile for any playing style.
After extensive development, the Ego76 provides an authentic FET-based compression experience, with controls for blend, attack, release, and tone, allowing for precise sound shaping. It goes beyond traditional compression, offering a range of sounds from subtle enhancement to aggressive “British Mode” compression.
The Ego76 is not just a tribute to the 1176; it’s a tool for guitarists to explore new creative possibilities. It allows for everything from leveling dynamics to achieving the distinct 1176 sound, offering versatility and inspiring guitarists to experiment with their tone.
The Ego76 is a unique pedal that captures the spirit of the 1176 compressor, tailored for guitar and bass players. It combines the legendary studio compressor’s sound with practical features for the pedalboard, offering a blend of authenticity, innovation, and playability.
Huge thanks to the always-amazing King of Tone pedal from Analogman for the dirt duties in this video!
More info here:
Timestamps:
00:00 What’s a “studio” compressor?
00:30 Why is the 1176 special?
01:56 example of 1176 Comp applied to signal chain
03:47 how does this relate to guitar pedals?
05:03 Introducing the Ego76 Pedal
08:17 Ego76 through clean amp input
13:00 How I personally use it
13:27 Ego76 in effects loop with clean amp
15:30 Ego76 in effects loop with distorted amp
16:21 Closing comments about this type of compression
#FET #studio #style #compression.. #EGO #guitar #compressor #pedal
Originally posted by UCdVrg4Wl3vjIxonABn6RfWw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYlsZzV4s8s
More money ????
Anyone using this in acoustic guitar?
Could you pair this one with a Keeley compressor pro? Thks.
See one on musicians friend
Saving up for this now. Can't wait. Great work again, Mr. Wampler
Great compressor! I am so happy I chose it, after considering several options. It is so flexible and clean, that I can really shape my tone any way I like it. I am a recording engineer and I was drawn by the concept of having a small 1176 on my board. In the studio it is my go-to comp for mixing guitars and bass. And it exceeded my expectations. The action is there, it is extra flexible with tone and blend, beyond the original controls. Ergonomically it was well designed, I don't have to think when operating it.
Also, 100% happy with the customer support, as I had a question and my email was answered in detail within the hour. Overall, I am really glad for my choice.
I love this compressor! Exactly what I was looking for. My compressor journey started with the Keeley 4 knob which is great but too heavy-handed for my taste. I have a Bogner Lyndhurst with the Rubert Neve transformer in it. Very cool, but still cuts too much of the transients (no blend). The Ego 76 lets me have it all. I can control sparkle, transients while lifting the sustain to taste. The only thing else I would ask for is an LED cut meter so in a noisey situation I can see what its doing (nice to have, not a need).
Thanks for the pedal. It is my favorite compressor. It stays on top of my amp and is always on
Thanks for the pedal. It is my favorite compressor. It stays on top of my amp and is always on
Deadset I still can’t hear the compression
Funny .i have the ego and the cali76 on my board…i gotta say..i prefer the ego..i just hate to take the cali off lol
Today I tried for the first time in my life, about 10 Pedal Compressors in a music store!
EGO 76 I never heard about was the only one convincing.
I bought it ????
I am impressed with both my Tumnus Deluxe and my Belle Overdrive.
Brian Wampler makes good stuff!
An effects loop? What next, amps with master volumes? ????
Do they offer a stacked option? I find 2 to work well and an considering the origin or two airchilds
Would this be a good compressor for a bass?
My next pedal
is this also good for bass guitar?
So this is a pedal for country music apparently?
Wow. I wonder how much of it is just imagined? Didn't sound too different.
Hi Brian …. I' bought your EGO compressor some years back and have liked it quite a bit. I'm intending to purchase the EGO 76 in the near future. Do you think you'll ever do a pedal based on the LA-2A? The Tektronix version looks good, but I wish they had the same controls your EGO 76 has. I imagine if you were to come out with an LA-2A version it would sell very well.
I'm really digging a lot about this pedal; as far as 1176 thinking goes.
3:25 – 3:37
Transparent highs YEAAAAAAH !!
What are we supposed to do if we don't have an effects loop?!!! Guess I'll have to run it through the Power Station, huh?
oh sure you had to show off a KOT by Analogman to make us drooll LOL. Love the video and explanations. I m in > I'll buy one….
I love my Wampler Pantheon Delux dual overdrive pedal.
Definitely gotta watch Wampler.
can you use this for bass?
This pedal IS good for Squash.
This pedal should considered be a modern classic. The nicest comp pedal I have owned.
I recently got one of these for my son's board, and will be keeping it, as it does sound very good. However, I did do a bunch of A/B against my Cali 76 stacked, and especially on my Strat was looking to reproduce the best tone from my neck pickup through the Cali 76 stacked on the Ego 76. I was able to get close, but never really the cigar. The Cali 76 stacked always just sounded and felt more pleasing in terms of the attack and bloom on the note. However, a more fair comparison would probably be against the basic Cali 76 rather than the stacked which is two compressors in one, which might be working some additional magic the Ego 76 can't compete with.
I tend to use compressors before the od to not make the compressor raise the noise level from the od and I tend to like the direct attack I feel when compressor first. Am I wrong? What was the intention from day one.
????
Cheers from Sweden
This comp is awesome! I'm a bassist, I run this towards the end of my board after eqs, drives and mods etc but before my delay and reverb, glues my gain stages together nicely and really enhances my whole sound!
This is the first compressor I've had where the effect has been immediately obvious and easy to dial in. Thanks Brian
Will there be other colors in the future..?
I got this pedal a few weeks ago, love it… great compressor. One little down side according to me : I find the ON/Off switch very stiff, would a been nice having a soft one.
Love this Bryan, need to get myself one soon for sure. The squash of a CS-3 sustainer loves my strats and teles and it’s always been fantastic but it’s a one trick pony. This pedal solves everything else for me!