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Klark Teknik 1176-KT Classic FET-style Compressor

Classic FET Compressor with Class A Line-level Output Amplifier, Midas Transformers, and Transformer-balanced I/O
46 Write review Item ID: 1176KT
$349.00

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Klark Teknik 1176-KT Classic FET-style Compressor
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Classic FET Compression at a Great Price

You'll find the 1176 peak limiter in the rack of nearly every high-end studio. Normally, an 1176 will set you back a couple grand, but the Klark Teknik 1176-KT puts this iconic compressor in your hands for much less. The 1176-KT features a discrete output amplifier and custom Midas transformers, delivering top-notch sound. You get the original 1176's compression ratios, including the all-buttons-in "nuke" mode. At Sweetwater, we've turned to the 1176 for its ultra-fast response, and the 1176-KT is no exception, yielding impressive attack and release times. Complete with vintage-style metering and balanced Neutrik connectors, the Klark Teknik 1176-KT FET compressor is a flattering redesign of a studio classic.

Klark Teknik 1176-KT Classic FET Compressor Features:

  • Modeled after the D and E revisions of the iconic 1176LN peak limiter
  • Discrete Class A output amplifier and custom Midas transformers deliver top-notch sound
  • 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 compression ratios with all-buttons-in "nuke" mode
  • Ultra-fast attack time of 20-800 microseconds and release time of 80-700 milliseconds
  • Vintage-style metering for gain reduction and output
  • Transformer-balanced Neutrik XLR and balanced (TRS) 1/4" input and output connectors
  • Switchable pad on input reduces sensitivity by 20dB
  • Universal switch-mode power supply
  • Durable 2U rackmount chassis

Additional Media

Signal Processing Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Type: FET Class A Compressor
  • Number of Channels: Single channel
  • Controls: Attack, Release
  • Ratio: 20:1, 12:1, 8:1, 4:1
  • Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS
  • Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 3.46"
  • Depth: 6.25"
  • Weight: 6.2 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 000-BR302-00010

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Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5

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Great sounding compressor limiter

Very simple if your looking for top quality compression at reasonable pricing this is a no brainer.
Having an older UA 1176 and UA LA-2A I was able to make a true comparison between the Klark Teknik recreation of these Industry standard products. The KT units hold there own. People are always talking about sound quality. but I simply don't hear a dramatic difference. If you know how to properly use compression and limiting. you will find the KT products to be a true value and outstanding in its function. I should also mention the build quality is excellent.
Finally I was so impressed I now own (3) KT 76 units and (2) KT 2A. all my Microphone Preamps are now covered with either 1176 or LA-2A style compression used for tracking
by David from Sarasota Florida on
Music background: Proffesional since 1973

Seriously impressed

As behringer goes you figure you get what you get. This compressor sounds invisible. I've used this in guitars and and all buttons in on vocals in teen with a dream on the she called me baby release.

I won't be getting rid of this.

Ever.
by Sweetwater Customer on

My favorite of all the budget compressors!

When I initially received and started testing this unit, I was a little bit frustrated feeling like there was a noise floor coming from the unit that was borderline intolerable depending on the initial source. I was gain staging appropriately with a TB12. I was basing my final output off of unity gain and the max dbs in my daw. I tried different and appropriate patch cabling. I ensured my power supply was correct. I tested the unit in rack and out. I made sure grounds were right. I did all the things. Haha!! But... I just wasn't sure what I was hearing was right as I had never used an 1176 style compressor before. Sooo, I purchased the other two budget 1176 compressors and a second 76-KT for comparison. These were my findings:

All of the units were packaged well, and built pretty darn well. And, they all ended up being equally as "noisy" at baseline with appropriate gain staging so, my conclusion is that I think it's just an 1176 thing that I'm not used to. It's a level of fuzzy warmth and character.

The Warm Audio WA76 was the most clean sounding and aggressive in my opinion. Almost too clean for my liking. It's body was bigger than the 76-KT. It's in and out knobs were stepped which was nice and there were very clear markings for the attack/release. The VU meter and buttons also felt just slightly superior to the other units in quality.

The LINDELL76 has nice controls as well with steps across the board and a quality VU meter but it's power supply was less than ideal with a block and thin 12V cable and it has the limitation of 1/4 inch only ins/out on the back of the unit. It's sound seemed a bit too 'warm' for my liking which would track with the 1176 version they were attempting to reproduce.

The cheapest KlarkTeknik 76-KT is surprisingly my favorite of the bunch. Though the knobs/VU meter are seemingly cheaper than the others, and though it's overall body is smaller in size to the other two units, it compresses just right and has a great balance of warmth vs cleanliness when pushed.

(Also, the second KT unit I got did have a popping sound initially but it dissipated after a little use and sounded no different than the 1st unit!)

In conclusion, with my intermediate level of expertise in audio production, I'd say this cheap unit is worth the money for the physicality of having an 1176 style compressor. The build is sufficient, it does what it's supposed to do to your signal, and it's fun having actual knobs to turn knowing that changes are happening to your analog audio signal before digital conversion. I'm sure other quality plugins sound great, but I simply prefer having that real touch, so if that's you - I'd encourage you to pull the trigger on this purchase and use it outside of the box when appropriate!
by Nolan Fox from Valencia, PA on
Music background: Church Music Director and Worship Leader | Recording Artist & Producer
I have used these comps on kick, snare, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and vocals. and every time the results are the same, great sound. these comps control the signal with out squashing it and retain the hi's. makes everything sit in the mix just right. I have two of the KT 2A's, and are great as well but different. the 76 is aggressive and grabs pretty quick, but you can slam it and still get great results. very nice compressors, I am about to order more. if you mix rock, metal, or anything else that is aggressive and has punch or impact to it you need some of these. and the price for what you can get out of these things is amazing. ROOOCK ON BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
by FUZZY BIGGS from THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS on
Music background: Studio / FOH Engr, Guitar, Bass? Studio owner

Best for the price

Had a pair for a couple years now and they continue to impress. Recently shooting these out against all my other hardware compressors using vocal tracks these effortlessly held their own. I hate to admit it but they sometimes beat out my more expensive units - BLA Bluey, Serpent Splice (both blackface and blue stripe settings), RND 5043, BLA AGB, Audio-Scape Opto, etc. I find the KT's are just a tad bit brighter, pointed, and cleaner but only slightly and they can be pushed for some very pleasant saturation. They have character for sure. Might not get as hairy as an old 1176 or the bluey, but it's there. In situations where I used a dark mic or cut too much 3k on the way in, these on the hardware insert will make the track shine and ooze with beauty. So far they have been dependable and i have had no noise issues that I see others complaining about. Maybe I got lucky but these have been great (knock on wood). It get me every time I put these up against a unit 3x's the price. I'm just like, c'Mon really?! How can they be so close?!
by FliesInEden from Chicago, IL on
Music background: Pro
See also: Compressors, Klark Teknik, Klark Teknik Compressors / Limiters
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