
( Brand: Universal Audio ), ( Model: UA 175B ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Type: Vintage Dynamics Processor )
The Audio-Technica ATU175B is an iconic limiting amplifier tube compressor that boasts a rich heritage in the world of audio engineering. This vintage-style compressor is designed to emulate the sound of classic recording studios, offering a warm, analog character that modern digital compressors often struggle to replicate.
The ATU175B features a single-rackspace chassis, housing a single 12AT7 vacuum tube for its gain reduction element. The compressor offers variable threshold, attack, release, and ratio controls, allowing for a high degree of customization to suit a wide range of sources and musical styles. The output level can be adjusted using a dedicated knob, ensuring the final output level is always to your liking.
The Audio-Technica ATU175B compressor offers a distinctive "hard-knee" compression character, delivering fast and aggressive gain reduction when the threshold is exceeded. This can be particularly useful for drums, bass, and other percussive instruments, where a more dramatic compression effect is desired. However, the ATU175B is also capable of delivering more subtle compression, thanks to its adjustable attack and release times.
The ATU175B's all-tube circuitry contributes to its rich, warm sound, with a subtle harmonic distortion that adds a pleasing "warmth" to the signal. This tube-driven sound is particularly well-suited to vocals, guitars, and other acoustic instruments, but can also be used to add character and depth to electronic sources.
In summary, the Audio-Technica ATU175B is a versatile and iconic limiting amplifier tube compressor. Its vintage design, all-tube circuitry, and distinctive compression character make it a valuable addition to any studio, offering a unique and desirable sound that can help bring your recordings to life.
Pros of buying a Audio-Technica AT175B Limiting Amplifier Tube Compressor:1. Iconic Design: The Audio-Technica AT175B has a classic and iconic design, which can add a vintage aesthetic to any recording studio or home setup.
2. Tube Compressor: The tube compressor provides a warm and organic sound that is often preferred by many audio engineers and musicians.
3. Adjustable Thresholds: The AT175B allows for adjustable thresholds, allowing you to control the amount of compression applied to your audio.
4. Attack and Release Controls: The compressor has adjustable attack and release controls, giving you more control over the dynamics of your audio.
5. Stereo/Mono Operation: The AT175B can be used in stereo or mono mode, making it versatile for different recording setups.
Cons of buying a Audio-Technica AT175B Limiting Amplifier Tube Compressor:1. Price: The Audio-Technica AT175B is a high-end compressor, and it comes with a corresponding price tag. It may be out of reach for some budget-conscious consumers.
2. Maintenance: Tube compressors require regular maintenance and replacement of tubes to ensure optimal performance.
3. Power Consumption: Tube compressors consume more power compared to solid-state compressors, which may increase your electricity bill over time.
4. Noisy Operation: Tube compressors can be noisy during operation, which may not be ideal for recording quieter instruments or vocals.
Conclusion:The Audio-Technica AT175B Limiting Amplifier Tube Compressor is an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for a warm and organic sound. Its adjustable thresholds, attack and release controls, and stereo/mono operation make it a versatile and powerful compressor. However, its high price tag, maintenance requirements, power consumption, and noisy operation are factors to consider before making a purchase.
Recommendation:If you are willing to invest in a high-end compressor and appreciate the sound quality that tube compressors provide, then the Audio-Technica AT175B Limiting Amplifier Tube Compressor is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable and low-maintenance compressor, you may want to consider solid-state compressors that offer similar features and sound quality.
And your satisfaction is my top priority. I am very happy to be listing an extremely rare, vintage Universal Audio ua 175B limiting amplifier tube compressor.
This is truly an example of the best when it comes to vintage tube limiters and pro Audio recording equipment. It has been in the same smoke free studio for many, many years.
As you can see in the photos, it is beautiful condition. It does everything extraordinarily well, yet truly out rivals any other compressor on guitar tracks, vocals and bass. Its in all original condition with no modifications. Moreover, the combination of Putnam circuitry, tubes layout and chosen input output transformers give compressor a pleasantly unique sound character that is far above anything vintage or new.
It was never abused or taken out of the studio. The build quality of these units is extraordinary. It imparts an incredible warmth and a larger than life quality to everything that passes through.
UTC input and output transformers, beefy Angevin attenuates, an array of tubes: 6bc8 for gain control, 12ax7, 12bh7, 6al5, side chain ob2, gz34 power. The tubes and transformers are exposed mounted on rear of unit, it has a hinged front panel with thumbscrews for access to inner components. 175Bs were made without a top cover.
Serial it has been recently tested and is in excellent working cosmetic condition. Like the fair child, 175B uses a variable-mu tube as gain change element, contributing to plush character that designs such these are noted for. Internal controls allow balancing and tube biasing. This Universal Audio 175B will arrive exactly as described in listing.
The chassis is heavy gauge steel circuit boards are of military quality, components, nothing but finest. This 175B has been a treasured piece of studio equipment but its time to give it new home. Frequency response 1db 20hz to 20khz maximum power input less than 1 Thad from 30hz 15khz at 24db gain jumper in low gain position: jumper high 34db input line accomplish limiting jumper 12dbm -24dbm output threshold of limiting 13dbm impedance600 ohms, unbalanced signal noise ratio80db compression ratio above 12 attack time adjustable 100 1000 milliseconds release 27 527 tube complement 5ar4 gz34 0b2 6al5 12bh7a 6bc8 12ax7 serial numbers dimensions 19 w x10each weight 15 lbs each, unpacked.
You'll be blown away by just how warm and full it sounds.