Universal Audio UAD Monsters of Compression Bundle (Exclusive)

Introducing The Monsters of Compression Bundle—a powerhouse collection of legendary UAD compressors that have shaped the sound of countless hit records. From silky optical leveling to aggressive FET limiting and warm tube saturation, this bundle puts the world’s most sought-after compression tones at your fingertips.

Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or mastering, these meticulously modeled plug-ins deliver authentic analog warmth, punch, and control—all with the convenience of a modern workflow.

Featuring 10 iconic processors, including the Teletronix LA-2A Collection, 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection, dbx 160 Compressor, Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, Teletronix LA-3A, 175B & 176 Tube Compressor Collection, and the LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip, this bundle covers every compression need imaginable.

Each plug-in is a faithful emulation of its hardware counterpart, capturing the distinct character, harmonic richness, and dynamic shaping that have made these units studio staples for decades.

Whether you need smooth vocal leveling, punchy drum bus compression, thick bass glue, or aggressive transient control, The Monsters of Compression Bundle has you covered.

Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection

Teletronix founder Jim Lawrence first used photocells for controlling audio gain in the early 1960s. His ingenious optical compression design was a technological breakthrough, far surpassing the stability and transparency of earlier circuits. Universal Audio founder M.T. ”Bill” Putnam later purchased this patented technology, continuing to manufacture the LA-2A for years to come.

Three Historical Units

The Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection puts three of the most coveted incarnations of the iconic Teletronix processor at your fingertips. Like the hardware, the LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and LA-2 models offer distinct variations in time constants, compression knee, headroom, distortion, program and frequency dependence, and more.

LA-2A Silver & Gray

With a brushed aluminum panel and original T4B gain reduction module, this cherished late-1960s “Silver” version of the LA-2A, manufactured by Bill Putnam, is perhaps the most flexible of the three plug-ins in the collection. Its fast time constant makes it suitable for the widest variety of program material, including transient-rich sources like drums and percussion. Jim Lawrence’s original mid-1960s “Gray” version the LA-2A maintains a more average time constant, providing a range of “medium-speed” compression.

The Original LA-2

The exceptionally rare, early 1960s LA-2 unit preceded the LA-2A by several years. It provides the slowest response and a unique “mellowed” sound due to 50 years of luminescent panel aging inside the T4 module. Use the LA-2 with legato tempos and vocal sources for a transparency and sublime mood unlike any other compressor.

Features

• Use any audio interface, with both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions included
• Track and mix with three historic versions of revered Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifiers, each with its own distinctive sonic attributes
• Record through a Teletronix LA-2A/LA-2 in real time with Apollo interfaces
• Dial-in ideal optical compression textures for vocals, bass, drums, and more
• Harness presets from LA-2A users Ross Hogarth, Darrell Thorp, and Vance Powell

Learn more about Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection.

1176 Classic Limiter Collection

The Definitive Collection Of The World’s Most Famous Compressors

The original Universal Audio 1176 was designed by UA founder M.T. “Bill” Putnam, and represented a major breakthrough in limiter technology. The first compressor featuring solid‑state circuitry and ultra-fast 20 microsecond FET gain reduction, the 1176 is an easy‑to‑use “desert island” compressor that has lent its character and punch to some of the greatest recordings in history.

Upon its release in 2001, UA’s first 1176 plug‑in single‑handedly launched the UAD platform. Extensive end‑to‑end circuit modeling in 2013 captured even more sonic nuance. Now with updated graphics and additional controls, the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection continues its legacy of analog modeling excellence.

A Triple Threat

The 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection provides three distinct 1176 revisions, representing over 40 years of design iterations to the original 1176. The Rev A “Bluestripe” represents the original Putnam FET limiter design, complete with its higher distortion and unique FET gain amplifier characteristics. The Rev E “Blackface” covers the early '70s Brad Plunkett “LN” (Low Noise) era, with variations including a more linear compression response, transistor gain amplification, and a change to the program dependence. The 1176AE provides UA’s rare 1176 40th Anniversary Edition, complete with exclusive mods — including its lower 2:1 compression ratio.

Classic Compression, Quickly

Using an 1176 is a study in simplicity. Input simultaneously sets compression threshold and the level of the signal entering the 1176; Output sets the final signal level. Attack sets the time it takes the 1176 to respond to incoming signal, while Release sets the time it takes the 1176 to return to its initial level. The VU meter displays the amount of gain reduction (GR) or output level (+4/+8).

Ratio Buttons for Iconic Color

The four Ratio buttons determine the degree of gain reduction — lower ratios for compression, higher ratios for limiting. Disengaging all Ratio buttons disables compression, while continuing to pass signal through the 1176 circuitry, adding unmistakable color. At the request of users, “Multi-Button” combinations possible with the hardware are now attainable in the plug-in — including the famous “All Button” sound.

Added Features for Modern Workflows

Exclusive plug‑in only features lend modern workflows to this classic processor collection. Get quick parallel processing on bass and kick drums with Dry/Wet mix controls, or use the custom Sidechain Filter to tame low‑frequency pumping. Plus, enhanced graphics with improved VU metering bring iconic FET compression into a new age.

Features

• Use any audio interface, with both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions included
• Track and mix with painstaking emulations of the legendary 1176, the most popular compressor ever made
• Choose from three famous versions: Rev A, Rev E, and AE — each with their own sonic attributes
• Harness the 1176’s entire electronic path including transformers and FET and transistor amplifiers for colorful distortion
• Access “All-Button” or “No Ratio” modes for colorful overdriven textures
• Expanded controls for Headroom, Mix, and custom Sidechain Filter for reduced LF pumping
• Mix with presets from legendary 1176 users such as Andy Johns, Andrew Scheps, Ed Cherney, and Joe Chiccarelli

Learn more about 1176 Classic Limiter Collection.

Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection

Get The Rich Sound Of The World's Most Famous Compressors

The Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection gives you the silky warm compression heard on hundreds of hit records from The Beatles and Pink Floyd to countless Motown classics.* Now you can add the same analog "glow" to your vocals, drums, and entire mix with the most accurate plug-in emulations ever made of these one-of-a-kind tube compressors.

The World’s Most Coveted Compressor

The first Fairchild limiter that audio genius Rein Narma created on Les Paul’s kitchen table transformed recording forever. Soon, these 20-tube, 14-transformer, 67-pound behemoths resided in world-class studios, many of which still employ their vintage Fairchilds. For a half-century, the Fairchild 670 — and its aggressive little brother, the Fairchild 660 — have defined popular music’s most revered vocal and drum sounds. In fact, the world’s elite mixers often employ a 670 simply for the “glow” it brings to their final mixes, even without compression happening.

Features

• Use any audio interface, with both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions included
• Give your tracks and mixes classic Fairchild tube warmth and character
• Add harmonics and punch to vocals, drums, and more using Fairchild’s tube-driven gain control and transformer sections
• Control your compression easily with simple Wet/Dry, Sidechain Filter, and Headroom controls
• Enjoy the only accurate emulations of “golden-reference” vintage Fairchilds from OceanWay Studios

Learn more about Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection.

dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter

The dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter plug-in is a fully licensed, faithful emulation of the legendary studio hardware, capturing the quirky sonics of its colorful VCA compression along with added controls for modern workflows.

Add Versatile VCA Compression to your Tracks

Whether you’re using it on synths, bass guitar, or a drum bus, the dbx 160 plug-in emulates the original hardware’s grabby, low-end glue and old-school character, full of the same unique nonlinearities that make it a must-have for any engineer’s compressor toolkit. 

Simple to Use, Timeless Character

With the same simple control set and at-a-glance metering of the original, the dbx 160 plug-in makes it easy to crush a parallel drum bus, or inject subtle fatness. It can also add aggressiveness and impact to everything from guitar power chords to a hip-hop vocal. 

Leveled Up for Modern Workflows

Along with graphic enhancements and improved VU metering, the dbx 160 plug‑in’s Dry/Wet Mix control lets you easily punch up a drum bus with parallel compression, while the added Sidechain Filter lets you keep the low end tight, enhancing the compressor's impact.

Features

• Add a unique voice and flavor to your compressor toolkit with the first solid-state VCA compressor ever made
• Harness fat compression textures on bass guitar, drum buses, synths, and more
• Give acoustic guitars and snare drums in-your-face “thwack” 
• Create with Dry/Wet mix control for quick parallel compression and Sidechain Filter for reduced low-frequency pumping 
• Use with any audio interface, no UA hardware required

Learn more about dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter

Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor

Get The Colorful Sound Of The World’s Most Popular Compressor

The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor is revered in studios the world over as the modern, “must-have” compressor. Versatile with tons of color, the Distressor picks up where the legendary UA 1176 and Teletronix LA-2A compressors leave off — giving you a modern tool that’s equal parts utilitarian and creative, as heard on thousands of hit records.

The EL8 Distressor Compressor plug-in gives you all the features and tone of the original hardware. Simply compare other Distressor emulations for yourself, and contrast the original hardware’s ultra-fast attack time to quickly hear where most plug-ins fail, and the authentic UAD Distressor succeeds.

Features

• Track and mix with the only authentic emulation of the EL8 Distressor — the world's most sought-after modern compressor
• Radically shape guitars, drums, and vocals with nearly infinite gain reduction variations
• Harness plug-in-only features like Dry/Wet parallel processing and Headroom for user‑customizable operating level
• Creatively color instruments and vocals with famous “Dist 2” and “Dist 3” modes
• Embellish, pump up, or destroy bass, synth, and room mics with custom detector filtering
• Mix with presets from Joe Chiccarelli (The Strokes), Vance Powell (Jack White), Jacquire King (Kings of Leon), Jimmy Douglass (The Rolling Stones), and more

Learn more about the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor 

Teletronix LA-3A Compressor

Iconic "Secret Weapon" Compressor — Full Of Attitude — Perfect For Guitars, Vocals, Synths, And Drums

The Teletronix LA-3A compressor is an iconic "secret weapon" limiter, famous for pushing sounds right to the front of your speakers with a unique, aggressive character.

Modeled from a unit in UA’s vintage collection, the Teletronix LA-3A Audio Leveler plug-in gives you all the tone and pugnacious dynamics control of the rare hardware.

Get In-Your-Face Optical Compression Tones

By giving you faster limiting than the tube-driven smooth operator Teletronix LA-2A with the clarity of the iconic solid-state 1176, the Teletronix LA-3A plug-in offers bold, mid-forward compression, guaranteed to make your sounds pop. 

Easily Get Pro Limiting on Drums

Use the HF Emphasis sidechain filter to punch up your drum bus with legendary LA-3A tone, without triggering the threshold of the compressor with the kick drum. Plus, the Dry/Wet Mix control gives you quick parallel compression on a synth or piano track, seasoning your productions with legendary Teletronix LA-3A attitude.

Features

• Use any audio interface, with both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions included
• Get the unique tone of the definitive solid-state optical compressor
• Add energy and harmonics to vocals and acoustic guitars
• Inject grit and texture to bass guitar and soft synths
• Punch up your drums using the HF Emphasis sidechain filter and parallel Dry/Wet Mix

Learn more about Teletronix LA-3A Compressor

175B & 176 Tube Compressor Collection

Introduced in the early 1960s, Universal Audio's 175B™ and 176™ compressors were the first audio compressors purpose-built for studio recording and mixing music. Often cited among the crowning achievements of audio pioneer and UA founder Bill Putnam Sr., the 175B and 176 are prized for their rich tube gain reduction character, fast attack, and sonic flexibility.

With only roughly 1,000 units made, vintage 175B and 176s easily command well over $5,000 on the vintage market today, and they can be found in the racks of some of the world's finest studios. Now, you can track and mix with the only authentic plug-in emulation of the original UA 175B and 176 compressors.

Features

• Painstaking circuit emulation of Bill Putnam Sr.'s rare and iconic 175B and 176 tube compressors
• Models the entire circuit path and control set of the original hardware units
• UA 175B features a fixed 12:1 Ratio, 176 features four selectable Ratios: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 and 12:1
• Exclusive plug-in features include Sidechain Link, Dry/Wet Mix parallel processing and Headroom for user-customizable operating level
• Includes artist presets from Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Tom Waits), Carl Glanville (U2, Bruce Springsteen), Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket, Beck), and more

Learn more about 175B & 176 Tube Compressor Collection

LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip

The analog channel strip of your dreams

Experience Universal Audio’s 70+ year analog heritage with a supercharged plug-in version of their flagship tube channel strip, the 6176. The new LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip plug-in gives you three iconic UA products in one: the 610 mic preamp, the 1176 Limiting Amplifier, and the LA-2A Leveling Amplifier.

Released in 2004, the hand-built 6176 has been the channel strip to stars including Coldplay, Adele, and Pharrell. Now you can get an entirely new UAD channel strip that puts decades of classic and modern vocal, guitar, drum, and bass sounds at the flip of a switch. 

Features

• Record and mix with three of the most historically-significant pieces of analog gear ever made, in one elegant channel strip 
• Get the smooth harmonics and rich overdrive of a vintage UA 610 tube preamp on vocals and instruments
• Instantly get the famous punch of the 1176, or the smooth warmth of an LA-2A, at the flip of a switch 
• Record in realtime with Apollo interfaces, putting three legendary processors in a single Unison slot

Learn more about LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip

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System Requirements

• macOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey, 13 Ventura
• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit only Editions)
• Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon processor
• Internet connection to download software and authorize UADx plug-ins
• Free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher)
• A physical iLok dongle is NOT required to activate this product

You can activate this software on an online system (using iLok Cloud) or an offline system (using an iLok USB):

1. Online: an active internet connection and a FREE iLok account are required to authorise UAD Plug-ins using iLok Cloud

2. Offline: you will need a physical iLok USB (2nd generation or higher) to authorise this software

Important Notes:

• This product is a plugin and not a physical product. It is available after purchase as a digital download.
• UAD plugins do not work in Apple's Garageband DAW