Pulsar Audio Pulsar 1178 is a digital emulation of the classic UREI 1178 stereo FET compressor, designed to capture the essence of the original hardware while adding modern features for enhanced versatility. This plugin faithfully recreates the fast, punchy, and characterful compression of its analog counterpart, making it suitable for a wide range of audio processing tasks. The 1178, often considered the stereo sibling of the legendary 1176, offers a slightly different flavor of compression due to its later design and component choices.
Pulsar Audio has expanded upon the original hardware design by incorporating several modern features. These include a sidechain EQ section, mid-side processing capabilities, look-ahead and look-behind functionality, and multiple saturation modes. The plugin also offers comprehensive metering options, including a real-time gain reduction graph, VU-style meters, and LED-style input/output level indicators. The plugin’s interface is visually striking, featuring a resizable GUI that combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. At its core, the Pulsar 1178 provides separate controls for left and right channels, including input, output, attack, and release parameters. Users can link these controls for traditional stereo operation or unlink them for more creative processing. The familiar ratio buttons allow for various compression styles, including the famous “all buttons in” mode for aggressive parallel compression.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the UREI 1178 with added modern features
• Highly versatile compression suitable for various sources and genres
• Intuitive and visually appealing user interface with resizable GUI
• Multiple saturation modes for added tonal shaping
• Comprehensive metering and visualization options
Cons:
• May be overkill for users seeking simple, straightforward compression
• Learning curve for utilizing all advanced features effectively
The Pulsar 1178 plugin offers a wealth of features that extend its functionality beyond that of the original hardware. At its core, the plugin provides the classic FET compression circuit emulation, known for its fast attack times and musical coloration. Users can adjust input and output levels, attack and release times, and choose from various compression ratios, including the iconic “all buttons in” mode.
One of the standout additions is the sidechain EQ section, which allows for frequency-dependent compression. This feature enables users to shape the compressor’s response to specific frequency ranges, making it possible to de-ess vocals, tame boomy bass, or achieve ducking effects with precision. The sidechain EQ offers five filter types and includes band solo and sidechain audition functions for fine-tuning.
The plugin also incorporates mid-side processing capabilities, allowing separate compression of the mono and stereo information within a signal. This feature is particularly useful for mastering applications or for creative stereo field manipulation. The addition of look-ahead and look-behind functionality further expands the plugin’s timing capabilities, allowing users to anticipate transients or delay the compressor’s action for up to 10ms.
Saturation is another area where the Pulsar 1178 excels, offering four distinct flavors: Tape, Warm, Triode, and Clip. These saturation modes allow users to add harmonic richness and character to their signals, ranging from subtle warmth to aggressive distortion. This feature significantly expands the tonal palette of the plugin beyond simple dynamics control.
The metering and visualization options in the Pulsar 1178 are comprehensive and informative. The real-time gain reduction graph provides a clear visual representation of the compression action, while VU-style meters show instantaneous gain reduction for both channels. LED-style input, output, and gain reduction meters offer additional precision for level calibration.
Other notable features include an external sidechain input for advanced routing possibilities, a mix knob for parallel compression, and oversampling options for higher quality processing at the expense of increased CPU usage. The plugin’s resizable interface adapts to different workflow needs, and it even offers a streamlined single-channel interface when used on mono tracks in compatible DAWs.
The Pulsar 1178 enters a crowded field of FET compressor emulations, many of which are based on the more common 1176. Compared to plugins like the Universal Audio 1176 Collection or the Waves CLA-76, the Pulsar 1178 offers a slightly different flavor of compression due to its 1178 heritage. It tends to have a somewhat dirtier, more aggressive character that some engineers prefer for certain sources.In terms of features, the Pulsar 1178 stands out with its extensive modern additions. While many 1176-style plugins offer basic emulations with few extra features, the Pulsar 1178 provides a full suite of tools that make it more versatile. The sidechain EQ, mid-side processing, and multiple saturation modes are not commonly found in other FET compressor emulations, putting the Pulsar 1178 more in line with modern channel strip plugins in terms of functionality. When compared to other feature-rich compressor plugins like the FabFilter Pro-C 2 or the Plugin Alliance bx_townhouse Buss Compressor, the Pulsar 1178 holds its own in terms of flexibility. However, it maintains a stronger connection to its analog roots, potentially making it more appealing to users seeking a blend of vintage character and modern capability.
This plugin is best for:
• Engineers and producers seeking an authentic 1178-style FET compressor with expanded features
• Mixing and mastering professionals who require precise control over dynamics and stereo image
• Musicians and sound designers looking for a characterful compressor with creative saturation options
• Users who appreciate vintage-style interfaces with modern functionality and metering
Pulsar 1178 is a powerful and versatile dynamics processor that successfully bridges the gap between vintage hardware emulation and modern software innovation. It captures the essence of the original UREI 1178 compressor, known for its fast, punchy character, while significantly expanding its capabilities with a host of contemporary features. The plugin’s strengths lie in its authentic sound, intuitive interface, and extensive feature set. The ability to shape the compression response with sidechain EQ, process mid and side signals independently, and add various flavors of saturation makes it a Swiss Army knife for dynamics control and tonal shaping. The comprehensive metering and visualization options provide valuable feedback, allowing users to make informed decisions during the compression process. While the Pulsar 1178 may be more complex than some users require for basic compression tasks, its depth and flexibility make it a valuable tool for a wide range of audio processing scenarios. From subtle dynamics control on individual tracks to aggressive parallel compression on busses, and from precise de-essing to creative sound design, this plugin offers solutions for numerous mixing and production challenges. The attention to detail in both the analog emulation and the modern feature implementation demonstrates Pulsar Audio’s commitment to creating a top-tier plugin. For audio professionals and enthusiasts who appreciate the sound of classic hardware but demand the flexibility of software, the Pulsar 1178 represents a compelling option in the crowded field of compressor plugins.