The original 1176 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic pieces of outboard gear of all time. This classic FET compressor/limiter has been emulated many times, often to great success. While vintage units have long-sported exorbitant collector price tags, current alternatives span a varying price range. The Lindell LiN76, put to market in 2022, is placed squarely at the more affordable end. While such budget-friendly configurations necessarily entail minor compromises, the Lindell Audio LiN76 is nevertheless an all-round impressive mono compressor/limiter with an extremely characterful sound and very modern features.
The Lindell Audio LiN76 is an apt reinterpretation of the legendary mono FET compressor/limiter which became famous during the 1970s. Unlike more modern units, dynamic control is applied simply and effectively via four knobs (respectively input and output levels, and attack and release speeds) and four fixed-rate buttons. This timeless and minimalistic design works wonders in a wide range of applications. The LiN76 can deliver soft warm vocal compression, powerful pumping kick drums, or pronounced saturation. It can even be used as a colourful ‘lo-fi’ mic preamp. Affordable does not mean cheaply made, and the Lindell Audio LiN76, which includes a high quality Cinemag output transformer, does not skimp in any way. The Lin76 is fitted with balanced 1/4 inch (6.35mm) jack sockets and is powered externally.
Ever since the early 1970s, musicians and producers worldwide have appreciated the highly musical tone and dynamic control of the 1176, conferring that instant ‘vintage-vibe’ and seamlessly blends into the mix. Not only are those all-important transients faithfully captured, but drastic sound manipulation is also possible with a little tweaking. Today, this studio icon is seldom used as an all-round tool. Rather, it is the ‘go-to’ for punchy drums and guitars and its wide dynamic range also makes it very popular on vocals. The Lindell Audio LiN76 is certainly a worthy competitor, within its price range: It is solidly built and and packed with hi-spec components, making it an ideal contender in the ‘great-value-for-money’ category, for limited-budget enthusiasts.
Lindell Audio was founded in 2010 by Swedish producer Thomas Lindell, who as resident producer at Göteborg’s illustrious Bohus Studios has collaborated on numerous hit albums. The company’s products are designed to match Thomas’s personal demands in terms of sound quality, features, and user-friendliness, true to his motto of “Recording equipment by producers for producers”. After initially offering modules for the API-500 rack – based loosely on various pieces of classic gear – Lindell Audio began to manufacture 19" devices that are unmistakably inspired by legendary vintage equipment. Alongside a high level of quality, Lindell Audio’s philosophy also includes a commitment to affordability, and for this reason the company’s products are developed in Sweden and manufactured in China.
As one of the first compressors/limiters equipped with transistor technology, the now legendary 1176 quickly established itself across countless studios around the globe ever since the late 1960s. In combination with the equally iconic mixing consoles of the time, it shaped the 70s rock sound. In modern DAW studio, the combination of a Lindell Audio LiN76, a quality channel strip and corresponding microphone will achieve an impressive level of character, colour and quality straight into the box. Punchy drums, tight basses, crunchy guitars, and of course expressive vocals, will all be at the user’s fingertips. And with such an affordable model, such a signal chain becomes easily within reach, even for on more modest budgets.