Like all previous versions of the 1176 this has a balanced output via an output transformer. The input  is electronically-balanced like the last few versions of the original. From there it feeds the FET gain-reduction element, a make-up gain amplifier, a line amplifier and the output transformer

In my opinion the 1176 is the best compressor available for bass guitar and vocals. On my Compressors page I say:

“Nothing sounds like an 1176 – it’s a one-off, a freak, an outlier – and that’s why it’s stood the test of time. For vocals and bass guitar, nothing betters it for a punchy, aggressive sound. Set it for a fairly slow attack, fastest release and 4:1 compression then just ramp up the input level till the vocal sits where you want it. A little tweak on the attack time, a hint of EQ and job done”

This 1176LN is in excellent condition with the typical surface discolouration of the aluminium case but an almost-unmarked front panel. All knobs & switches are original. Photos show the compressor for sale

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Vintage equaliser from UREI. The 546 is a two-channel, four band parametric equaliser with variable high- and low-pass filters and input gain controls. In usual UREI fashion, the ergonomics and signal path have been honed to perfection , producing a highly useable, efficient EQ

Each band has a push-pull, in / out switch to bypass that band only. Each channel has a bypass switch and this 546 has been modified with a filter bypass switches. In bypass bandwidth is extended to 200 KHz

The 546 is easy to use with plenty of scope in the controls and well-judged linearity. The tightest filter setting has a high Q is suitable for notching out problem frequencies. At broader settings each band is wider & smoother. The 546 turns out to be my favourite bass equaliser – it’s easy to put weight into a bass sound, or warmth, or depth without it sounding wooly

“There’s also a certain curiosity factor with this eq. Every engineer that’s been in my studio since I got it has immediately zoned in on the 546 and been intrigued with it. There were only about 1,000 made, I believe, so it’s not something everyone has seen”

“Very useful piece of gear IMHO! Good for notching out annoying freq’s in guitars/vocals. You may find you like on a variety of sources”

“A friend was clearing out his studio of older stuff and gave me his a few years ago. It sounds good, great for bass, guitars or vocals. Mine seems a bit sensitive to overload, probably needs new caps.

The 546 was original UREI [United Recording Electronics Industries] gear from their Sun Valley days, and was pre – JBL. I think 70’s.”

“It’s a great parametric EQ for the price that they seem to fetch. They do not have a lot of headroom (which is a problem with lots of parametrics) but you can generally work around it. Not a warm or sweet sounding EQ but great for surgical stuff like fixing bad kicks, vocals, etc”

In very good used condition. Has minor rack rash & case marks but it’s in great shape for a vintage piece. All knobs are original & in good condition Refurbished & psu recapped. Tested & working 100%. Photos show the EQ for sale

The post UREI 546 Dual Parametric Equaliser #3 (Refurbished & Recapped) appeared first on BN1studio.

This 535 has been completely refurbished. The boost / cut sliders have been replaced with new pots. The pots are mounted closer to the front panel which removes much of the stiffness common with the 530 and 535. With all new pots this 535 works better than new

The unit has been recapped with uprated Panasonic electrolytic capacitors in the power supply. The tantalum caps have been replaced with electrolytics, main reservoir caps increased in value and decoupling caps fitted. Finally, all the electrolytics in the audio path have been replaced with uprated Panasonic bipolar caps

Tested & working 100% and better than new. Photos of the 535 for sale to come

Universal Audio was one of the early pioneers in audio equipment. Founded in 1946 by Bill Putnam, UA produced recording equipment as a sideline to his Universal Recording record company. The company was later renamed United Recording Electronics Industries, giving us the famous UREI name & logo

Bill Putnam was responsible for many innovations in recording including the 1176 compressor, the valve Teletronix LA/3A and transistor UREI LA4/A levelling amplifiers. UREI produced a wide range of products and the 535 is one of many equalisers they produced in the late 70s and 80s

The 535 is a two-channel graphic equaliser with ten bands per channel, in / out switch, input gain trim and a transformer-coupled output with overload LED. It’s a simple design, owing a lot to the earlier 527 & 529 mono graphics

Like all UREI kit from this period, it’s built like a tank with a very functional case, secured by the traditional UREI exposed hex-head screws, and a beautifully-finished aluminium front panel. Inside, it’s best-practice, 1970s-style, with a thick circuit board, huge (by today’s standards) through-hole mounted components, massive American transformers and lots of hand-wiring

The 535 is a 10-band equaliser with frequencies at octave spacings. It has a reputation as a great guitar EQ – the bands are wide enough to be smooth, but tight enough to pull out or accentuate specific frequency bands. It definitely sounds crunchier than plugin EQs and can be as subtle or as lairy as you like, depending how far you push it

Like all UREI gear, the 535 has tons of sonic character and great visual appeal. It has a functional appearance, like much German audio equipment, so simple & so logical that it can’t be bettered. That combination of simplicity, rugged construction & great sonics is as compelling now as it was in the 1970s

Great analogue outboard gear never dates and never devalues if it’s as simple, effective and well-designed as this UREI equaliser. In that respect, it’s the polar opposite of software plugins. A UREI 535 will sound unlike any other EQ you own and give you two channels of no-faff equalisation for guitars, loops, drum ambience, effects – whatever you like

The post UREI 535 Dual Graphic Equaliser #4 (Refurbished & Recapped with new faders) appeared first on BN1studio.