Purple Audio MC77
Summary
Abstract
The Purple Audio MC77 is an 1176-style FET compressor that has earned a loyal following for its punchy, clear sound. It is considered one of the better 1176 clones available, with better headroom and fidelity than budget alternatives, though some feel it runs a touch cleaner/brighter than the original UA units. Opinions vary — some love it, others prefer the UA reissue.
Key Characteristics
- FET compressor in the 1176 lineage
- Better headroom, noise floor, and fidelity than budget 1176 clones
- Slightly cleaner and possibly brighter than the original UA 1176
- Well-built and reliable
Use Cases
- Lead vocals — “attack at noon, release fully fast, adjust gains till it feels like a record”
- Rap vocals (with a low-pass filter before the compressor)
- General tracking compression
Settings & Sweet Spots
- Attack at noon (12 o’clock)
- Release fully fast
- Adjust input/output gains until it feels right
Comparable Alternatives
| Gear | Notes |
|---|---|
| UREI 1176 (UA Reissue) | The reference standard; some prefer it over the MC77 |
| Empirical Labs Distressor | More versatile but different character |
| Audioscape 1176 clone | ”Fine but a bit too noisy/crunchy” |
| Warm Audio 1176 clone | Lacks headroom and fidelity |
Common Mistakes
- Most 1176 clones “sound like a caricature of what Gearspace posts say that an 1176 should sound like” — the MC77 largely avoids this but is still not identical to the original
- Some top engineers (Luke from Record Plant) considered it “too bright”
See Also
Source Discussions
Community Insights
“The Purple Audio MC77 sounds amazing FWIW. Attack at noon, release fully fast, adjust gains till it feels like a record!” — James Cronier
“MC77 doesn’t [lack headroom] IME, but does feel a touch cleaner than the UA.” — James Cronier
“To me a lot of the clones sound like a caricature of what Gearspace posts say that an 1176 should sound like. Like drawing a horse if you’ve never seen one but had read about it.” — BatMeckley
“Love the MC77, always does the thing for me.” — Chad Rodgers