Z&H Designs 1178 Stereo Peak Limiter

The Z&H Designs 1178 Stereo Peak Limiter is a faithful, component-accurate rebuild of the legendary UREI 1178, enhanced with modern workflow features for contemporary production. With unique access to discontinued original components, Z&H Designs has recreated the original signal path in full, while expanding the unit’s flexibility through onboard Mid/Side operation, parallel compression, and sidechain filtering. The result is a powerful stereo FET limiter that delivers classic transparency, bold character, and modern control across a wide range of genres.

Key Features

• Authentic recreation of the original UREI 1178 signal processing chain.
• Built using rare and discontinued components, including NPD5566 FET transistors.
• Onboard Mid/Side and Left/Right operation.
• Independent attack and release controls per channel.
• Parallel compression via dedicated mix control.
• Sidechain high-pass filter with selectable frequencies.
• Capable of transparent compression or rich analog coloration.
• Can operate as two independent mono FET compressors in L/R mode.
• High-headroom linear power supply for stability and low noise.

Modern Workflow Enhancements

• Integrated M/S processing eliminates the need for external matrix hardware.
• Independent channel control enables detailed depth and stereo image shaping.
• Mix control allows precise parallel compression, ideal for modern loudness workflows.
• Sidechain HPF options at 0, 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 180 Hz preserve low-end impact.
• Well suited for contemporary genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, and EDM.

Circuit Design & Sonic Character

• Exact and rare electrical components matching the original UREI 1178.
• Limited-production build due to discontinued component availability.
• Capable of sounding cleaner than vintage units while retaining classic character.
• Wide tonal palette through creative ratio button combinations.
• Equally effective on guitars, vocals, full mixes, and modern electronic productions.

1166 Output Transformer

• Custom hand-built 1166 output transformer inspired by classic Neve-style designs.
• Replicated mold and construction for 100% accuracy.
• Adds weight, smooths dynamics, and enhances harmonic richness.

Power & Build Quality

• Linear power supply for low noise, stability, and long-term reliability.
• Designed for high dynamic range and demanding studio use.
• Each unit individually tested and signed by engineers and craftspeople.

Specifications

• Frequency Response (Compressor & SFE Bypassed, Unloaded): 20 Hz – 40 kHz (±0.5 dB typical)
• Maximum Output Level (Bypassed, Unloaded): +27 dBu typical
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise
• 20 Hz, +20 dBu: <0.15%
• 1 kHz, +20 dBu: <0.025%
• 20 kHz, +20 dBu: <0.0075%
• Compressor Controls
• Threshold: −58 dBu to +28 dBu
• Ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1
• Blend (Mix): 0% – 100%
• Attack: 20 μs – 800 μs
• Release: 50 ms – 1.1 s
• Noise Floor
• 22 Hz – 20 kHz SNR: −86.3 dBV
• Power
• AC Power Consumption: 50 W max
• Voltage Selector: 110V / 220V
• Fuse: 5 × 20 mm, 2A fast-acting glass
• Physical
• Product Dimensions (H × W × D): 8.8 × 48.4 × 27.4 cm
• Shipping Dimensions (H × W × D): 22.3 × 58.2 × 45.4 cm
• Shipping Weight: 9.5 kg (20.9 lbs)