Hi everyone,

I recently received a brand new Universal Audio 1176LN hardware unit, and I’ve noticed something I’d like to confirm.

When the unit is powered on, the meter is set to GR (Gain Reduction), the Input knob is turned fully counterclockwise, and no signal is fed into the unit, the VU meter sits slightly below 0 dB — around +0.5 dB, and occasionally even as far as +1 dB.

Is this behavior considered normal for a new unit, or does it mean the meter needs adjustment using the Zero Set trimmer?

Photo attached below.
Thanks in advance for your help!

The zero set trimmer is to set the zero point - so whilst it probably doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, you can adjust if you like! Check the manual for best practice?

My Gates sta level was the same way....it drifts around I'm assuming with temperature, etc. When you set the zero adjust it should stay in the same place at least for a while.

I don't know if this is across the board with 1176 and clones.. but the VU seems to really be more of a general suggestion of what's happening. I have a Warm clone and the VU starts in one place when i first turn it on.. then after it warms up the VU settles down.
I've read other threads about 'real' 1176s and other clones that also have odd VU variances. Folks with more experience with these units over decades will hopefully chime in.

Ok, makes sense... anyone else with similar experiences?
Especially from those who have used lots of compressors over the years — would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks again everyone!

Similar experiences?
Very.

One thing I've learned, and others seem to be alluding to, is to disregard VU meter lies until they are warmed up enough to tell the truth. Especially with tube gear.

In the early days, I would zero VU meter trims at turn-on, only to remove my "corrections" a short time later. It made me feel stupid enough to start avoiding the extra, unnecessary trip.

Sometimes I have to remind myself to mostly ignore the VU when setting this type of compressor. I think one of the things that is great about them is they sound pretty good, are fast and 'grabby'.. and they have a really simple interface so you just push a button, turn a couple knobs and actually listen to what it's doing. First time I used an 1176 type it was so quick to set up.. I put it on a vocal, turned a knob and well... there it was.. not much fiddling. There's a reason these are still really popular, hardware and plugin. One of a few solid set it and forget it pieces.

Yes it’s normal. 1176 VU’s have a mind of their own.

I use an Audioscape 76a. The meter often starts off wrong. Or stays wrong. What i quickly realized is that it really doesn't matter. The meter really reads smash no smash to me now.