Z&H Designs Releases 1178 Mastering Stereo Peak Limiter

We created a mastering version out of our beloved 1178 Stereo Peak Limiter, thanks to an idea from the community. This special build shares the same sonic expression as the standard Z&H 1178, plus the same signal processing chain as the original UREI.



The "Mastering 1178" comes with an onboard M/S-L/R switch, which is paired with separate attack & release controls. It also has a mix knob and a sidechain HPF - the must haves for today's production.



Catering to a mastering workflow, it offers 21 steps on all 8 knobs of Input, Output, Attack, and Release. We also hand-matched the 2 channels to 0.1dB accuracy.

Exact & rare electric components as the original UREI 1178.
Stepped compressor controls for mastering workflow.
Handles high dynamics with high accuracy.
Onboard M/S functionality.
Capable of clean & colourisation.
Can work as 2 legit FET compressors.
Sidechain high pass filter.
Find the sweet spot with mix knob.
Linear power supply.

Learn more at our website:

https://zhdesigns.audio/products/117...o-peak-limiter

Revisit the Z&H 1178 sound:

It is easy to say so, except we actually did so

Here's the NPD5566 FET transistor, along with other components that haven't been in production for decades. They are our grounds to claim a faithful replication of circuits. However, it also implies that our 1178 build is a limited edition by nature.

Perks 2024

People have been using the original 1178 for decades for its wide and transparent sound, but gear needs to evolve with music, too.

We acknowledge that a lot of people used an extra outboard to conduct MS conversion to the 1178, so we started off by adding the MS switch onboard, which had always required separate attack & release controls to make sense. With full independent control over both channels, you get a lot of depth and layers.

Having independent controls also helps in the LR mode, where you are free to compress 2 mono sounds like there are 2 compressors.

Next, let's not waste the insane power of 1178 - this machine easily does 10 dB of compression. An over-compressed track may sound awful, but could be exceptional if you just blend it 30%. In our experience, each genre/song has a sweet spot, typically within the 30%-70% range if you follow this method.

Last but not least, the high-pass filter saves your drums and bass from improper crack down, so that they can sound deep and solid. Your high end will also sound alive and wide. This is especially helpful for the loudness war. There are 0, 60Hz, 120Hz, and 180Hz to choose from.

The sonic colour palette

As a new build, it is capable of sounding cleaner than a 30-year old vintage. However, by combining different ratio buttons, you get all sorts of characteristics. It is recommended to try beyond all-buttons-in, as magic could happen to any combination to any track.

1166 Output Transformer

We tested almost all classic output transformers, and the 1166 with Neve's style outperformed every opponent. This is the most heavy-duty and expensive choice, for which we replicated the mold and hand-built our 1166 with 100% accuracy. It nourishes the sound, evens the dynamics, and enhances the mix.

Linear power supply

While others are drifting away, we hold on to the timeless power supply solution. Linear is just proven to be reliable and strong, and is the foundation of solid, noiseless, and premium sound quality.

Handcrafted & verified by human, for human.

Before it gets shipped, 2 real mixing engineers will test it and sign their names, so will every craftsman who participated in the making. Boutique-grade craftsmanship makes no effort in producing many.

It's a "ZEN" & a "Hit"

"Zen" is our sonic design philosophy for those on the clean side. It is a nourishing vibe that is juicy and satisfying to all ears.

"Hit" as opposed to "Zen" is for those on the "dirty" side. It adds that beautiful analog colour to your sound, delivering a punchy and powerful result.

14-day tryout & satisfaction guarantee

With all the hopes that you would be happy with our product, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return it to us for a full refund. You have 14 days to try out the unit after receiving your item to request a return.

For now, the Z&H 1178 Mastering Stereo Peak Limiter is on a make-to-order basis.

Price (VAT excl.):

$ (USD) 2,199 / €2,143 / £1,832