The Black Lion Audio Bluey FET Limiting Amplifier / Compressor (2019) is a single-channel, 1176-style discrete analog limiter built in collaboration with legendary mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge. Modeled after his specific, heavily modified 1176 Blue Stripe "golden unit," it captures decades of technician component changes and custom console insert path behaviors. This creates an aggressive, mid-forward character with top-end presence and rich saturation that makes it a studio favorite for upfront vocals, bass, and drums.

Key Features & Technical Specs

• Mojo-Driven History: Recreates Chris Lord-Alge’s unique unit that featured substitution parts and customized circuitry, delivering a highly distinct saturation profile.
• Console Insert Design: Recreates the exact input and output insert path buffering of Lord-Alge's mixing console directly inside the hardware.
• Parallel Compression: Features an active wet/dry blend control on the front panel—a modern utility missing from vintage 1176s—allowing you to squash the signal hard while maintaining natural dynamics.
• Time Constants: Ultra-fast attack time scaling from 20 to 800 microseconds, paired with a release time variable from 50 to 1200 milliseconds. Note: The attack and release knobs on this unit operate in reverse relative to normal 1176 clones and plugins.
• Ratio Flexibility: Selectable ratios of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 alongside the classic four-button "All-Buttons-In" (Nuke) mode for extreme grit.
• Premium Through-Hole Build: Hand-assembled and tested in the USA using discrete Class-A circuitry, custom Cinemag UTC-remake transformers, 1% resistors, polyester capacitors, and a linear power supply.
• Rear Panel Connections
• Audio Input: 1 x Balanced XLR
• Audio Output: 1 x Balanced XLR
• Stereo Link: 1 x 1/4" TS (RCA-style via an included TS adapter) for linking two Bluey units together for stereo operation.