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An introduction to Pulsar Audio Pulsar 1178, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
A perfectly emulated and enhanced FET compressor. Fast, characterful and versatile, it is the ultimate control for modern mixes.
— Pulsar Audio official site
What is Pulsar 1178?
Pulsar 1178 is an emulation of a FET (field-effect transistor) compressor from Pulsar Audio. The hardware 1178 is related to the 1176 family, and the maker describes it as cleaner and more versatile than the 1176.
It recreates the tonal color and compression character of the original hardware, then adds modern features such as a full sidechain EQ, a saturation stage and detailed metering. Formats are VST, VST3, AU and AAX.
The design keeps the fast, bright character while extending the attack range so it can also do gentle dynamic contouring. The maker mentions adding midrange definition to vocals and taming drum transients.
The regular price is USD 149 and a free trial is available. License protection uses PACE iLok. It is also part of bundles such as the Vintage Compressors Bundle.
Topology Preservation Technology
It recreates saturation of diodes, transistors and tubes and slight internal filtering without simulating the whole circuit, which the maker says saves CPU power.
Four saturation flavors
Tape, Triode, Warm and Clip can be chosen and their strength adjusted. They are integrated into the gain reduction, so the texture differs from a separate pre or post saturator.
Full sidechain EQ
Five filter types plus band solo and sidechain audition are available. You can shape which frequencies trigger the compression, for example to treat kick and snare differently.
Look-ahead and look-behind
Detection can be moved forward up to 20 ms or delayed up to 10 ms. This lets you either catch transients or let them pass.
Mid/Side and external sidechain
Built-in M/S processing comes with Listen buttons for mid or side. An external sidechain input lets you use it for ducking or de-essing.
Detailed metering
Peak and RMS meters, a scrolling gain reduction view, VU-style and LED-style input, output and gain reduction meters are included.
Resizable interface
The interface can be resized, and in most DAWs loading it on a mono channel opens a streamlined single-channel view.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | FET compressor emulation |
| Formats | AAX Native, Audio Unit, VST 2.4, VST 3 (64-bit) |
| System (Windows) | Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i3 or better or AMD quad-core, 4 GB RAM, 1 GB free disk, OpenGL 2.0 GPU |
| System (Mac) | macOS 10.11 or later, Intel Core i3 or better or Apple Silicon (M1 to M5), 4 GB RAM, 1 GB free disk |
| Saturation | Tape, Triode, Warm, Clip |
| Look-ahead / look-behind | Up to 20 ms ahead, up to 10 ms behind |
| Sidechain EQ | Five filter types |
| License | PACE iLok |
What is included and system requirements
- Pulsar 1178 plug-in
- Free trial available
- Formats: AAX, AU, VST 2.4, VST 3 (64-bit)
- Also part of bundles such as the Vintage Compressors Bundle
How to use it
- Prepare Pulsar Audio and iLok accounts and get the installer via the free trial or purchase.
- Insert Pulsar 1178 on a track or bus in your DAW.
- Set input and output levels and watch the amount of gain reduction on the meters.
- Set Attack and Release; the extended attack range also allows gentle contouring.
- If needed, use the sidechain EQ to shape which frequencies trigger compression.
- To try saturation, choose one of the four modes and raise the amount gradually.
- Compare with the original sound to check that you have not overdone it.
Bringing vocals forward
The maker suggests it for making vocals stand out. The attack range may help with midrange definition.
Drum overheads and rooms
It is described as suited to fast transients, and with look-ahead it could shape the punch of a drum kit.
Bass and acoustic guitar
For bass, the saturation can add grit so it carries on small speakers; it is also said to tame lively guitar picking.
Bus and master compression
The maker says speed and transparency make it a candidate for bus and mastering compression, and the sidechain EQ keeps it from reacting too strongly to bass.
Who it may suit
- People who want to try FET compressor character
- Those who want fine control over compressor triggering with a sidechain EQ
- Engineers shaping drum and vocal transients
- Users who prefer a set of Pulsar tools
Good to know before you buy
- A PACE iLok account is required; on Windows the installer automatically installs the iLok License Manager.
- The official site currently shows a sale (Black Friday) and prices may change. The regular price is USD 149.
- The hardware 1178 is a different unit from the 1176; this product emulates the 1178.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Pulsar Audio MP-EQ
The 1178 is a dynamic FET compressor, while MP-EQ is a passive equalizer for frequency shaping. Both have a regular price of USD 149 and the same formats (AAX, AU, VST 2.4, VST 3).
Price
$149 (Pulsar Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Pulsar 1178 on the product page
Sources: pulsar.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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