Origin Effects Cali 76 TX
The Origin Effects Cali 76 TX is as close as you’ll get to a Urei 1176 limiter in
pedal form, and it is extremely close. It is expensive, with prices starting at
499 dollars American, but for many players, this will absolutely be worth it to
get that organic compression and limiting the 1176 is known for, as well as
the distinctive sonic enhancements that have made it a studio standard for
upwards of four decades. Anyone who has seen an 1176 will recognize the
Cali76’s control set, with knobs for input, output, attack, release, and ratio.
The ratio settings are exactly the same as on the 1176, ranging from 4:1 up to
20:1. At the highest setting it becomes a peak limiter, a feature that should be
of particular interest to bassists. The feature that really separates the Cali 76
from the rest of the pack, though, is its transformer-based output section. The
transformer is where the magic lives, and Origin Effects offers the base model
with a custom iron-core transformer that is designed to saturate euphonically
when pushed, adding lots of harmonious overtones. For 100 bucks extra Origin
offers a mastering-grade Lundahl transformer option, which is super clean and
high headroom, and will mostly be useful for bassists. If you’ve got the money
and the room on your board, the Origin Effects Cali 76 TX is without peer.
If you have less money and free pedalboard real estate, Origin has recently
begun making a less expensive compact version (sans transformer).
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