Under this category, there are the sub-categories "4:1", "8:1", "121", "201" and "ALL" which represent the ratios from 4:1 to 20:1 and the All-Buttons/All-In ratio mode.
There is also a "PRE" category for a "LOW", "MED", and "HI" mode for the electronics without any compression.
Under each of these categories there are also the "CLN" Clean modes for each ratio.

1176-4:1-1A-1R
1176-4:1-1A-4R
1176-4:1-1A-7R
1176-4:1-4A-1R
1176-4:1-4A-4R
1176-4:1-4A-7R
1176-4:1-7A-1R
1176-4:1-7A-4R
1176-4:1-7A-7R
1176-4:1-1A-1RC
1176-4:1-1A-4RC
1176-4:1-1A-7RC
1176-4:1-4A-1RC
1176-4:1-4A-4RC
1176-4:1-4A-7RC
1176-4:1-7A-1RC
1176-4:1-7A-4RC
1176-4:1-7A-7RC
1176-8:1-1A-1R
1176-8:1-1A-4R
1176-8:1-1A-7R
1176-8:1-4A-1R
1176-8:1-4A-4R
1176-8:1-4A-7R
1176-8:1-7A-1R
1176-8:1-7A-4R
1176-8:1-7A-7R
1176-8:1-1A-1RC
1176-8:1-1A-4RC
1176-8:1-1A-7RC
1176-8:1-4A-1RC
1176-8:1-4A-4RC
1176-8:1-4A-7RC
1176-8:1-7A-1RC
1176-8:1-7A-4RC
1176-8:1-7A-7RC
1176-12:1-1A-1R
1176-12:1-1A-4R
1176-12:1-1A-7R
1176-12:1-4A-1R
1176-12:1-4A-4R
1176-12:1-4A-7R
1176-12:1-7A-1R
1176-12:1-7A-4R
1176-12:1-7A-7R
1176-12:1-1A-1RC
1176-12:1-1A-4RC
1176-12:1-1A-7RC
1176-12:1-4A-1RC
1176-12:1-4A-4RC
1176-12:1-4A-7RC
1176-12:1-7A-1RC
1176-12:1-7A-4RC
1176-12:1-7A-7RC
1176-20:1-1A-1R
1176-20:1-1A-4R
1176-20:1-1A-7R
1176-20:1-4A-1R
1176-20:1-4A-4R
1176-20:1-4A-7R
1176-20:1-7A-1R
1176-20:1-7A-4R
1176-20:1-7A-7R
1176-20:1-1A-1RC
1176-20:1-1A-4RC
1176-20:1-1A-7RC
1176-20:1-4A-1RC
1176-20:1-4A-4RC
1176-20:1-4A-7RC
1176-20:1-7A-1RC
1176-20:1-7A-4RC
1176-20:1-7A-7RC
1176-ALL-IN-1A1R
1176-ALL-IN-1A4R
1176-ALL-IN-1A7R
1176-ALL-IN-4A1R
1176-ALL-IN-4A4R
1176-ALL-IN-4A7R
1176-ALL-IN-7A1R
1176-ALL-IN-7A4R
1176-ALL-IN-7A7R
1176-ALL-IN1A1RC
1176-ALL-IN1A4RC
1176-ALL-IN1A7RC
1176-ALL-IN4A1RC
1176-ALL-IN4A4RC
1176-ALL-IN4A7RC
1176-ALL-IN7A1RC
1176-ALL-IN7A4RC
1176-ALL-IN7A7RC
1176-PRE-HI
1176-PRE-MED
1176-PRE-LOW
1176-PRE-HI C
1176-PRE-MED C
1176-PRE-LOW C

1176-4:1-1A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "1".

1176-4:1-1A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-1A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "4".

1176-4:1-1A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-1A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "7".

1176-4:1-1A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-4A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "1".

1176-4:1-4A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-4A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "4".

1176-4:1-4A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-4A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "7".

1176-4:1-4A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-7A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "1".

1176-4:1-7A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-7A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "4".

1176-4:1-7A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-4:1-7A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 4:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 4:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "7".

1176-4:1-7A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-1A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "1".

1176-8:1-1A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-1A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "4".

1176-8:1-1A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-1A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "7".

1176-8:1-1A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-4A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "1".

1176-8:1-4A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-4A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "4".

1176-8:1-4A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-4A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "7".

1176-8:1-4A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-7A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "1".

1176-8:1-7A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-7A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "4".

1176-8:1-7A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-8:1-7A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 8:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at an 8:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "7".

1176-8:1-7A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-1A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "1".

1176-12:1-1A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-1A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "4".

1176-12:1-1A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-1A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "7".

1176-12:1-1A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-4A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "1".

1176-12:1-4A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-4A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "4".

1176-12:1-4A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-4A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "7".

1176-12:1-4A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-7A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "1".

1176-12:1-7A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-7A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "4".

1176-12:1-7A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-12:1-7A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 12:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 12:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "7".

1176-12:1-7A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-1A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "1".

1176-20:1-1A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-1A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "4".

1176-20:1-1A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-1A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "7".

1176-20:1-1A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-4A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "1".

1176-20:1-4A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-4A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "4".

1176-20:1-4A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-4A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "7".

1176-20:1-4A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-7A-1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "1".

1176-20:1-7A-1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-7A-4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "4".

1176-20:1-7A-4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-20:1-7A-7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN at a ratio of 20:1 with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "7".

1176-20:1-7A-7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-1A1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 10 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "1".

1176-ALL-IN1A1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-1A4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "4".

1176-ALL-IN1A4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-1A7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "1" and a Release of "7".

1176-ALL-IN1A7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-4A1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 10 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "1".

1176-ALL-IN4A1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-4A4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "4".

1176-ALL-IN4A4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-4A7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "4" and a Release of "7".

1176-ALL-IN4A7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-7A1R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "1".

1176-ALL-IN7A1RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-7A4R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "4".

1176-ALL-IN7A4RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-ALL-IN-7A7R
This program provides you with the 1176LN in ALL-Buttons/ALL-IN mode, with a deep compression threshold, multiple dynamic layers, using 8 Kernels of distortion. Use this program after an instance of your 1176 software emulator when compressing at a 20:1 ratio and an Attack of "7" and a Release of "7".

1176-ALL-IN7A7RC
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-PRE-HI
This program provides you with the 1176LN electronics set at a high input level with all compression disabled. Use this program on its own to add the color of the transformers and electronics, add it to any general setting with your 1176 emulator, or add it after an instance of your emulator and one of the NebPro attack/release programs.

1176-PRE-HI C
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-PRE-MED
This program provides you with the 1176LN electronics set at a standard input level with all compression disabled. Use this program on its own to add the color of the transformers and electronics, add it to any general setting with your 1176 emulator, or add it after an instance of your emulator and one of the NebPro attack/release programs.

1176-PRE-MED C
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

1176-PRE-LOW
This program provides you with the 1176LN electronics set at a standard input level with all compression disabled. Use this program on its own to add the color of the transformers and electronics, add it to any general setting with your 1176 emulator, or add it after an instance of your emulator and one of the NebPro attack/release programs.

1176-PRE-LOW C
This program is the same as above without any harmonic distortion. The "C" stands for "Clean" mode.

Return To Index

About the "1176 Preamp Collection For Nebula Pro"

The "1176 Preamp Collection For Nebula Pro" is designed to provide you the most authentic sound of this legendary compressor/limiter when combined with your choice of software 1176 emulator.

I've edited down the official hardware manual which provides valuable information about the device, its use, ideas for using the emulator, history, and revision information, so I encourage you to read this for a broader overview of the 1176LN. In short, the "LN" stands for low noise, and in the words of the designer, this revision is considered the best combination of vintage/classic vibe, quality low noise signal handling, and favored electronics for every tracking task and even for mastering.

I recommend using your software 1176 emulator first, followed by the program with the corresponding attack/release and ratio setting. You can further also use one of the "pre" programs (low, medium, high) at the end of the chain if you wish to have further control over the amount of input signal that is passing through the device's electronics. This adds a slight continuation of the spectral changes that occur, so you don't want to add 3 or 4 instances in the chain, but with only two following your emulator of choice, the effect is wonderfully realistic.

If you are using any setting that falls in between the program settings, you have the option of using the program that most closely corresponds to your settings. For example, if you are using the 1176 at a 4:1 ratio and the attack is set to 2 and the release is set to 4, you could choose to use a program that contains a "1a4r" or a "4a4r". Every combination provides a slightly different spectral response at the loudest signal levels and affects the harmonic content. Typically, the harmonic content increases slightly the higher the number choices, which equates to faster attack and release times. This means that you can lean towards lower settings for less change and higher settings for more character.

The choice to include preamp programs that are not affected by compression provides a few options:
1- you can use these on their own for any general 'tone/color' option. The device makes a wonderful, subtle fix for a cold digital process, adding the beautiful thick transformers and other electronics.
2- you can use them after your 1176 software emulator without using the programs that are compressing the signal. If you choose to do so, I recommend choosing the level that relates to your signal. If you are only compressing 1-3dB you can use the "low" preamp.
If you are compressing 2-6dB you can use the "med" preamp. If you are compressing heavily, like 7dB and more, you can use the "high" preamp setting.
3- you can use the preamp programs following the proper choice of ratio/attack/release program for maximum control and unique character at each setting.
I highly recommend this option and find that it remains the highest level of realism.

There are several things that make the 1176 unique as it interacts with your audio signal. This is true specifically in regards to the dynamic and harmonic changes in the device. The volume that is passing through is affected by the volume of the signal, the depth and slope of the program dependent compression at every volume, ratio, and rate of response. At higher volumes, the signal pushes through with slightly more emphasis on the lower frequencies and a steady, minimal decline from the mids to upper frequencies. At usual levels and lower volume, the levels remain almost ruler flat up to 10kHz and typically less than 1/2dB from 10kHz-25kHz.

At the same time, the unique harmonic response emphasizes the frequencies that contain the most energy. This gives the illusion that the Black Face has a slightly bright, driven response to the signal, especially the faster that it is operating on the signal. In truth, the levels remains steady even under extreme compression, but very small changes at each volume and harmonic results work together to give the impression that it is slightly brighter than it actually is in reality.

The harmonic content has been edited for every program individually, matched to the real response of the device. This is significant when added to a good quality emulator which tends to get some of this character correct regarding harmonics, but this remains stagnant and not as accurate the harder that the compression is pushed at the input. Adding the Nebula Pro program after the emulator adds the harmonics to the signal that are lost in the process, and this increases with the volume where it does not do so accurately with just the emulator. The frequency response in some emulators has some of the general shape and slope, but this generally does not change dynamically, meaning that there is one spectral shape for all settings, and thus adding the Nebula Programs brings this realism of every dynamic level to the reality of the sound.

If you were to look at the frequency results at each volume, you would see a bend and slope in the loudest levels, and more even as it becomes softer. You would see that the faster the attack and release, the higher the harmonic content. You would also see that the harmonic content increases as the input level is icreased, driving the signal as it compresses at a deeper threshold. The result is a wonderful rich texture acting upon your signal.