A software developer in Germany is claiming to have modelled an 1176 compressor and made a plugin for use in any DAW that supports AU, VST and AAX.

Klaus Mann, a developer, based in Norderstedt just outside Hamburg in Germany, made the bold claim on a closed internet forum. However, the information was leaked before it was taken down.

It has been a long-held wish of audio professionals and enthusiasts since the creation of the original 1176 hardware by audio legend Bill Putnam in 1968 for someone to make a plugin version. Until now, no developer has attempted to make an 1176 compressor.

Mann, a solo developer, who also claims to be the only developer in the world never to have worked at Avid, Universal Audio or Native Instruments, says his claim is entirely true and will be releasing it later this year.

Responses to the claim have been scathing with one person saying; "This is nothing more than vapourware if you could make an 1176 plugin then don't you think someone would have already done it?"

Another member of the closed forum was equally scathing; "He makes these claims all the time, he told us that it was also possible to make a Pultec EQ plugin, he must be smoking something."

One well-known developer who spoke to us on the condition they remained anonymous said; "An 1176 plugin emulation is rarer than the original hardware. If Mann has made one and can get it out before any other software developer thinks of it, then he'll have a winner on his hands."

We reached out to Mann for comment who declined but would only say; "I'm too busy working on other ideas of hard to find gear. I’ve found an old limiter in the back cupboard of a school that was made by a student as part of the school PA system. Once everyone demos that plugin it will bring back memories of a sound they've never heard before!"