Iconic analog compression, modernized.
The Warm Audio WA76-A2 dual-channel compressor brings classic studio compression with true analog grit to your recordings. Faithfully recreating the renowned "blue stripe" vintage compressor, the WA76-A2 offers a blend of vintage circuitry and modern controls for ultimate flexibility without sacrificing character. Musicians and engineers will appreciate its premium components, accurate circuit reproduction and added features tailored for today's recording needs.
Premium Components Recreate Vintage Tone
Like the original, the WA76-A2 uses custom CineMag transformers and premium poly film capacitors and premium resistors to authentically capture the 76 compressor's signature sound. Its vintage-voiced preamp stage cuts no corners in recreating the gritty, unmistakably analog tone that shaped countless classic recordings. You'll get the same powerful, "grabby" attack and rich harmonic distortion that defined 70s rock and pop.
Critical Classic Controls Meet Modern Demands
The WA76-A2 delivers all the controls you expect from a vintage 76-style compressor like attack, release, ratio, input and output. As a stereo unit, it also provides a dry/wet mix for parallel compression, selectable input impedance to match modern preamps and variable sidechain filtering. These additions give you flexibility for modern workflows without sacrificing the 76's highly sought-after vintage vibe.
Handcrafted and Hand-Tested in the USA
Like all Warm Audio gear, the WA76-A2 is meticulously handcrafted and tested in Austin, Texas to exacting standards. Each unit undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure it meets the high expectations of discerning musicians and recording engineers. You can trust Warm Audio to deliver premium vintage-style equipment with the quality and performance to inspire today's music.
Specifications
- VU Meter Options: Gain reduction | +8dB output | +4dB output | "Off" powers off unit
- 100-230V IEC inlet universal power supply
- Variable sidechain high-pass filter: 30–300Hz, 12dB/Octave
- 3 2-Channel Operating Modes: Stereo Linked | Primary:Secondary | Dual-Mono
- Vintage-Spec Attack & Release: Attack = 20 µS - 800 | Release: 50 mS - 1.1 Second
- Frequency Response: ±1dB 20Hz–20kHz
- Total Amplifier Gain: 58dB
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR): 86dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): -62dB (at -13dBu)
Features
- Class-A line-level output amplifiers
- 100% discrete studio signal path using 600 ohms input impedance attenuator
- Selectable 10 kohms input impedance to better match modern audio interface specifications
- 100% dry-wet mix control
- Active bypass for running unit as line amplifier & true bypass option for A/B comparisons
- 2U 19" rackmount chassis
- Utilizes premium O-12 input & 5002 output transformers from CineMag USA
- "All-Buttons-In" setting for experimental & hard-limiter tones
- Balanced XLR & TRS inputs & outputs