Vintage FET compression reimagined for modern studios.
The Warm Audio WA76-D compressor recreates the coveted sound of vintage 1976 "Revision D" studio compressors with added features for today's recording needs. Faithfully modeling the fast, low-noise "D-style" circuit, the WA76-D gives you classic analog tone-shaping plus modern controls for ultimate flexibility. Experience the generous headroom, ultrafast dynamic control and rich harmonics that made the original 76 compressor a studio legend.
Custom Transformers Provide Authentic Tone
Like the vintage 76 compressors, the WA76-D uses custom CineMag transformers to achieve the same lush analog sound. The O-12 input and 5002 output transformers are made to the exact specs of the originals, delivering the rich, musical compression that defined the 70s studio sound. With premium capacitors and resistors throughout, the WA76-D's circuitry cuts no corners in recreating a vintage analog signal path.
Critical Controls Meet Modern Needs
The WA76-D gives you all the controls that shaped classic records: attack, release, ratio, input and output gain. It also adds features for today's recording workflows, like stereo linking, a dry/wet mix for parallel compression, a variable high-pass filter for the sidechain and selectable input impedance to match your interface. With the WA76-D, you get the fast, powerful compression that made the 76 famous along with the flexibility to craft tones for any genre.
Meticulously Tested
Like all Warm Audio gear, the WA76-D is hand-tested and inspected by technicians passionate about building high-quality studio equipment. Housed in a durable 2U rackmount chassis, the WA76-D is a professional tool designed to hold up to the demands of recording and last for years. With its blend of vintage circuitry and modern features, the WA76-D lets you shape sounds the way the pros did while meeting the needs of today's studios.
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
- Vintage-Spec Attack & Release: Attack = 20 µS - 800 | Release: 50 mS - 1.1 Second
- Frequency Response: ±1dB 20Hz–20kHz
- Total Amplifier Gain: 53dB
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR): 92dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): -67dB (at -6dBu)
Features
- Class-A line-level output amplifier
- 100% discrete audio 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
- 1/4" stereo link & external sidechain access
- 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