Warm Audio WA76-A Discrete FET Compressor
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Description
The Warm Audio WA76-A is a single-channel discrete FET compressor that faithfully recreates the vintage "Blue Stripe" revision of the 1176 studio compressor, known for its extra-fast attack and vintage analog grit. Using CineMag USA O-12 input and 5002 output transformers built to original Reichenbach Engineering specs, poly film capacitors, and carbon resistors, the WA76-A delivers authentic Blue Stripe compression with added modern features including parallel compression, selectable input impedance, and variable sidechain filtering.
Modern Recording Features
Beyond the classic 1176 controls (input, output, attack, release, and ratio buttons at 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 plus the all-buttons-in trick), the WA76-A adds a Dry/Wet mix knob for parallel compression directly on the unit. Selectable input impedance (600 Ohm for vintage impedance-matched gear, 10k Ohm for modern interfaces) ensures proper gain staging with any signal chain. A variable sidechain high-pass filter (30 to 300 Hz, 12 dB/octave) prevents bass-heavy content from triggering excessive gain reduction. Setting the attack fully counterclockwise bypasses gain reduction while keeping the signal routed through the Class A line amplifier for transformer and circuit coloration.
Sidechain and Linking
External sidechain input and output jacks allow inserting an EQ for frequency-selective compression or de-essing, or connecting a key input for ducking. Two stereo link jacks allow chaining up to 10 WA76-A units for surround and immersive audio compression. Both active bypass (line amplifier mode) and true hard bypass are available from the front panel.
Specifications
- Type: Single-channel discrete FET compressor (1176 "Blue Stripe" style)
- Topology: 100% discrete analog, Class A output amplifier
- Transformers: CineMag USA O-12 (input), 5002 (output)
- Components: Poly film capacitors, carbon resistors, vintage-voiced preamp stage
- Ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1 (+ All-Buttons-In)
- Attack: 20 microseconds - 800 microseconds
- Release: 50 ms - 1.1 s
- Total gain: 58 dB
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 1 dB)
- SNR: 86 dB (A-weighted)
- Input impedance: Selectable 600 Ohm / 10k Ohm
- Dry/Wet mix: 0-100%
- Sidechain HPF: Variable 30 - 300 Hz (12 dB/octave)
- Bypass: Active (line amplifier mode) + True bypass
- Stereo link: 1/4" (linkable up to 10 units)
- External sidechain: 1/4" input and output
- VU meter: GR, +8 dB, +4 dB, Off
- Inputs: XLR, 1/4" TRS (balanced)
- Outputs: XLR, 1/4" TRS (balanced)
- Power: 100-230V universal, IEC
- Rack size: 2U, 19"
- Dimensions: 483 x 89 x 159 mm (19 x 3.5 x 6.3")
- Weight: 3.7 kg (8.2 lbs)
In the Box
- Warm Audio WA76-A
- IEC power cable