Warm Audio WA76-D Discrete FET Compressor
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Description
The Warm Audio WA76-D is a single-channel discrete FET compressor that faithfully recreates the "Revision D" 1176 studio compressor, the version known for its lower noise floor, cleaner gain staging, and versatile compression character. Using CineMag USA O-12 input and 5002 output transformers, ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, and metal film resistors with a revised preamp stage, the WA76-D delivers both transparent dynamics control and rich analog tone with added modern features for parallel compression and sidechain shaping.
Modern Recording Features
Beyond the standard 1176 controls (input, output, attack, release, and ratio buttons at 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 plus all-buttons-in), the WA76-D adds a Dry/Wet mix knob for parallel compression directly on the unit. Selectable input impedance (600 Ohm for classic impedance-matched setups, 10k Ohm for modern interfaces) ensures clean gain staging regardless of the source equipment. A variable sidechain high-pass filter (30 to 300 Hz, 12 dB/octave) prevents kick drum and bass guitar from dominating the compressor's response. Setting the attack fully counterclockwise bypasses gain reduction while keeping the signal routed through the Class A line amplifier for 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-D units for surround and immersive audio applications. Both active bypass and true hard bypass are available from the front panel.
Specifications
- Type: Single-channel discrete FET compressor (1176 "Rev D" style)
- Topology: 100% discrete analog, Class A output amplifier
- Transformers: CineMag USA O-12 (input), 5002 (output)
- Components: Ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, metal film resistors, revised 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: 53 dB
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 1 dB)
- SNR: 86 dB (A-weighted)
- THD: -64 dB (at -8 dBu)
- 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 (8.1 lbs)
In the Box
- Warm Audio WA76-D
- IEC power cable