Warm Audio WA-76-D Single Channel Clean Gain Discrete FET Compressor

The WA76-D accurately reproduces one of the fastest and most powerful studio compressors of all time known for its generous headroom, ultra-fast dynamic control, and rich analog tone. Using premium and custom components like O-12 (input) and 5002 (output) transformers from CineMag, WA76-D achieves authentic 76 rev D style compression, known for having a “low noise” preamp stage with unmistakably analog character. Added modern controls to achieve parallel compression, active & true-bypass, selectable input impedance, and sidechain flexibility make WA76-D an ideal choice for modern recording workflows that require vintage tone shaping. WA76-D recreates the legendary tone & control of the vintage 76-style compression used in studios by artists like Chris Lord-Alge, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Van Halen, Rick Rubin, Daft Punk, and many more.

Features

Classic Studio Compression With Rich Analog Tone: The WA76-D is a faithful recreation of the vintage 76 “Revision-D-Style” FET studio compressor with added features to meet modern recording workflows. Recreating the lauded “D-style” version of the 76 compressor known for its speed, lower noise, and rich analog tone, the WA76-D offers the ideal blend of vintage circuitry and modern controls to deliver ultimate flexibility without sacrificing vintage analog character.

Critical Classic Controls + Bonus Modern Add-Ons: WA76-D delivers vintage circuit design and all of the traditional 76-style compression controls; attack, release, ratio, input, output, and meter display. In addition to the classic controls expected on a 76-style compressor, WA76-D has added stereo linking, dry/wet mix for parallel compression, external sidechain, selectable input impedance, active & true-bypass, and a variable sidechain high-pass filter to tackle unruly bass that dominates the compressor’s attention.

Custom CineMag Transformers: Just like in the vintage 76-style compressors from revision “A” to D”, the WA76-D uses custom large-core, CineMag input & output transformers. The transformers inside the WA76-D use the exact same spec data and materials used by Reichenbach Engineering in the original vintage designs known for delivering rich analog tone to any signal chain.

Premium Components & Accurate D-style Circuitry: WA76-D uses premium ceramic & electrolytic capacitors, metal film resistors, and a revised preamp stage, improving the linear response of the FET. These key components complete a circuit that cuts no corners in delivering an authentic “cleaner, low noise” 76-style compression experience.

Hand-Tested In Austin, TX: Like all Warm Audio gear, WA76-D is meticulously hand-tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for making music in Austin.

Tech Specs

• 100% Analog Discrete FET Compressor
• Faithful Recreation Of The Vintage “Rev D” FET Compressor With Added Recording Features
• VU Meter Options: Gain Reduction | +8dB Output | +4dB Output | “Off” Powers off uni
• 100-230v IEC Inlet Universal Power Supply
• Class-A Line-Level Output Amplifier
• 100% Discrete Audio Signal Path Using 600Ω Input Impedance Attenuator
• Selectable 10kΩ Input Impedance To Better Match Modern Audio Interface

Specifications

• 100% Dry-Wet Mix Control
• Variable Sidechain High Pass Filter: 30 - 300Hz, 12dB/Octave
• ¼” Stereo Link & External Sidechain Acces
• 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
• Vintage-Spec Attack & Release: Attack = 20 µS - 800 | Release: 50 mS - 1.1 Second
• “All-Buttons-In” Setting For Experimental & Hard-Limiter Tones
• Frequency Response: ± 1 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Balanced XLR & TRS Inputs & Outputs
• Total Amplifier Gain: 53dB
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR): 92dB (a-weighted)
• Total Harmonic Distortion Ratio (THD+N): -67dB (at -6dBu)