Warm Audio WA76-D Single-Channel Discrete FET Compressor

Fast, clean and unmistakably 1176: the Warm Audio WA76-D recreates the Revision-D FET compressor/limiter that engineers reach for on vocals, drums and bass, and adds the modern conveniences the original never had. A 100% discrete analog signal path with CineMag O-12 input and 5002 output transformers delivers the low noise, quick attack and rich tone the Rev-D is known for.

The additions are the point. A wet/dry mix control brings parallel compression inside the box, an external side-chain input lets you key the compressor from another source, and a variable side-chain high-pass filter from 30 to 300 Hz keeps kick drums and bass from pumping the whole mix. Stereo linking pairs two units for bus duty, and selectable active or true bypass means the WA76-D can double as a line amplifier or drop out of the chain entirely for honest A/B comparisons.

Ratios of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 20:1 are on the classic push buttons, with the all-buttons-in trick available for hard-limited aggression. The analog VU meter reads gain reduction or +4/+8 dB output, and a universal 100-230V IEC power supply makes the 2U unit road-ready anywhere. Each WA76-D is hand tested in Austin, Texas.

Features

• Faithful recreation of the 1176 Revision-D FET compressor/limiter
• 100% discrete analog signal path with CineMag O-12 input and 5002 output transformers
• Wet/dry mix control for parallel compression
• External side-chain access
• Variable side-chain high-pass filter, 30-300 Hz at 12 dB per octave
• Stereo linking for two-unit operation
• Selectable active or true bypass
• Adjustable analog VU meter: gain reduction, +8 dB, +4 dB or off
• 600 ohm input with selectable 10 kilohm option for modern interfaces

Technical Specifications

• Type: single-channel analog FET compressor/limiter
• Ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1 (all buttons in for hard limiting)
• Attack time: 20 to 800 microseconds
• Release time: 50 ms to 1.1 s
• Side-chain HPF: 30-300 Hz, 12 dB/octave
• Input impedance: 600 ohms, selectable 10 kilohms
• I/O: balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs
• Metering: analog VU, GR / +8 / +4 / off
• Power: 100-230V IEC, universal supply
• Form factor: 2U 19" rackmount
• Weight: 10 lb

What's Included

• Warm Audio WA76-D compressor
• IEC power cable
• Manual