The WA76-A2 is a two-channel FET compressor. It is a reincarnation of one of the most underused compressors of all time – the 1176 FET compressor – from the Blue Stripe series. It was characterized by harmonic enrichment of the sound and a juicy full analog sound – all thanks to premium components and input and output transformers. The control parameters are standard from a user perspective. The WA76-A2 is ideal for acoustic and backing guitars, keyboards, drum rooms and instrument sections.

• 1176-type dual-channel FET compressor
• Reincarnation of the Blue Stripe series
• Compressor type In / Out
• Four compression ratios
• All Buttons function
• Dry/Wet for parallel compression
• High-Pass filter in Side Chain
• Three channel linking modes
• Custom CineMag transformers
• Vintage VU meters

The best-equipped compressor on the market
WA76-A2 – the standard functions of the ’76 compressor have been supplemented with modern controls that significantly expand the compressor’s already legendary versatility and usefulness.

• The Mix potentiometer provides parallel compression for precise adjustment of the ratio of the dynamically processed WET signal to the unprocessed signal from the DRY input.
• Two bypass versions allow the compressor to be used only as a transformer saturator, a full compressor, or bypass it completely.
• Selectable input impedance allows work with the outputs of modern recording interfaces and direct connection of a high-impedance instrument – guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, ….
• SC HPF is a high-pass filter that you can insert into the path of the control signal, thus cutting off the lowest frequencies. This is especially suitable for processing bass instruments such as bass drum, bass, tuba, room drums and others. This will get rid of the unpleasant "breathing" and the sound will be much more dynamic. You can set the Side Chain filter frequency in the range of 30-300 Hz.
• Stereo - The WA76-A2 model has three stereo modes, which change the connection of both channels with the Stereo switch:
• Stereo - stereo compressor
• A|B - two independent dual mono units
• A>AB - two connected units, where only channel A is the controller

Active/True bypass

• Allows you to use all the possibilities of the compressor and connections that could not be achieved with the original or any of its copies.
• Active bypass only disables the compressor, but the signal still passes through the transformers. This allows you to achieve a pleasant analog signal saturation.
• True Bypass bypasses the entire device, thus completely removing it from the signal chain.
• All of these added features make the WA76-A2 the clear choice for both modern and vintage recording and post-production workflows.

Premium Components and Precision
The exact replica of the Blue Stripe WA76-A circuitry uses premium ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, metal film resistors, and a redesigned preamp stage that enhances the FET compressor response. These key components complete a circuit that is second to none and delivers an authentic sound – a harmonically rich, full sound in the style of 76 compression.

Custom CineMag Transformers
The WA76-A2 utilizes large core transformers that were custom-developed by CineMag USA, based on the originals in vintage 76 compressors revisions A through D. They use the exact same specification data and materials that Reichenbach Engineering used in the original transformers. This results in an accurate vintage character with rich analog color.

Carefully hand-tested in Austin, Texas, USA
Like all Warm Audio products, the WA76-A2 is carefully hand-tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for music creation at the brand's Austin, Texas, USA facility.

Features:

• 100% Analog Discrete FET Compressor
• Dual Channel Version
• Faithful Reconstruction of the Blue Stripe Series
• Premium Transformers 0-12 (Input) and 5002 (Output) from CineMag USA
• Compressor with Standard and Added Features
• Attack = 20–800 μs
• Release: 50 ms – 1.1 seconds
• Ratio (Compression Ratios): 4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 16:1
• “AII Buttons” for Extreme Hard Limiting
• VU Meter Options: Gain Reduction, Output +8 dB, Output +4 dB
• “Off” Button Turns Unit Off (True Bypass)
• Wet/Dry Control for Parallel Compression
• Variable Filter for Side Chain: Type: High-Pass, Slope: 12 dB/Octave, Frequency: 30–300 Hz
• 100% Discrete Audio Signal Path
• Selectable Input impedance: 600 Ohm – for instruments, 10 kOhm – for both instruments and instruments
• Class A line level amplifier
• Active Bypass / True Bypass
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 1 dB)
• Balanced inputs and outputs: on XLR and TRS 6.3 mm (large jack)
• Total amplifier gain: 53 dB (channel)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 86 dB (channel)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): -64 dB (at -8 dBu) (channel)
• Power supply: internal universal power supply 100–230 V
• IEC (euro) connector
• Rack dimensions: 19", 2U