The WA76-A is a single-channel FET compressor. It is a reincarnation of one of the most underused compressors of all time – the FET compressor type 1176 – 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-A is ideal for vocals, acoustic and lead guitars, drum rooms and instrument sections.

• Single-channel FET compressor type 1176
• 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
• External Side Chain / Insert
• Link - stereo connection
• Custom CineMag transformers
• Vintage VU meter

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

• 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 working with the outputs of modern recording interfaces and direct connection of a high-impedance instrument - guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, ….
• External sidechain Ext SC allows compression control by an external signal.
• Link offers connection of two compressors for stereo signal processing. Side Chain can also be used as Insert.
• 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 frequency of the Side Chain filter in the range of 30-300 Hz.

Active/True bypass

• Allows you to use all the possibilities of the compressor and the connection, which 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 saturation of the signal.
• True Bypass bypasses the entire device, thus completely removing it from the signal chain.
• All of these added features make the WA76-A the clear choice for both modern and vintage recording and post-production workflows.

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

Custom CineMag Transformers
The WA76-A utilizes large-core transformers that were custom-engineered by CineMag USA to match the originals in vintage 76-type 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 a harmonically rich analog color.

Carefully hand-tested in Austin, Texas, USA
Like all Warm Audio products, the WA76-A 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
• Faithful reconstruction of the Blue Stripe series
• Premium 0-12 (input) and 5002 (output) transformers 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” function for extremely hard limiting
• VU meter options: Gain Reduction, +8 dB output, +4 dB output
• “Off” button turns the 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 instruments and instruments
• Class A line level amplifier
• Active Bypass / True Bypass
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 1 dB)
• Balanced input and output: on XLR and TRS 6.3 mm (large jack)
• Link and SideChain connection: TS 6.3 mm (large jack)
• Total amplifier gain: 53 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 86 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): -64 dB (at -8 dBu)
• Power supply: internal universal power supply 100–230 V
• IEC (euro) connector
• Rack dimensions: 19", 2U