Warm Audio WA76-D

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 Elliot, 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, TX USA.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 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 unit

• 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 Access

• 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): 86dB | 

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): -64dB (at -8dBu)