Dual-channel Incarnation of the Iconic “Blue Stripe” ’76 Compressor
The Warm Audio WA76-A2 nails the performance, behavior, and vintage analog sound of the renowned “Blue Stripe” ’76 — the A revision of the most famous solid-state limiting amplifier ever made. Like the revered classic, each channel of the Warm Audio WA76-A2 features a completely discrete signal path and the same controls. And yes — it replicates the original’s explosive performance when all the ratio buttons are pressed in. But the WA76-A2 is much more than a clone; its added recording features make it a versatile compressor/limiter for modern studio workflows. Warm Audio doesn’t cut corners on components, but they do order parts and build in quantity, which keeps costs down and delivers amazing value. The WA76-A2 is assembled with top-drawer components, including premium resistors and poly film capacitors, as well as custom original-spec, large-core CineMag USA input and output transformers. And like all Warm Audio gear, the WA76-A2 is rigorously inspected and hand tested by experienced technicians in Austin, Texas.
Fast, masterful dynamics control plus vintage analog character
Coveted for its lightning-fast dynamic control, the lauded ’76 is the undisputed king of FET compression. Today, original vintage units are ensconced in world-class studios across the globe. The first revision of this 1970s classic, in particular, was celebrated for its gritty preamp stage and punchy analog sonics. It’s this A revision that Warm Audio targeted for the design of the WA76-A2. All the original controls are onboard — along with additional features that address modern recording workflows. As such, the WA76-A delivers the ultimate combination of vintage circuitry and state-of-the-art controls to provide versatility without impinging on vintage analog character.
Additional controls for modern recording workflows
Things get particularly interesting with Warm Audio’s control additions. The WA76-A2 features selectable input impedance, dry/wet mix blending for parallel compression, active and true bypass, and a variable sidechain highpass filter that eliminates the influence of low frequencies below your dialed-in threshold on compression action. These extra controls are seamlessly integrated into a logically rearranged front-panel layout to accommodate the two-channel format while maintaining the elegant simplicity of the single-channel vintage units.
Features:
- Dual-channel vintage-voiced discrete FET compressor/limiter
- Re-creation of the iconic “Blue Stripe” A-Rev ’76 with added recording features
- 100% analog discrete audio circuit path
- 600Ω input impedance attenuator
- Selectable 10kΩ input impedance to match modern audio interface specs
- Class A line-level output amplifier
- Custom original-spec, large-core CineMag USA input and output transformers
- Premium ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, metal film resistors
- Supports the infamous all-buttons-in ratio setting
- Variable dry/wet blend control for easy parallel processing
- Balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs
- Variable sidechain highpass filter: 30–300Hz, 12dB/octave
- Active bypass for running unit as line amp
- True bypass for instant A/B comparisons
- Vintage-spec attack and release times
- Attack: 20–800μs
- Release: 50ms to 1s
- VU meter switchable for GR, +8 output, +4 output, and unit off
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (±1dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 86dB (A-Weighted)
- Total amplifier gain: 58dB
- Total harmonic distortion: -67dB (at -6dBu)
- 2U, 19-in. rackmount chassis
- Internal 100-230V universal power supply, IEC inlet
- Inspected and hand tested by experienced technicians in Austin, Texas
Specs:
- Type: FET Compressor
- Number of Channels: 2
- Controls: Attack, Release, Dry-Wet Mix, Ratio
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Inputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" TRS
- Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" TRS
- Rack Spaces: 2U
- Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 3.5"
- Width: 19"
