Name: Warm Audio WA76-D Discrete FET Compressor/Limiter
Brand: Warm Audio
SKU: WA76-D
Price: 699.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Modern Incarnation of the Iconic D-Rev ’76 Compressor

The Warm Audio WA76-D nails the performance, behavior, and vintage analog sound of the most famous solid-state limiting amplifier ever made — the renowned “D” revision of the iconic ’76. Like the revered classic, the Warm Audio WA76-D features a completely discrete signal path and the same arrangement of controls. And yes — it replicates the original’s explosive performance when all the ratio buttons are pressed in. But the WA76-D 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-D 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-D 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, high headroom, and sumptuous analog tonality, the lauded ’76 is the undisputed king of FET compression. Today, original vintage units are ensconced in world-class studios across the globe. The last revision of this 1970s classic, in particular, was celebrated for its low-noise preamp stage and distinctively analog sonics. It’s this D revision that Warm Audio targeted for the design of the WA76-D. All the original controls are onboard — along with additional features that address modern recording workflows. As such, the WA76-D 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-D features selectable input impedance, an external sidechain, dry/wet mix blending for parallel compression, active and true bypass, stereo linking, 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 without disturbing the elegant simplicity of the vintage unit’s front panel layout.

Sidechain insert adds valuable flexibility

Every dynamics processor has a sidechain circuit that examines the signal and determines how much it will reduce gain — but not every unit provides access to its sidechain. In compressors without a separate sidechain input, your main input signal is, essentially, compressing itself. With compressors like the WA76-D, you can insert external processing on the sidechain — or introduce a different signal that determines the compression action on the main signal. It’s an incredibly useful feature that lets you, for instance, automatically duck a track to make space for another (very popular for that EDM mix pumping effect). Indeed, the WA76-D’s sidechain insert adds an impressive amount of flexibility to a legendary design.

Features:

Single-channel clean-gain discrete FET compressor/limiter
Re-creation of the iconic D-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
1/4-in. stereo link and external sidechain access
Active bypass for running unit as a 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: 92dB (A-Weighted)
Total amplifier gain: 53dB
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: Single Channel
Controls: Attack, Release, Dry-Wet Mix, Ratio
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS
Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS
Sidechain I/O: 2 x 1/4" TRS
Rack Spaces: 2U
Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
Height: 3.5"
Width: 19"

Warm Audio WA76-D Discrete FET Compressor/Limiter