Warm Audio WA76 Discrete FET Compressor

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Classic Style Compression

The WA76 Discrete Compressor is a modern reproduction of the Classic '76 Revision D. The WA76 has a fully discrete signal path and uses the original Reichenbach Engineering's (now CineMag) transformer design. The classic '76 was a major breakthrough in limiter technology, and used on hundreds of hit records since its inception. Engineers have craved the ultra-fast attack time and trademark sound of the '76 for decades, and now it is finally affordable!

Our goal was to make a compressor of this pedigree affordable for the first time, without compromising the quality and design parameters that make this type of compressor so desirable.

"All Buttons In"

The WA76 can reproduce the classic effect known as "All Buttons In" mode, sometimes also referred to as "British Mode" or the "Four Button Trick". Originally an accident due to the mechanical nature of the interconnected latching switches, this mode is reproduced by pushing in all four ratio buttons simultaneously and getting them to latch. This can take a bit of practice. The resulting compression curve is aggressive and unmistakably unique, and can be heard on the drum tracks of many classic recordings.

All-buttons-in compression is typically characterized by having a very aggressive compression ratio, attack and release curves that are more drastic plateaus opposed to gentler slopes, and more audible distortion or "overdrive" on the signal. Initial transients are more likely to come through loudly, followed by heavy compression curve sometimes described as having a "sucking" effect as the compressor releases. Because this mode is considered a design accident, faithfully maintained; it is normal for the meter function to "peg out" and cease providing accurate metering.

WA76 Features

• Class A line-level output amplifier
• Inspired by the sought-after D revision of the iconic solid-state limiting amplifier
• Completely discrete signal path
• Utilizes US-made Cinemag input and output transformers
• Supports the famous all-buttons-in ratio setting
• Ultra-fast attack time; 55db of gain
• Input impedance is 600 ohms, bridges-T control (floating)
• 20Hz to 20kHz (+/-1dB) frequency response
• XLR and TRS inputs and outputs
• Less than 0.4% total harmonic distortion from 50Hz to 20kHz with limiting
• Signal to noise ratio is greater than 74dB at +25dBm
• Equivalent input noise (EIN) is -104.1dBm
• Attack time is 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
• Release time is 50 milliseconds to 1 second
• Meter provides dB gain reduction and dB output
• Internal power supply and an external 24-volt AC power transformer (included)
• 2U, 19" rackmount chassis
• 1-year warranty

Model:	WA76
Manufacturer:	Warm Audio