Warm Audio WA76-A Single-Channel Vintage-Voiced Discrete FET Compressor

The Warm Audio WA76-A is an amazing vintage-inspired FET compressor. It recreates the world-famous Blue Stripe 1176 sound, loved by engineers and producers globally for its rapid attack, strong dynamic control, and warm analog saturation. Used in numerous legendary recordings by artists like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, David Bowie, and Jack White, this compressor combines vintage charm with modern features. With premium components such as CineMag transformers and a vintage-voiced preamp stage, it offers authentic 76-style compression with modern upgrades. Its all-analog, discrete design keeps that distinct analog character, making it great for stereo bus compression, vocal treatments, and controlling dynamics on electric guitars and drums. The additional controls like dry/wet mix, sidechain high-pass filter, and active bypass give you more choices, while the classic features let you precisely adjust attack, release, and ratio for various compression styles. Whether you're adding warmth to vocals, drums, guitars or processing your stereo bus, the WA76-A provides unmatched analog grit and dynamic control. It's a must - have for producers and engineers aiming to capture vintage analog magic with modern flexibility and precision. **Key Features** - 100% Analog Discrete FET Compressor: Preserves vintage sound with an all - analog signal path. - Faithful Recreation of the Blue Stripe 76: Based on the legendary compressor with fast attack and analog grit. - CineMag Transformers: Premium input and output transformers for a real analog feel. - Class - A Line - Level Output Amplifier: Ensures high - quality, warm - toned signal output. - Flexible Compression Controls: Attack, release, ratio (4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1), and all - buttons - in for hard - limited sound. - Stereo Link & External Sidechain Access: Ideal for stereo applications and external sidechain processing. - Modern Enhancements: Dry/wet mix for parallel compression, active bypass, and selectable input impedance for modern workflows. **Technical Specifications** - Compressor Type: 100% analog discrete FET compressor - Compression Ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1 (All - buttons - in for hard - limited sound) - VU Meter Options: Gain Reduction, +4 dB Output, +8 dB Output, Off - Impedance: 600Ω input impedance, selectable 10kΩ for modern audio interfaces - Input/Output Transformers: CineMag O - 12 (input), 5002 (output) - Class - A Output Amplifier: Yes - Sidechain High - Pass Filter: 30 to 300 Hz, 12 dB per octave - Dry/Wet Mix Control: Yes, for parallel compression - Attack Time: 20 µs to 800 µs - Release Time: 50 ms to 1.1 sec - Power Supply: 100 to 230V IEC inlet, universal power supply - Bypass: Active bypass for line amplifier, true bypass for A/B comparisons - Dimensions: 2 RU 19' rackmount chassis - Weight: 10 lbs - Inputs/Outputs: Balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs

Using the Warm Audio WA76-A is easy. First, connect it to your audio setup using the balanced XLR or TRS inputs and outputs. You can power it up with the 100 - 230V universal power supply. When using it, start by setting the compression ratio according to your needs. You have options like 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1. The all - buttons - in setting gives you a hard - limited sound. Adjust the attack and release times to control how quickly the compressor reacts to changes in the audio signal. For a more modern touch, use the dry/wet mix control for parallel compression. You can also use the sidechain high - pass filter to shape the sound further. When it comes to stereo applications, use the stereo link feature to connect multiple units. And don't forget to check the VU meter options to monitor the gain reduction or output levels. Here are some things to keep in mind. Make sure the power supply voltage matches your local requirements. When using the bypass feature, note that there's an active bypass for the line amplifier and a true bypass option for A/B comparisons. Avoid exposing the unit to extreme temperatures or humidity. For maintenance, keep the compressor clean by gently wiping it with a dry cloth. If you need to move it, handle it carefully to avoid any physical damage. Periodically check the connections to ensure they are secure. With proper use and care, your Warm Audio WA76-A will serve you well for a long time.