Warm Audio WA76, FET Compressor

Warm Audio WA76 FET Compressor (based on the Urei 1176 Rev. D)

SE Systems has added the Warm Audio line for our customers wanting tht Vintage sound at a resonable price. For more info or to order items not in stock please call 1-800-662-1312.

The WA76 Discrete Compressoris a modern reproduction of the Classic '76 Revision D. TheWA76 has afully discrete signal path anduses the originalReichenbach 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 cravedtheultra-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.

We have faithfully reproduced the circuitry of the revision D generally considered one of the best and most popular among the different versions made over the years. We’ve used all discrete through-holecomponents high quality CineMag input and output transformers and a class A circuit that stays true to the legacy design.

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.

• Utilizes premium grade input and output CineMag USA Transformers.
• True to the Classic '76 compressor in design and performance.
• Completely discrete signal path.
• Modeled after the D revision.
• Supports the famous "all buttons in" ratio setting.
• Ultra fast attack time.
• Class A line level output amplifier.
• Input impedance - 600 ohms bridges-T control (floating).
• Frequency Response ± 1 dB 20 Hz to 20kHz.
• XLR and TRS inputs. XLR and TRS outputs.
• 50db of gain.
• Less than 0.4% total harmonic distortion from 50 Hz to 20 kHz with limiting.
• Signal to noise ratio is greater than 74 dB at +25 dBm.
• EIN -104.1 dbm.
• Attack time 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds.
• Release time 50 milliseconds to 1 second.
• Meter provides dB gain reduction and dB output.
• Internal power supply external 24v AC power transformer.
• 19″ Rackmount chassis 2U.
• 1-year warranty.