WARM AUDIO / WA76-D Discrete FET Compressor

WARM AUDIO/WA76-D faithfully reproduces the fastest and most powerful studio compressor known for its ultra-fast dynamic control and rich analog tone. Add parallel compression, active and true bypass, selectable input impedance, and sidechain flexibility to perfectly blend vintage analog character with modern workflows.

■Single channel clean gain discrete FET compressor
The WA76-D faithfully recreates the fastest and most powerful studio compressor known for its generous headroom, ultra-fast dynamic control, and rich analog tone. It uses premium components such as CineMag O-12 (input) and 5002 (output) transformers for 76 Rev-D style compression. Added modern controls (parallel compression, active & true bypass, selectable input impedance, sidechain flexibility) make it ideal for modern recording workflows requiring vintage tone shaping. Recreate the legendary tones and controls used by Chris Lord-Alge, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Van Halen, Rick Rubin, Daft Punk, and more.

[Features]
■Classic studio compression and rich analog tone
The WA76-D is a faithful reproduction of the vintage 76 ""Revision-D style"" FET studio compressor, with additional features for modern recording workflows. The acclaimed ""D-style"" 76 compressor is known for its speed, low noise, and rich analog tone, and the WA76-D offers the ideal balance of vintage circuitry and modern controls. This provides ultimate flexibility without sacrificing vintage analog character.

■Key classic controls + bonus modern additions
The WA76-D offers vintage circuit design and 76-style compression controls (attack, release, ratio, input, output, and meter display). Additionally, we add stereo link, dry/wet mix (parallel compression), external sidechain, selectable input impedance, active & true bypass, and variable sidechain high-pass filter to control choppy bass that dominates the compressor's attention.

■Custom CineMag Transformer
Similar to vintage 76-style compressors (Revision ""A""?D), the WA76-D uses custom high-capacity CineMag input and output transformers. The transformers within the WA76-D use the same spec data and materials as the original vintage design by Reichenbach Engineering, delivering rich analog tone to your signal chain.

■Premium components and precise D-style circuitry
The WA76-D uses premium ceramic & electrolytic capacitors, metal film resistors, and an improved preamp stage to improve the FET's linear response. These key components complete the circuit without compromise to provide a ""clean, low-noise"" 76-style compression experience.

■Manual testing in Austin, Texas
Like all Warm Audio products, the WA76-D is painstakingly hand tested and inspected by Austin, Texas, USA-trained technicians with a passion for music.

【specification】
■100% analog discrete FET compressor
■Faithful reproduction of vintage “Rev-D” FET compressor and addition of recording function
■VU meter options: Gain reduction | +8dB output | +4dB output | “Off” (unit power off)
■100-230V IEC input universal power supply
■Class A line level output amplifier
■100% discrete audio signal path with 600Ω input impedance attenuator
■10kΩ input impedance can be selected to suit modern audio interface specifications.
■100% dry/wet mix control
■Variable side chain high pass filter: 30 - 300Hz, 12dB/octave
1/4” stereo link & external sidechain access
■Active bypass (used as line amplifier) ​​and true bypass option (for A/B comparison)
■2U 19 inch rack mount chassis
■CineMag USA made premium O-12 input and 5002 output transformer used
■Vintage spec attack & release: Attack = 20 μS - 800 | Release: 50 mS - 1.1 seconds
■ “All Buttons In” settings (experimental and hard limiter sounds)
■Frequency characteristics: ±1 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
■Balanced XLR and TRS inputs & outputs
■Total amplifier gain: 53dB
■Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 86dB
■Total distortion rate (THD): -64dB (at -8dBu)
■Size: 483 x 90 x 159 mm
■Weight: 3.65kg

[Example of use]
■Add polish and dynamic control to vocals
■Ideal for drum room/overhead mic compression
■Perfect for acoustic guitar rhythms with a dense number of tracks
■Dynamic control of heavy electric guitar

[Artists, producers, and engineers using original style compression]
Missy Elliot
Daft Punk
Timbaland
Rick Rubin
Chris Lord-Alge

Q. If I use WA76-A/D in a daisy chain connection, how do I connect it?
A. Connect the first LINK 1 and the second LINK 1 with a TS phone cable. LINK 2 is a through terminal used to link side chains of multiple units.

Q. Can the side chain of WA76-D2/A2 be operated by an external signal?
A.No. The 2ch model does not have side chain input/output terminals.

Stereo mode: Compares each channel and operates with the faster attack time of the channel and the slower release time of the channel. The INPUT gain and OUTPUT gain knobs are not linked.

A>B mode: chB also operates with the attack/release time of chA. The INPUT gain and OUTPUT gain knobs are not linked.

AIB mode: works individually (no link)

Q. WA76-D2/A2 only has one RATIO, but can it be set for each channel individually?
A.No. This will be a common control.

Q. Please tell me the difference between the bypass modes.
A.
Turn on the BYPASS switch
→The signal does not pass through the circuit (true bypass), so A/B comparison can be done with a single switch.

Set the ATTACK knob to the OFF position and the WET/DRY knob to WET 100%.
→The signal passes through gain controls and transformers on both the input and output. No compression is applied. Two variable gain stages add analog color without compression.

Set the ATTACK knob to the OFF position and the WET/DRY knob to DRY100%.
→The signal passes through the input gain and transformer only. No compression is applied. Pass the signal through the input gain stage only and add analog color without compression.