The Warm Audio WA76-D Compressor is a single channel clean gain discrete FET compressor that is a faithful recreation one of the fastest and most powerful studio compressors of all time known for ultra-fast dynamic control with rich analog tone.
The Warm Audio WA76-D Compressor accurately reproduces one of the fastest and most powerful studio compressors of all time known for its generous headroom, ultra-fast dynamic control, and rich analog tone. Using premium and custom components like O-12 (input) and 5002 (output) transformers from CineMag, WA76-D achieves authentic 76 rev D style compression, known for having a “low noise” preamp stage with unmistakably analog character. Added modern controls to achieve parallel compression, active & true-bypass, selectable input impedance, and sidechain flexibility make WA76-D an ideal choice for modern recording workflows that require vintage tone shaping. WA76-D recreates the legendary tone & control of the vintage 76-style compression used in studios by artists like Chris Lord-Alge, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Van Halen, Rick Rubin, Daft Punk, and many more.
Classic Studio Compression With Rich Analog Tone
The WA76-D is a faithful recreation of the vintage 76 “Revision-D-Style” FET studio compressor with added features to meet modern recording workflows. Recreating the lauded “D-style” version of the 76 compressor known for its speed, lower noise, and rich analog tone, the WA76-D offers the ideal blend of vintage circuitry and modern controls to deliver ultimate flexibility without sacrificing vintage analog character.
Critical Classic Controls + Bonus Modern Add-Ons
WA76-D delivers vintage circuit design and all of the traditional 76-style compression controls; attack, release, ratio, input, output, and meter display. In addition to the classic controls expected on a 76-style compressor, WA76-D has added stereo linking, dry/wet mix for parallel compression, external sidechain, selectable input impedance, active & true-bypass, and a variable sidechain high-pass filter to tackle unruly bass that dominates the compressor’s attention.
Custom CineMag Transformers
Just like in the vintage 76-style compressors from revision “A” to D”, the WA76-D uses custom large-core, CineMag input & output transformers. The transformers inside the WA76-D use the exact same spec data and materials used by Reichenbach Engineering in the original vintage designs known for delivering rich analog tone to any signal chain.
Premium Components & Accurate D-style Circuitry
WA76-D uses premium ceramic & electrolytic capacitors, metal film resistors, and a revised preamp stage, improving the linear response of the FET. These key components complete a circuit that cuts no corners in delivering an authentic “cleaner, low noise” 76-style compression experience.
Hand-Tested In Austin, TX
Like all Warm Audio gear, WA76-D is meticulously hand-tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for making music in Austin, TX USA.
Warm Audio WA76-D Compressor Features
- 100% Analog Discrete FET Compressor
- Faithful Recreation Of The Vintage “Rev D” FET Compressor With Added Recording Features
- VU Meter Options: Gain Reduction | +8dB Output | +4dB Output | “Off” Powers off unit
- 100-230v IEC Inlet Universal Power Supply
- Class-A Line-Level Output Amplifier
- 100% Discrete Audio Signal Path Using 600Ω Input Impedance Attenuator
- Selectable 10kΩ Input Impedance To Better Match Modern Audio Interface Specifications
- 100% Dry-Wet Mix Control
- Variable Sidechain High Pass Filter: 30 - 300Hz, 12dB/Octave
- ¼” Stereo Link & External Sidechain Access
- Active Bypass For Running Unit As Line Amplifier & True Bypass Option For A/B Comparisons
- 2U 19″ Rackmount Chassis
- Utilizes Premium O-12 Input & 5002 Output Transformers From CineMag USA
- Vintage-Spec Attack & Release: Attack = 20 µS - 800 | Release: 50 mS - 1.1 Second
- “All-Buttons-In” Setting For Experimental & Hard-Limiter Tones
- Frequency Response: ± 1 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Balanced XLR & TRS Inputs & Outputs
- Total Amplifier Gain: 53dB
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR): 92dB (a-weighted)
- Total Harmonic Distortion Ratio (THD+N): -67dB (at -6dBu)
Warm Audio WA76-D Compressor Uses
- Add Polish & Dynamic Control To Vocals
- Perfect Drum Room/Overhead Mic Compression
- Tight Acoustic Guitar Rhythms For Dense Track Counts
- Dynamic Control For Heavy Electric Guitars
Warm Audio WA76-D Compressor Includes
- Warm Audio WA76-D Compressor
- Power Cable
- Manufacturer Warranty
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Wa76
Oct 23rd 2025These rock! An excellent way to get some 76 style compression for a fraction of the cost. I've been very pleased with mine over the years. Built well and sounds fantastic!
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Amazingly Versatile Compressor
Oct 1st 2025This thing can go from easy-going peak reduction to full blown smash-your-face compression. I’ve found it adds a three dimensional quality to acoustic guitars. On snare and kick it adds punch and brings these up front in a mix with ease. On vocals, it’s super easy to dial in the settings needed to help them “sit” in the mix. What really sets the WA76-D apart is the side chain LPF and mix functionality. You can run your source into it and basically do the mixing with the compressor, instead of having to later blend wet and dry tracks. The transformers and circuitry add subtle warmth and character and dimensionality to all the sources I’ve thrown at it. If you are recording mainly “in the box”, this comp will easily help you avoid your mixes from sounding sterile.
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