Warm Audio have announced the launch of a new range of outboard compressors that have been designed to deliver the sound of two sought-after versions of the iconic 1176. The line-up includes recreations of the famous ‘Rev D’ and ‘Blue Stripe’ processors, both of which are available in single- and dual-channel versions, and come equipped with some handy additional controls.
WA76-D & WA76-D2
The WA76-D and WA76-D2 both boast a true-to-original circuit design that delivers the speed and low noise associated with the popular ‘Rev D’ version of the 1176. Both employ custom large-core CineMag USA input and output transformers that have been built using the same materials and specifications outlined by Reichenbach Engineering for the original vintage designs. They also feature premium ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, metal-film resistors and a revised preamp stage, an approach that Warm Audio say cuts no corners and delivers an authentic, cleaner, low-noise 76-style compression experience.
WA76-A & WA76-A2
The second pair of compressors, the WA76-A and WA76-A2 in the new series set their sights on the famous ‘Blue Stripe’ 1176, a model renowned for its ‘grabby’ fast attack and ‘’gritty’ sound character. Once again, the company have opted for custom CineMag transformers and worked to the original material and design specifications, with the circuitry boasting poly-film capacitors, premium resistors and a vintage-voiced preamp stage.
Modern Extras
As you’d expect, all four of the new units feature all of the controls found on the original units: input and output levels, attack, release and ratio parameters are all present, along with a meter display. Rather than sticking to an exact recreation, though, Warm Audio have taken the opportunity to introduce some new features that were not present in the original designs. As such, each of the WA76 Series devices include stereo linking, a blend control for instant parallel compression, an external side-chain, selectable input impedance, multiple active bypass options in addition to true bypass and a variable side-chain high-pass filter.
“At the 10-year anniversary of our wildly successful WA76 FET compressor, we’re excited to update our lineup and introduce an all-new series of WA76 compressors built with the specific circuits of these iconic originals and also give you the most features of any compressor on the market. With the Warm Formula, we knew we could accurately dial in the low-noise & high headroom of the classic ‘Rev D’ and the analog grit of the ‘Blue Stripe’, but we wanted to go further and give producers and engineers compressors that were loaded with additional recording features and controls.” - Bryce Young, founder and President, Warm Audio
Pricing & Availability
The WA76 Series units are all available now, with pricing as follows:
- WA76-D: $699£629 including VAT / €749
- WA76-A: $699£629 including VAT / €749
- WA76-D2: $1199£1159 including VAT / €1299
- WA76-A2: $1199£1159 including VAT / €1299
