Warm Audio WA76-A FET Studio Compressor
The WA76-A is a faithful reproduction of the legendary vintage “Blue Stripe” 76 FET studio compressor, celebrated for its exceptionally fast attack time and its distinctive analog grit.
Just like the original Revision A–D 76 compressors, the WA76-A features custom large-core input and output transformers by CineMag USA, built to the exact specifications and materials once used by Reichenbach Engineering, the company behind the transformers that helped define the iconic sound of the vintage originals.
Additionally, the unit employs high-quality polyfilm capacitors, carbon resistors, and a vintage-style preamp stage. These carefully selected components ensure that the WA76-A authentically captures the tonal character and dynamic behavior of the classic “Blue Stripe” compressor.
Features
100% analog discrete FET compressor
Faithful recreation of the vintage “Blue Stripe” FET compressor with added modern recording features
VU meter modes: Gain Reduction | +8 dB Output | +4 dB Output | “Off” (powers down the unit)
Universal power supply (100–230V IEC input)
Class-A line-level output amplifier
Fully discrete audio path with 600 Ohm input impedance
Selectable 10 kΩ input impedance for better compatibility with modern audio interfaces
100% dry/wet mix control
Variable sidechain high-pass filter: 30 – 300 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Stereo link and external sidechain input
Active bypass for use as a line amplifier and true bypass for A/B comparison
Premium CineMag USA O-12 input and 5002 output transformers
Vintage-spec attack and release:
Attack: 20 µs – 800 µs
Release: 50 ms – 1.1 seconds
“All-Buttons-In” mode for experimental and hard-limiting tones
Frequency response: ±1 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Balanced XLR and TRS inputs/outputs
Overall amplifier gain: 58 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 84 dB
Total harmonic distortion (THD): -58 dB (@ -18 dBu)
2U 19" rackmount chassis
Dimensions: 483 × 90 × 159 mm
Weight: 3.7 kg