WA76-A2

Timeless Compression With A Vintage Voice

The WA76-A/A2 faithfully recreates one of the fastest and most powerful studio compressors of all time known for ultra-responsive dynamic control with true analog grit, now with additional modern recording features. Known for use on vocals, drums, guitar, bass, and anything in the studio requiring tight dynamics, the vintage “Blue Stripe” 76 compressors are known for their versatility, speed, and harmonic analog tonality added to recordings. Just like the originals, the WA76-A and A2 deliver that classic performance that can be heard on legendary recordings by artists like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Chris Stapleton, Chris Lord-Alge and many more.

True-to-Spec, Plus Bonus Modern Add-Ons

Using premium and custom components like built-to-vintage-spec O-12 (input) and 5002 (output) transformers from CineMag, WA76-A/A2 achieves authentic “Blue Stripe” compression, known for fast compression while adding more harmonic distortion for unmistakable analog character. Easily the most feature-rich 76-style compressor on the market, WA76-A/A2 has added a dry/wet knob for parallel compression, two versions of active bypass for imparting analog color, and selectable input impedance to work with modern recording interface outputs. The stereo model (WA76-A2) has multiple stereo operating modes that transform the compressor from a stereo unit, dual-mono unit, and lead:follow compressor with the A channel controlling the B channel.

Applications

Vocals – Vintage-Voiced Vocals:
Control any vocal with the fastest analog compression that won’t squash your tone and vibe.

Drums – Instant Rock N’ Roll Drums:
Smash drum busses and room mics. Instantly blend in parallel compression for the ultimate rock and punchy drum sound.

Guitars – Guitar Control With Grit:
Grab hold of dynamically diverse guitar parts and get both electrics and acoustics to sit just right in a dense mix with added analog color.

Mixing – Add Analog Vibe To Any Mix:
Apply vintage-voiced dynamic control without compromising analog tone.

Features:

• Dual-channel vintage-voiced discrete FET compressor/limiter
• Re-creation of the iconic “Blue Stripe” A-Rev ’76 with added recording features
• 100% analog discrete audio circuit path
• 600Ω input impedance attenuator
• Selectable 10kΩ input impedance to match modern audio interface specs
• Class A line-level output amplifier
• Custom original-spec, large-core CineMag USA input and output transformers
• Premium ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, metal film resistors
• Supports the infamous all-buttons-in ratio setting
• Variable dry/wet blend control for easy parallel processing
• Balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs
• Variable sidechain highpass filter: 30–300Hz, 12dB/octave
• Active bypass for running unit as line amp
• True bypass for instant A/B comparisons
• Vintage-spec attack and release times
• Attack: 20–800μs
• Release: 50ms to 1s
• VU meter switchable for GR, +8 output, +4 output, and unit off
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (±1dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 86dB (A-Weighted)
• Total amplifier gain: 58dB
• Total harmonic distortion: -67dB (at -6dBu)
• 2U, 19-in. rackmount chassis
• Internal 100-230V universal power supply, IEC inlet
• Inspected and hand tested by experienced technicians in Austin, Texas