Warm Audio WA76 Discrete FET Studio Compressor

Be the first to review!

Warm Audio WA76 Discrete FET Studio Compressor

Brand New

Description & Specs

The WA76 Discrete Compressor is a modern reproduction of the Classic '76 Revision D. The WA76 has a fully discrete signal path and uses the original Reichenbach Engineering's (now CineMag) transformer design. The classic '76 was a major breakthrough in limiter technology, and used on hundreds of hit records since its inception. Engineers have craved the ultra-fast attack time and trademark sound of the '76 for decades, and now it is finally affordable!

Our goal was to make a compressor of this pedigree affordable for the first time, without compromising the quality and design parameters that make this type of compressor so desirable. 

The WA76 can reproduce the classic effect known as ‘All Buttons In’ mode, sometimes also referred to as ‘British Mode’ or the ‘Four Button Trick’. Originally an accident due to the mechanical nature of the interconnected latching switches, this mode is reproduced by pushing in all four ratio buttons simultaneously and getting them to latch. This can take a bit of practice. The resulting compression curve is aggressive and unmistakably unique, and can be heard on the drum tracks of many classic recordings.

All-buttons-in compression is typically characterized by having a very aggressive compression ratio, attack and release curves that are more drastic plateaus opposed to gentler slopes, and more audible distortion or ‘overdrive’ on the signal. Initial transients are more likely to come through loudly, followed by heavy compression curve sometimes described as having a ‘sucking’ effect as the compressor releases. Because this mode is considered a design accident, faithfully maintained; it is normal for the meter function to ‘peg out’ and cease providing accurate metering.

We have faithfully reproduced the circuitry of the revision D, generally considered one of the best and most popular among the different versions made over the years. We’ve used all discrete, through-hole components, high quality CineMag input and output transformers, and a class A circuit that stays true to the legacy design.

  • UTILIZES PREMIUM GRADE INPUT AND OUTPUT CINEMAG USA TRANSFORMERS.
  • TRUE TO THE CLASSIC '76 COMPRESSOR IN DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE.
  • COMPLETELY DISCRETE SIGNAL PATH.
  • MODELED AFTER THE D REVISION.
  • SUPPORTS THE FAMOUS "ALL BUTTONS IN" RATIO SETTING.
  • ULTRA FAST ATTACK TIME.
  • CLASS A LINE LEVEL OUTPUT AMPLIFIER.
  • INPUT IMPEDANCE - 600 OHMS, BRIDGES-T CONTROL (FLOATING).
  • FREQUENCY RESPONSE ± 1 DB 20 HZ TO 20KHZ.
  • XLR AND TRS INPUTS. XLR AND TRS OUTPUTS.
  • 50DB OF GAIN.
  • LESS THAN 0.4% TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION FROM 50 HZ TO 20 KHZ WITH LIMITING.
  • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO IS GREATER THAN 74 DB AT +25 DBM.
  • EIN -104.1 DBM.
  • ATTACK TIME, 20 MICROSECONDS TO 800 MICROSECONDS.
  • RELEASE TIME, 50 MILLISECONDS TO 1 SECOND.
  • METER PROVIDES DB GAIN REDUCTION AND DB OUTPUT.
  • SWITCHABLE 115/230 VOLT IEC POWER INLET.
  • 19″ RACKMOUNT CHASSIS, 2U.

You read that right! Any orders over $75 ship for free!*

The CME Difference:  CME's mission is to make sure your shipment will arrive quickly, carefully, and correctly. We realize that the online ordering of guitars and instruments, in general, can be a nerve-racking experience. We are here to put your mind at ease and make your transaction smooth and enjoyable! As musicians ourselves, we want to make sure everything gets to you the way it should, every time.

Most orders ship the same or next day:  
We greatly appreciate your patience, and are working hard to fulfill all requests as quickly as possible, while practicing recommended safety guidelines.

Our Bottom line: We care! This is something we take very seriously, because it's what you deserve. Our shipping, sales, and customer service teams are always striving to create the best experience for you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, we want to know.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to support@chicagomusicexchange.com, or call us directly at 773-525-7773.

*Special exceptions do apply.

STORE HOURS (CST)

APPOINTMENT ONLY Mon

day-Tuesday
12PM-7PM Wednesday-Friday

10AM-7PM Saturday

10AM-5PM Sunday

Before & After Hours: Try us! 
If we are not available, our commitment is to get back to you no later than the next day.


US & International: +1 (773) 525-7773


Fax: 773-525-2775



LOCATION 

3316 N Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60657


We're right off the CTA Brown Line 'Paulina' Stop Just North of Belmont and just West of Ashland.

We’re all musicians here at Chicago Music Exchange and we want you to love the gear you get from us. We understand that sometimes you get a piece of gear that doesn’t work out for you. That’s why we offer an easy return policy to take the stress out of purchasing from us.

If you decide you'd like to return an item, please contact your Sales Rep, chat us, or give us a call.

If you placed your order on Amazon or eBay, we advise issuing the return request from your account on the platform of purchase - our Customer Service team will process a refund upon receipt of the item(s).

Most new items may be returned within 30 days of delivery and most vintage & used items may be returned within 3 days of delivery for a full refund, exchange, or store credit. Please pack the product safely for the journey back to us. If the product was shipped for free, the charge will be deducted from refund, unless the reason for the return is outside normal circumstances.

Please contact us as soon as possible if your order was received incorrectly, damaged, or defective. Most times we will give you an RA number (Return Authorization). Why is that number important? This will allow us to speed up the process of the return.

We reserve the right to charge a restocking fee based on the return condition. Some items we just can’t take back for returns, due to a one time function like strings or drums heads and other times it’s not sanitary to do so with microphones or harmonicas. If you aren’t sure if what you bought falls into a category like this, call us (773) 525-7773!

We strive to get your return processed quickly. Most of the time we have it done within two business days. Funds going back to credit cards usually takes two to four business days. CME strives to make sure all customers are happy with their experience. It is our priority to provide great service along with great gear. We always want to be helpful, and open to your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts! If you have any questions, we’re here for you!

Feel free to email us at customerservice@chicagomusicexchange.com or give us a call at (773) 525-7773.