Warm Audio WA76-A2 Dual-Channel Vintage-Voiced Discrete FET Compressor

The WARM Audio WA76-A2 is a dual-channel FET compressor that faithfully recreates the legendary Blue Stripe 1176 sound, revered by engineers and producers for its fast attack, powerful dynamic control, and warm analog grit. With a legacy of use by iconic artists like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, David Bowie, and Jack White, the WA76-A2 delivers the classic 76-style compression while adding modern features to fit today’s recording workflows.

Built with premium components, including CineMag transformers and a vintage-voiced preamp stage, the WA76-A2 provides true analog character, ensuring that your sound remains rich and dynamic. The unit features three two-channel operating modes, external side-chain access, a dry/wet mix control for parallel compression, and selectable input impedance, giving you unprecedented flexibility for both vintage and contemporary productions. Whether you’re using it for stereo bus compression, dynamic control on vocals, or adding analog warmth to your drum tracks, the WA76-A2 brings that signature analog grit and vintage tone to your recordings.

The WARM Audio WA76-A2 combines vintage Blue Stripe-style FET compression with modern features to meet the needs of today's recording professionals. Whether you're adding warmth to vocals, drums, guitars, or processing your stereo bus, the WA76-A2 delivers unmatched analog grit and dynamic control, making it the ideal tool for producers and engineers seeking to capture that timeless vintage tone with ultimate flexibility.

Key Features

• 100% Analog Discrete FET Compressor: All-analog, discrete signal path ensures vintage 76-style compression with modern versatility.
• Faithful Recreation of the Blue Stripe 1176: Designed to deliver the fast attack, analog warmth, and dynamic control of the classic Blue Stripe version of the 76 compressor.
• CineMag Transformers: Premium O-12 input and 5002 output transformers deliver vintage analog grit, mimicking the original 76 circuit designs.
• Class-A Line-Level Output Amplifiers: Provides optimal signal integrity and warmth.
• Three Two-Channel Operating Modes: Choose from Stereo Linked, Primary-Secondary, or Dual-Mono modes to suit your specific recording setup.
• External Sidechain Access: Tackle unwanted low-end rumble with a variable side-chain high-pass filter (30 to 300 Hz, 12 dB per octave).
• Dry/Wet Mix Control: Achieve parallel compression by blending your original (dry) signal with the compressed (wet) tone for flexible dynamic control.
• Vintage-Spec Attack and Release: Fast attack (20 µs) and release times (50 ms to 1.1 sec) for precision dynamic control.
• All-Buttons-In Setting: Push all the buttons at once for an overdriven, hard-limited sound—perfect for creative and experimental applications.
• Active Bypass: Run the unit as a line amplifier or use the true bypass for A/B comparisons.

Technical Specifications

Compressor Type: Dual-channel, 100% analog discrete FET compressor
Operating Modes: Stereo Linked | Primary-Secondary | Dual-Mono
Compression Ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1 (All-buttons-in for hard-limited tone)
VU Meter Options: Gain Reduction | +8 dB Output | +4 dB Output | Off
Impedance: 600Ω input impedance, selectable 10kΩ input impedance for modern interfaces
Sidechain High-Pass Filter: 30 to 300 Hz, 12 dB per octave
Dry/Wet Mix Control: Yes, for parallel compression
Attack Time: 20 µs to 800 µs
Release Time: 50 ms to 1.1 sec
Power Supply: 100 to 230V IEC inlet, universal power supply
Bypass: Active bypass for line amplification, true bypass option for A/B comparisons
Dimensions: 2 RU 19" rackmount chassis
Weight: 10 lbs
Inputs/Outputs: Balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs
Transformers: Premium CineMag O-12 input and 5002 output transformers
Warranty: Hand-tested in Austin, TX with quality control for reliable performance