Product Description

Faithful Recreation Of The Fastest and Most Powerful Blue Stripe Studio Compressor With Added Recording Features

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.

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 single-channel WA76-A has additional sidechain flexibility allowing either key inputs to be inserted or EQs for de-essing, as well as stereo linking. 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.

Key Features:

• Single-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
• 1/4-in. stereo link and external sidechain access
• 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

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