The WA76-A2 accurately reproduces 2 channels of the fastest and most powerful studio compressors of all time, known for their extra “grabby” attack, powerful dynamic control, and vintage analog grit. Using premium and custom components like O-12 (input) and 5002 (output) transformers from CineMag, WA76-A2 achieves authentic 76 “blue-stripe”-style compression, known for its gritty preamp stage with unmistakably analog character. Added modern controls to achieve parallel compression, active & true bypass, selectable input impedance, and sidechain flexibility make WA76-A2 an ideal choice for modern recording workflows that require vintage tone shaping. WA76-A2 recreates the legendary tone & control of the vintage 76-style compression used in studios by artists like Jack White, The Beatles, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and many more.

Features:

• Building off of the lauded fame of vintage Blue Stripe compressors, the WA76-A/A2 includes all the controls of the original plus critical added features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience.
• Use the mix knob to easily achieve analog parallel compression by dialing the dry signal alongside the compressed (wet) tone. The SC HPF knob engages a variable sidechain high-pass filter with a range of 30-300Hz.
• Quickly switch between a traditional 600Ω impedance ideal for other analog gear to a 10kΩ impedance that better matches modern audio interface outputs.
• SINGLE CHANNEL ONLY: WA76-A has two stereo linking jacks to link up to 10 WA76-A compressors for surround/immersive compression. External sidechain inputs and outputs are added to insert key inputs to achieve “ducking” or add an EQ on the input and output for analog de-essing in real time.
• WA76-A2 is a dual-channel unit and has three distinct two-channel operating modes. Stereo mode allows for even compression in the sidechain, focusing on the fastest attack or slowest release. A>AB mode allows the left channel to control the attack/release of the right channel. Sidechains in A>AB mode are still linked as in stereo mode. In A|B mode, the WA76-A2 operates as a dual-mono compressor.

Technical Specifications

Product Description & External Specs (Per Channel)

• 100% Analog Discrete FET Compressor.
• Faithful Recreation of the Vintage “Blue Stripe” FET Compressor With Added Recording Features.
• VU Meter Options: Gain Reduction | +8 dB Output | +4 dB Output | “Off” Powers Off Unit.
• 100–230V IEC Inlet Universal Power Supply.
• Selectable 10 kΩ Input Impedance To Better Match Modern Audio Interface Specifications.
• 100% Dry-Wet Mix Control.
• Variable Sidechain High-Pass Filter: 30–300 Hz, 12 dB/Octave.
• ¼” Stereo Link & External Sidechain Access.
• Active Bypass For Running Unit As Line Amplifier & True Bypass Option For A/B Comparisons.
• 2U 19″ Rackmount Chassis.
• “All-Buttons-In” Setting For Experimental & Hard-Limiter Tones.
• Balanced XLR & TRS Inputs & Outputs.
• Single Chassis Depth: 6.5” | 16.25 cm.
• Dual Chassis Depth: 8.25” | 20.63 cm.

Components & Internal Specs (Per Channel)

Class-A Line-Level Output Amplifier

• 100% Discrete Audio Signal Path Using 600Ω Input Impedance Attenuator.
• Utilizes Premium O-12 Input & 5002 Output Transformers From CineMag USA.

Performance Specs (Per Channel)

• Vintage-Spec Attack & Release: Attack = 20 µS – 800 µS | Release: 50 ms – 1.1 s.
• Frequency Response: ±1 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
• Total Amplifier Gain: 58 dB.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 86 dB (A-weighted).
• Total Harmonic Distortion Ratio (THD+N): -62 dB (at -13 dBu).

Additional 2-Channel Specs

(3) 2-Channel Operating Modes: Stereo Linked | Primary: Secondary | Dual-Mono.

Note on WA76-A2: No external sidechain access or stereo linking options.