Warm Audio 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 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.

What you need to know

• 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 adding 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.

Key Features:

• Premium CineMag Transformers:
• Faithfully reproduces the original 76-style tone with custom CineMag input and output transformers.
• Comprehensive Controls:
• Includes classic attack, release, ratio settings plus modern options like stereo linking, true bypass, and sidechain flexibility.
• Hand-Tested Precision:
• Built and hand-tested in Austin, TX, ensuring authentic performance and studio-grade reliability.