76A "Blue Stripe" Rev A FET Compressor / Limiter

The AudioScape 76A: A Zero-Compromise “Rev A” Compressor

Here it is - a faithful recreation of the famous “Blue Stripe” FET Compressor that started it all from the 1960's!

All the vintage midrange and grit that makes this compressor coveted for vocals is here in spades. Features the famous 'all buttons in' ratio mode and everything else you would expect from a lovely FET style compressor with rich harmonic overtones and a pleasant grit when pushed hard.

The “Blue Stripe” 1176 Sound

This compressor features the Cinemag CM-12 Input transformer, which is an incredible replica of the original UTC O-12.

The original unit’s famous charm and unique coloration was largely due to the iron used at the input. There are many 1176 clones out there with various input transformers, usually mass-produced, claiming to match the original specs. There’s a reason most of them don’t sound like the original units. AudioScape has heard and tried every type of modern transformer and this is by far the most authentic sounding replica in production. Cinemag completely nailed it!

Original FETs = Original Time Constants

Another area where most 1176 “clones” fall short is in the attack and release times. Very few can match the extremely fast attack of the original Rev A. Modern FETs behave differently than the ones Urei used in the 1960s and 70s, and using modern parts in this type of circuit will yield disappointing results, just like using current production tubes in older tube designs.

AudioScape has spent years stockpiling NOS FETs for this reason, and won’t use anything else in the compression circuit of their 76 designs. Nothing else measures up!

“Period-Correct” NOS & Premium Parts Throughout

True to AudioScape form, only the best parts that 'fit' the accuracy of the unit are used. Carbon composition resistors in the audio path (same as the original) and precision metal film resistors in the side chain for accuracy; a perfect marriage of sonic mojo and precision for the compression section to operate flawlessly.

Simply put, this thing is a beast!

76A “Deluxe Edition”

The 76A “Deluxe Edition” adds a few new, modern features to the core circuit of the 76A:

• “COMP BLEND” for wet/dry signal mix
• New compression engage “push/pull” on/off knob - Deluxe models only
• Variable sidechain high-pass filtert (HPF), with 8 fixed options (OFF, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz, 200 Hz, 260 Hz, 320 Hz)
• New “Stereo Link” mode for chaining multiple units
• Fully regulated power supply, eliminating the meter drift found in the original circuit

The 76A Deluxe Edition also features what AudioScape calls the “secret mod”: a new range of attack times not available in the original 76A circuit. Here’s how it works:

From noon to 7 on the attack knob (fully CW), the 76A Deluxe Edition operates within the original range of attack times, from slowest to fastest. However, turning the attack past noon in the other direction (CCW) unlocks a new range of even slower attack times than the original, allowing more transient information through and making these units even more versatile for modern productions. Like the classic 76 units, turning the attack fully CCW to “OFF” disengages the compression circuit but allows signal to pass through the transformers. The numbering scheme stays the same as the originals - from 1 to 7 - hence “secret mod”!

FEATURES & SPECS:76A Features

• Handcrafted in the USA
• 2U 19" rackmount unit with brushed aluminum panel, original-style meter, pilot light and knobs
• Cinemag CO-12 Input Transformer (the BEST and most accurate recreation of the original UTC Iron from yore! )
• Custom-Wound Cinemag Output Transformer
• NOS 1970’s FETs (found in the original units) utilized in Crucial Areas of the Compressor/Amplifier Sections
• Period-Correct Attack & Release Time Constants (aka FAST, FAST, FAST! )
• Cornell Dubilier Polypropylene Capacitors
• Mallory Capacitors
• NOS Allen Bradley Carbon Comp Resistors
• Fully Variable Input/Output and Attack/Release
• Attack On/Off Switch (Bypasses Compression; Use the 76A as a Line Amp for it’s Exhilarating Saturation and Harmonics! )
• Original Style Push-Button Ratio Control (4:1/8:1/12:1/20:1/”ABI” and any Combination therein! )
• +55dB Total Output Gain
• Electronically Balanced +4dBu circuitry
• Alpha Potentiometers
• Custom Vintage-Styled dB Gain-Reduction Meter
• Original-Style Pilot Light
• Highest-Quality Recreation Knobs
• Real Metal Neutrik XLR Input and Output Connectors
• Triad International Series Toroidal Power Transformer
• Internal 120V/240V Power Supply

***specifications, parts & pricing subject to change because sh*t happens ;-)*

Tech rant:

These are classic compressors and to nail the sound they have to use the proper vintage style parts. Let’s start with the input transformer. The Cinemag CM-O12 is the best and closest recreation of the UTC O-12. During R & D, AudioScape tried countless other types and compared it against 5 different original vintage O-12’s from different eras, the CM-O12 either matched or exceeded the vintage ones every single time, and no other current manufacturer came close in this test to nailing the perfect balance of saturation and the bigger sound the vintage units have. The input transformer is one of the most noticeable and quintessential parts, it’s one of the first components your signal hits. AudioScape wouldn’t make 76’s without this transformer, You use something else and it isn’t a 76’ in their humble opinion…

The components they used during the Rev A days don’t go hand in hand with the ‘mass produced’ mentality of manufacturing. In AudioScape's experience, trying to do larger runs with heat sensitive parts like carbon comp resistors equals a much more noisy and out of whack product. The secret for inquiring minds? Be willing to work harder than anyone else. AudioScape will gladly give that trade secret away :-) AudioScape stuffs the boards weekly by hand to ensure heat sensitive don’t get overheated during any part of the assembly process. AudioScape makes everything end to end here, not ‘final assembly in USA’ or ‘designed in USA’. Every product is made by their audio loving hands here in Port Orange, FL. Made in the USA

Simply put, if you’re looking to capture the vintage sound of the Rev A, you aren’t going to get any closer than this, unless you buy vintage one for 15K. Please enjoy and make the music AudioScape all enjoy sound better!

DOCUMENTATION:

• 76A QUICK-START
• 76-A MANUAL