The Most Authentic 1176 Rev D Recreation Available, Period.
With the 76D, AudioScape set out to build the most accurate, sonically faithful version of this iconic compressor they could, using the vintage-first philosophy behind their 76A as a foundation.
Quality In, Quality Out
The Urei 1176 circuit on paper looks relatively simple. This, in addition to the unit’s instantly recognizable faceplate, is a big part of why there are so many cheap 1176 “clones” and kits available claiming to match the sound of the original. As a company that originated in the diehard, slightly obsessive DIY builder community, AudioScape can tell you there’s a reason these recreations fall short sonically. Much of it has to do with the quality and accuracy of parts used, as compared to the original units. Parts matter!
It Starts With Iron
Like the Rev A, much of the original Rev D’s charm and unique coloration were due to the iron used at the input. The AudioScape 76D features a Cinemag CM-O12 input transformer - by far the most authentic-sounding replica of the famous UTC O-12 “Ouncer” used in the original Urei Rev D units. AudioScape evaluated every modern transformer option available while designing the 76D circuit, and this one beats them all by miles. Cinemag completely nailed it!
Vintage 1176 Parts = Vintage 1176 Sound
Equally important to the core 1176 sound is its extremely fast attack and release time constants, measuring down to microseconds. This was a major area of interest to AudioScape, as many similar units built today do not faithfully represent the lighting-fast time constants of the original. A common complaint with cheap 1176 “clones” is that they just aren’t fast enough to catch peaks. This problem - which will definitely arise if you use modern JFETs in this circuit! - is absolutely not an issue with the 76D.
Just like with their tube units, AudioScape has spent years stockpiling original, NOS 1970s FETs to use in their 76 compressors. Modern components just don’t cut it here.
An 1176 For Vocals, Bass, Drums, And More
Blazingly fast with a smooth, rich box tone, the 76D is a perfect choice for aggressive vocals, snare drums, drum rooms, bass guitar, and much more. Whereas the Rev A shines in the upper midrange, bringing voices and instruments to the absolute forefront, the Rev D brings the same “in your face” compression action with a slightly darker tonality - smoothing out harshness while adding rich midrange harmonics and grit.
Like the other AudioScape 76 compressors, the 76D stands out from the field in its ability to hold up even when cranked to the maximum. Inferior 1176 builds, like many plugins, show their weaknesses at high compression settings - falling apart and failing to keep up with aggressive transients. The 76D will put up with anything you can throw at it, with excellent low end retention even under heavy compression.
Premium, Vintage-Accurate Components Throughout
True to AudioScape form, they use only the highest-grade parts that match the original sonics in this unit. The audio path features carbon composition resistors like the original units, with high-quality precision metal film resistors in the sidechain, where accuracy is needed. A Triad power transformer and custom-wound Cinemag output transformer round out the complement of premium components used in the 76D.
Like all AudioScape gear, their 76D compressors are built by hand in their factory here in Florida. They come with a 2-year hassle-free warranty, and a generous repair policy.
76D “Deluxe Edition”
The 76D “Deluxe Edition” adds a few new, modern features to the core circuit of the 76D:
- “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 76D Deluxe Edition also features what AudioScape calls the “secret mod”: a new range of attack times not available in the original 76D circuit. Here’s how it works:
From noon to 7 on the attack knob (fully CW), the 76D 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”!
