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”!
