V76F "Rev F" FET Compressor/Limiter
V76F "Rev F" FET Compressor/Limiter
A More Versatile 76 With Modern Polish!
The Classic V76F "Rev F" FET Compressor/Limiter is a zero-compromise, component-for-component recreation of the legendary (and highly underrated!) 76 Rev F, adapted for the 500 Series format. Like our 76F, the V76F incorporates the best-in-class Cinemag CM-O12 input transformer, a crucial part of the 76 sound, but pairs it with an equally precise custom replica of the original Rev F’s Bournes B11148 transformer on the output. Combined with period-correct carbon film resistors in the audio path and other premium components throughout, this is simply the most authentic “Rev F” 76 money can buy!
An Authentic Recreation Of The Most Underrated 76 Revision
The 76 Revision F is, in our opinion, the real sleeper of the 76 lineup. Everybody knows the blue stripe “Rev A” and black panel “Rev D,” but this later revision - built with slightly more modern components (carbon film instead of carbon composition resistors, for example) and the brighter, more aggressive-sounding B11148 output transformer - often gets overlooked.
It’s long been one of our favorites here, so we set out to nail this revision even before taking on the much more popular Rev D.
Quality In, Quality Out
If you’re familiar with our 76A, 76D, or 76F, you know we are what you might call “obsessive” when it comes to the component selection for a truly authentic 76 build. Yes, you can use modern parts, follow the available schematics, and end up with something that definitely resembles a vintage compressor. But if you want to nail the originals, you have to use original-style components.
It Starts With Iron
Like our 76F, the V76F prominently 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 units. For some reason, no other manufacturer out there has picked up on this. We evaluated every modern transformer option available while designing our 76 circuits, and this one smokes any off-the-shelf transformer out there. Cinemag completely nailed it!
Because the B11148 plays such a crucial role in the box tone of the Rev F, we went to our transformer guru and spent months working on a custom-wound replica. The result captures all the bright, modern polish of the original while retaining some vintage 1970s character. It’s the perfect complement to the aggressive midrange bite of the 76A and the smooth, rich harmonic tone of the 76D.
Vintage 76 Parts = Vintage 76 Sound
Where most 76 recreations fall short is in the FETs used in the compression section. It’s a “FET” compressor, so getting this part right is essential. Modern JFETs won’t cut it. We’ve been stockpiling NOS 1970s FETs for years, and won’t use anything else in our 76 builds. Having access to the NOS component market is a huge advantage of building here in the USA, and it’s probably why no other manufacturer has gone this route.
A More Modern 76 For Vocals, Bass, And Acoustic Guitar
The slightly more modern components and design of the Rev F give it a shine and polish not usually associated with this style of compressor. We’ve heard it aptly described as sounding like “liquid gold.” Combined with the slightly slower attack and better low end handling compared to the earlier revisions, the V76F is right at home on modern productions - perfectly suited to pop or rock vocals, bass guitars, and even kick drums. It especially shines on acoustic guitar.
Like the other AudioScape 76 compressors, the V76F stands out from the field in its ability to hold up even when cranked to the maximum. Inferior 76 builds, like many plugins, show their weaknesses at high compression settings, falling apart and failing to keep up with aggressive transients. The V76F will put up with anything you can throw at it, with excellent low end retention even under heavy compression - even outperforming the 76D in this regard.
Premium, Vintage-Accurate Components Throughout
True to AudioScape form, we use only the highest-grade parts that match the original sonics in this unit. The audio path features carbon film resistors like the original units, with high-quality precision metal film resistors in the sidechain, where accuracy is needed.
76F Features & Specs
Handcrafted in the USA
Stylish 1 Slot 500-Series form with
Cinemag CM-O12 input transformer
Period-correct B11148 output transformer
NOS 1970’s FETs (as found in the original units)
Cornell Dubilier polypropylene capacitors
Mallory capacitors
Attack on/off switch (bypasses compression to use the 76F as a line amp for harmonic saturation)
Original-style push-button ratio control (4:1/8:1/12:1/20:1, All Buttons In, or any other combination)
+65dB total output gain
Electronically balanced +4dBu circuitry
Alpha potentiometers
Custom vintage-style dB gain reduction meter
Which 76 revision is right for you?
Watch this comparison video by Mixing Music Analog.
