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. We have 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.

We’ve spent years stockpiling NOS FETs for this reason, and won’t use anything else in the compression circuit of our 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 Features

• -2U 19" rackmount unit with brushed aluminum panel, original-style meter, pilot light and knobs

• Internal 120v or 220v Power Supply (Euro voltages available)

• Attack on/off switch like original units

• Adjustable Attack, Release, and Ratio

• +55dB Gain and Analog dB Gain-Reduction Meter

• Electronically Balanced +4dBu circuitry

• Neutrik XLR Input and Output connectors

• Top notch components, Alpha Potentiometers, Mallory Caps, Cinemag Transformers

• Triad International Series Toroidal Power transformer

AudioScape offers a hassle-free 2 year warranty on any item we sell.

FEATURES & SPECS:

• Handcrafted in the USA

• Stylish 2U 19" Rackmount

• 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 ;-)

FEATURED VIDEO DEMOS

Tech rant:

These are classic compressors and to nail the sound you 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 we 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. We wouldn’t make 76’s without this transformer, You use something else and it isn’t a 76’ in our 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 our 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. We’ll gladly give that trade secret away :-) We stuff the boards weekly by hand to ensure heat sensitive don’t get overheated during any part of the assembly process. We make everything end to end here, not ‘final assembly in USA’ or ‘designed in USA’. Every product is made by our 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 we all enjoy sound better!

What are people saying?

"The Audio scape 76a is one amazing compressor. I love it."

"Awesome seller, great compressor. I’m definitely buy more stuff built by audio-scape!

SEE IT IN ACTION!

Watch the demo video for a taste of what it's capable of!

HEAR IT IN ACTION!

Which 76 revision is right for you?

Watch this comparison video by Mixing Music Analog.

DOCUMENTATION:

• 76A QUICK-START

• 76-A MANUAL

USER PHOTOS:

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