WesAudio ng76

Analog FET compressor with digital recall

• 100% analog FET compressor with headroom up to +24 dBu
• Digital control with Total Recall and full DAW integration
• Ultra-fast compression inspired by WesAudio Beta76 design
• Carnhill transformers on input and output stage
• MIX knob for parallel compression
• Saturation mode based on FET circuitry
• Vintage and Modern modes for two revisions of the 1176 style
• Sidechain EQ with HPF filter and High Shelf
• Adjustable THD with LOW and HIGH modes
• USB and Ethernet connection for plug-in control

The WesAudio ng76 is a next-generation analog FET compressor designed to combine the sonic character of classic 1176-style compressors with the demands of modern workflows. The circuit is fully analog, but the digital control allows automation, DAW integration, and instant parameter recall via plug-ins.

WesAudio ng76 FET compressor: analog sound with digital control

FET compressors have been a constant presence in recording studios for over fifty years because of their speed, punch, and distinctive sonic character. The ng76 takes this historic design and evolves it with modern features such as Total Recall, analog automation, and management via dedicated software.

Despite digital control, the audio path remains entirely analog, providing the lightning-fast response and sonic character that have made FET compressors famous in professional productions.

Fast compression and analog character

The design of the ng76 is inspired by the famous WesAudio Beta76 circuit, offering extremely fast and musical compression, ideal for drums, vocals, bass and dynamic instruments. With selectable compression ratios of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 20:1, as well as the famous ALL BUTTON MODE, the compressor allows for both transparent controls and more aggressive and creative effects.

Carnhill transformers for the classic vintage sound

The input and output stage uses Carnhill transformers, prized for their ability to add warmth and harmonic saturation to the signal. This helps create a rich, three-dimensional analog sound that is highly sought after by sound engineers and producers.

Parallel compression and controlled saturation

The MIX knob makes it easy to use parallel compression, a technique popular in modern production to maintain natural punch and dynamics in the original signal.

Saturation mode and THD control

The ng76 incorporates a dedicated saturation mode based on the FET circuit. Through a single control that acts on input and output in reverse, the device can also function as an analog saturator or clipper. The THD control also allows adjustment of total harmonic distortion with LOW and HIGH settings, adding character and sound density.

Vintage and Modern modes for different sonic characters

The compressor offers two selectable input modes to suit different sound contexts:

Vintage Mode

Uses a transformer-balanced input, offering a warm, classic character typical of historic revisions of the 1176.

Modern Mode

Implements an electronically balanced input, providing a cleaner and more transparent sound, ideal for contemporary productions.

Advanced sidechain EQ for more control

Sidechain circuit includes two independent sections for precise management of compressor response:

• High Pass filter at 60Hz, 90Hz and 150Hz to preserve low frequencies
• High Shelf filter at 2kHz, 5kHz and 10kHz to control high frequencies

This configuration makes it possible to maintain the solidity of low frequencies and precisely control the brighter components of the signal.

Full integration with DAW and Total Recall

One of the most advanced features of the WesAudio ng76 is full integration with major DAWs via VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and AAX DSP plug-ins. All parameters can be recalled instantly within the session thanks to the Total Recall function.

With analog automation, you can automate compressor parameters directly from the DAW or record automations using the device's touch-sensitive encoders.

USB and Ethernet connection

The device can be controlled via direct USB connection or integrated into the local network via Ethernet, providing flexibility in modern studio setups.

Technical Specifications.

• Type: analog FET compressor
• Maximum headroom: +24 dBu
• Attack: 20 µs - 800 µs
• Release: 50 ms - 1100 ms
• Compression ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, All Button Mode
• High Pass Sidechain Filter: 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 150 Hz
• High Shelf Sidechain Filter: 2 kHz, 5 kHz, 10 kHz
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±1 dB)
• SNR: >83 dB
• Minimum THD+N: 0.2%
• Noise floor: -95 dBu
• Output impedance: 50 Ohm
• Metering: Gain Reduction, Input and Output
• Connectivity: USB and Ethernet
• Power Consumption: 8 W
• Rack size: 2U
• Unit dimensions: 88 × 483 × 235 mm
• Unit weight: 4.8 kg
• Warranty: 2 years