‘All-buttons-in’ compression on Warm Audio WA76

‘All-buttons-in’ compression on Warm Audio WA76

Back in 1976 when the Beatles, Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel were recording their top 10 albums, renowned audio engineer Bill Putnam was developing a new audio compressor. (Fuston, 2012) Back then Universal Audio took great pride in this new audio compressor.

Many recording engineers raved about the sound associated with this compressor. Then, by accident it was discovered that you could press all the compression selector buttons in at once. ("Warm Audio", 2017) The accident as described by Universal Audio (2017) as the mechanical interlock in the push buttons failing allowing the unique setting. This setting allowed for what is know as the “nuke” setting where the 4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 20:1 were enabled simultaneously. This provided a completely new and unique sound that became revered by engineers. (Fuston, 2012) Bass guitars, drums and heavy vocals could be compressed using the “nuke” setting and the unit’s popularity grew exponentially. After discovering the fault it was decided that the error in the switch would become a feature as its popularity became almost legendary.

Shift forward many years and numerous revisions later, Warm Audio, founded in 2011; created the WA76 audio compressor. This compressor is effectively a clone of the original UA1176. Using the same technology, this relatively newcomer to the industry is carving their way into the market and ringing out success.

Even today many studios are employing the Warm Audio WA76 compressor for recordings. The Journal on the Art of Record Production (issue 6, 2012) even commissioned a paper into the sound and sonic signature of the 1176 and WA76 compressor. Such is the intrigue and strong following of this compressor and the ‘all-buttons-in’ mode that the paper was written to investigate this method and the technology.

Engineer, Hugh Padgham stated that, (Flans, 2005) for the recording of Phil Collins, in the air tonight used two 1176 style compressors in the ‘all-buttons-in’ mode for the drum sub mixes. Another common style (Vdovin, 2004) is to use a U47 or Royer in front of the drums approximately five feet and use the WA76 in ‘all-buttons-in’ mode to make the sound bigger with more presence but not crush.

Fuston (2012), describes the ‘all-buttons-in’ mode as possessing the sonic qualities of explosive sound when miking drum rooms and incredible bass and guitar with a grungy sound. Fuston (2012) further explains that Michael Jackson and Guns ‘N’ Roses vocals were recorded using this method.

If you are looking for that fat bass guitar sound, kick drum or vocals that get right up in your face then the all-buttons-in option may just be what you are looking for. The setting allows for very aggressive compression, attack and release which can give a more saturated feel the sound. Try the setting with an A-B bypass option and compare the difference. Obviously this option will not suit all applications but there are some where this will bring out the very best and pout that final touch on your recording you have been trying to find.

Flans, R. (2005). Classic Tracks: Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" | Mixonline. Mixonline.com. Retrieved 3 November 2017, from http://www.mixonline.com/news/profiles/classic-tracks-phil-collins-air-tonight/365521

Fuston, L. (2012). Universal Audio’s Classic 1176 Compressor — A History | Universal Audio. Uaudio.com. Retrieved 23 October 2017, from https://www.uaudio.com/blog/analog-obsession-1176-history/

Moore, A. (2012). Journal on the Art of Record Production » All Buttons In: An investigation into the use of the 1176 FET compressor in popular music production. Arpjournal.com. Retrieved 3 November 2017, from http://arpjournal.com/all-buttons-in-an-investigation-into-the-use-of-the-1176-fet-compressor-in-popular-music-production/

Tubbs, A. (2014). Warm Audio WA76 |. Soundonsound.com. Retrieved 23 October 2017, from https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/warm-audio-wa76

Warm Audio | Serious Gear. Seriously Affordable.. (2017). Warm Audio | Serious Gear. Seriously Affordable.. Retrieved 23 October 2017, from https://www.warmaudio.com/wa76

Vdovin, M. (2004). UA WebZine "Interview" March 04 | Charlie Clouser’s Outing with Helmet. Uaudio.com. Retrieved 3 November 2017, from http://www.uaudio.com/webzine/2004/march/text/content8.html