Relab 176 Compressor Limiter

Relab 176 Compressor Limiter

Relab 176 Compressor Limiter: Accurately modeled from the entire audio circuit of a vintage 1960s 176-style compressor.

 

Electronic Delivery

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Description

Accurately modeled from the entire audio circuit of a vintage 1960s 176-style compressor: every tube, transformer, timing network, and power supply interaction is re-created using a real time circuit solver. This preserves the tone, timing, and dynamic behavior of the original hardware.

The original 176 used a fixed-threshold, variable-gain topology that reshaped its compression curve with each ratio – smooth leveling at low settings, assertive limiting at high ones. Its tone comes from an all-tube signal path, interstage transformer coupling, and a program dependent sidechain.

Every Stage Of The 176, Modeled Without Shortcuts

The Relab 176 models the entire audio circuit in real time. Each component is re-created, so the plugin responds like the hardware:

• Tubes – Variable-gain stage and line amp with bias interactions shaping dynamics and harmonics
• Transformers – Input, output, and interstage stages modeled for saturation and frequency shaping
• Rectifiers & Timing – RC sidechain delivering program-adaptive attack and release
• Power Supply – Sag and recovery influencing timing under sustained gain reduction

Ratio-Driven Knee Behavior For Nuanced Dynamics

The Relab 176 follows the original fixed-threshold design with four hardware ratios -2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and 12:1. Knee position and slope change with each ratio, producing compression that ranges from smooth leveling to assertive limiting.

Compression intensity adapts naturally, ensuring nuanced dynamic shaping at every setting.

Features

• Authentic 1960s Circuit Emulation – Models the full audio path of a vintage 176 compressor, including tubes, transformers, timing, and power supply.
• Real-Time Circuit Simulation – Uses a real-time solver for accurate dynamic and harmonic response, not just static modeling.
• Variable-Gain, Fixed-Threshold Design – Compression behavior changes with ratio, drive, and signal, allowing musical, adaptive control.
• Transformer Path Options – Switch between resistor (vintage thump) and transformer (fast attack, brighter tone) for tonal flexibility.
• Polarity-Selective Detection – Choose waveform polarity (positive, negative, both) for precise transient shaping and control.
• Program-Dependent Timing – Attack and release react dynamically to signal characteristics via modeled RC-tube interaction.
• Ratio-Driven Knee Control – Four hardware ratios (2:1 to 12:1) change compression curve slope and knee behavior.
• Single-Knob Calibration Control – Simultaneously adjusts tube bias, harmonic profile, threshold, and dynamic feel.
• Advanced Trim Section – Access hidden controls for deep tube bias and level fine-tuning, mimicking internal hardware adjustments.
• Versatile Use Cases – Ideal for vocals, instruments, mix bus, and mastering with musical tone and flexible dynamics control.

Tech Specs

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