Relab 176 by Relab Development, a faithful 1176 FET compressor plug-in, is now available and 25% off during our launch sale!

  

Relab 176 by Relab Development, a faithful 1176 FET compressor plug-in, is now available and 25% off during our launch sale!

Hardware-Accurate Tube Compression

Accurately model the entire audio circuit of a vintage 1960s 176-style compressor. The interactions between all vacuum tubes, transformers, timing networks, and power supplies are recreated using a real-time circuit solver.

This preserves the tone, timing, and dynamic behavior of the original hardware.

Hardware Accuracy from Input to Output

Relab 176 meticulously recreates the tone, timing, and dynamic behavior of the original hardware.

Every vacuum tube stage, transformer, and timing network is modeled to respond exactly like the physical unit.

Musically Adaptive Compression

A fixed threshold, variable gain design creates an interplay between ratio, drive, and source material, shaping timing, curve, and harmonic content in a musical and responsive way.

Instant Tone and Transient Control

Features like switchable interstage transformers, asymmetry detection, and calibrated trim give you direct control over timbre and transient response, allowing you to easily transition from subtle shaping to bold, characterful compression.

The 176 delivers classic sound with precision and depth, bringing authentic analog behavior to modern workflows.

Ratio-Driven Knee Action for Subtle Dynamics

The Relab 176 follows the original fixed threshold design and offers four hardware ratios: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and 12:1. Knee position and slope vary with the ratio, creating a wide range of compression effects, from smooth leveling to aggressive limiting.

Compression intensity adapts naturally, enabling subtle dynamic shaping at any setting.

Program-Dependent Timing from True RC Tube Interaction

Attack and release times are derived from a resistor-capacitor network directly coupled to the tube gain stage.

Timing is program-dependent and shaped by signal level, transient size, tube nonlinearity, and transformer interaction. It's not a fixed millisecond value.

The Fixed/Auto toggle changes how the release adapts to the program.

Detector Polarity Selection for Targeted Transient Control

Relab 176's sidechain polarity control changes how the detector responds to the positive, negative, or both halves of the waveform.

This allows you to target specific transient edges. For example, you can clamp the attack of a kick drum without affecting the low-frequency body, or control the plosives of a vocal without affecting the overall presence.

Transfer path for sub-millisecond attack, or register path for a vintage sound.

The Stage Coupling switch changes how the variable-gain tube stage connects with the output amplifier.

Transformer - Add a transformer between stages for faster attack (sub-millisecond possible), a subtle "smiley curve" tone, and reduced low-end wobble.

Resistor - Use a resistor path to achieve a slower attack, a flatter tone, and a more vintage-style low-frequency resonance.

Shift Bias, Harmonics, and Threshold in a Single Operation

Calibration shifts the bias and balance of the internal tubes, altering the threshold, harmonic profile, and dynamic feel, similar to adjusting multiple trim pots on the original hardware.

Bias and Balance: Adjust the operating point of the 6BC8 and 12AX7 tubes, affecting the even/odd harmonic mix and low-frequency stability.

Threshold Shift: Move the point where compression kicks in without changing the input gain.

Dynamic Response: Change transient smoothness and micro-dynamics.

Tone Shaping: Warm, brighten, or tighten your tone depending on the bias setting.

This is a single control that drives multiple internal parameters together, with additional flexibility provided by the plug-in's rear-panel trims.

Both are authentic circuit paths, selectable for transient speed, tone, and low-frequency behavior.

Advanced Bias and Level Adjustments

Click the Relab logo to access advanced controls, including three hardware-style trim pots for 6BC8 Bias, 6BC8 Anode Balance, and 12AX7 Bias, plus a Reference Level control.

Tweak threshold, harmonic mix, transient response, and low-frequency stability using the same adjustments available within the original hardware. Increased flexibility in gain staging and tone shaping.

Until 15th September.

Relab 176