Relab 176

The Relab 176 is a circuit-modeled compressor and limiter that recreates the behavior of a vintage 176-style tube unit. Every tube stage, transformer, and timing network is simulated in real time, preserving the original’s tone and dynamic response. Its fixed-threshold design offers four ratios (2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1), with knee and slope changing per ratio for compression that ranges from smooth leveling to assertive limiting. Attack and release are program-dependent, shaped by signal level, transients, and tube nonlinearity. A sidechain polarity control lets you target positive, negative, or both waveform halves for precise transient shaping. The stage coupling switch selects a transformer path for faster attack and a subtle tone curve, or a resistor path for slower attack and a flatter response. Ideal for producers seeking authentic vintage tube compression on vocals, drums, bass, and full mixes.