SKU: 47191680139

Relab 176 Tube Compressor/Limiter

Sale price$179.10 Regular price$199.00
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Description

Relab 176 Tube Compressor/LimiterHardware Accurate Tube Compression In Software Form 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. Hardware Accurate from Input to Output: The Relab 176 reproduces everything: the tone, timing, and dynamic behavior

 

Hardware-Accurate Tube Compression In Software Form

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.

  • Hardware-Accurate from Input to Output: The Relab 176 reproduces everything: the tone, timing, and dynamic behavior of the hardware. Every tube stage, transformer, and timing network responds as it does in the original.
  • Compression That Adapts to the Music: Fixed-threshold, variable-gain design where ratio, drive, and source material interact to shape timing, curve, and harmonics.
  • Instant Control Over Tone and Transients: Switchable interstage transformer, asymmetry detection, and calibration trims allow quick changes to character and transient handling.

Every Stage of the 176, Modeled Without Shortcuts

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.

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

Because compression in the Relab 176 emerges from a fully modeled circuit rather than a fixed transfer curve, its response is inherently musical and dynamic - timing and harmonics adapt to the source, each ratio shifts the slope and knee position, and the exact signal flow, including transformer coupling and tube stage interactions, is preserved.

Features That Preserve the 176's Sound - and Expand Its Workflow

From compression curves and harmonic behavior to transformer tone and calibration control, every element of the original 176 is modeled for authenticity, with added tools to fit seamlessly into modern production workflows.

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.

Program-Dependent Timing from True RC-Tube Interaction

Attack and release times come from resistor-capacitor networks directly coupled to the tube gain stage.

Timing is program-dependent, shaped by signal level, transient size, tube nonlinearity, and transformer interaction — not fixed millisecond values.

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

Polarity-Selective Detection for Targeted Transient Control

The Sidechain Polarity control in the Relab 176 changes how the detector responds to the positive, negative, or both halves of the waveform. This lets you target specific transient edges - for example, clamping kick drum attack without touching low-end body, or controlling plosives in vocals without affecting overall presence.

Transformer Path for Sub-ms Attack, Resistor Path for Vintage Thump

The Stage Coupling switch changes how the variable-gain tube stage connects to the output amp:

  • Transformer – Adds a transformer between stages for faster attack (sub-ms possible), subtle “smiley curve” tone, and reduced low-end wobble.
  • Resistor – Uses a resistor path for slower attack, flatter tone, and more vintage-style low frequency thump.

Both are authentic circuit paths and can be chosen for transient speed, tone, and low-end behavior.

Shift Bias, Harmonics, and Threshold in a Single Move

Calibration shifts the internal tube bias and balance – just like adjusting multiple trim pots on the original hardware – changing threshold, harmonic profile, and dynamic feel.

  • Bias & Balance: Adjusts 6BC8 and 12AX7 tube operating points, influencing even/odd harmonic mix and low-frequency stability.
  • Threshold Shift: Moves the point where compression begins without changing your input gain.
  • Dynamic Response: Alters transient smoothness and micro-dynamics.
  • Tone Shaping: Warms, brightens, or tightens tone depending on bias settings.

It's a single control that moves multiple internal parameters together, with extra flexibility available via the plugin's back-panel trims.

Advanced Bias & Level Tuning

Click the Relab logo to access advanced controls: three hardware-style trim pots for 6BC8 bias, 6BC8 anode balance, and 12AX7 bias – plus a Reference Level control.

Fine-tune threshold, harmonic mix, transient response, and low-frequency stability with the same adjustments available inside the original hardware, now with greater flexibility for gain staging and tone shaping.

How the Relab 176 Fits Into Modern Sessions

From vocal tracking to final mastering, the 176's hardware-accurate behavior delivers the tone, dynamics, and control that engineers rely on across every stage of production.

  • Vocals – Maintains presence while controlling dynamics; harmonics scale with level for depth without dulling articulation.
  • Mix Bus – Gentle peak control for cohesion; transformer mode adds weight, resistor mode stays cleaner.
  • Individual Instruments – Program-adaptive timing and asymmetry control allow targeted transient shaping; drums retain sustain, bass stays even, guitars gain harmonic presence.
  • Mastering – Smooth harmonics with precise gain control; calibration and reference level fine tune headroom and harmonic profile.

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.
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 47191680139

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4.0 ★★★★★
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NanaCA
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 3
Great item to make life more pleasant!
Style: Contempo
A tiny item that makes my life more lovely. No more yucky scrubber residue all over the counter edge, or soap leaking all over from a faulty handle. A sponge can be at hand and I can hang my cloth somewhere besides the top of the faucet. The suction cups stuck well now at first, and I can move it whenever I want. Not to big nor too small. Wire is firm and strong. Will edit if it doesn’t hold up but right now highly recommend! Edit to add: A bit disappointing that the suction cups are not reliable. Even after carefully cleaning the side of my deep sink with vinegar and washing the suction cups, they come loose about once a day. Giving them a hard push on seems to help, but not a cure. I revised the rating to average 3 stars. It really isn’t a problem in the sink.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2019
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Carolle
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Stays put and does the job
Style: Contempo
I hate clutter. That includes my sink area. This holds my oxo scrubber and a sponge with ease. It also lets everything drain nice so there is no issue with slime or smell that other caddies have. Looks nice and amazingly the suction cups work. So far the finish is holding up and for what it is, it does its job. Looks nice.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2019
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csd Charlotte
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 1
Suction cups dont work
Style: Ashley Bronze
I liked the style and shape. However, I cannot get the suction cups to stick.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2026
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Truthteller
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Oh how I love this little Gem
Color: Silver
I needed this badly as I often got irritated with the kids for putting the sponge back in the soap/scrubber dish and it was always full of water. I looked at options on the side of a sink but none were quite right for our set up...Then I saw this. What I love is it is not one more thing on the counter. It is below down in the sink. And yet, it is handy. Into it I have the essentials I use so many times a day right there handy and they drain on their own. This adhered well because I used rubbing alcohol to clean the area, then waited several hours before adhering set up to sink about 10 pm at night. Letting it set over night and in the morning I remembered the tip another reviewer wrote to push the tray down STRONG until it CLICKS into the holders. Then it was completely sturdy and firm and I've used it long enough to know I'm very happy for this small perfectly practical way to hold my sink tools. So glad I chose this much less expensive simple one.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
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PCKLE
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Highly Recommend
Color: Silver
Love this holder of all the things! We purchased this 4 years ago and it has work great, rust-free, until my husband piled two pots on it and it broke last night. I am immediately purchasing another one. It is very easy to install and stays put, no movement at all.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025

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