Klark Teknik 76-KT

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Solid-state compressor / Limiter

With class A line level amplifiers and MIDAS transformers
Completely discrete signal path
Select Ratio via Push Button: 4: 1, 8: 1, 12: 1, 20: 1
Extremely fast attack from 20 to 800 microseconds
Adjustable release from 80 to 700 milliseconds
VU meter in vintage style
Transformer-balanced inputs and outputs with Neutrik XLR sockets
Built-in universal switching power supply 100-240 V / 50-60 Hz
Format: 19" / 2U
Case depth: 130 mm
Weight: 2.8 kg

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since September 2018

Item number 448153

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Compressor Yes

Gate No

Peak Limiter Yes

2-Channel Unit No

Attack/Release Adjustable Yes

£139

£295

Including VAT; Excluding £10 shipping

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A true homage at a bargain price

The Klark Teknik 76-KT is based on the legendary Urei 1176 hardware compressor/limiter, the original version of which dates back to 1967 and was the first solid-state compressor on the market. The later D and E revisions in particular still enjoy great popularity, as they have, in contrast to their predecessors, lower-noise circuits and still feature class-A amplifiers. Klark Teknik's replication is based on these two models and combines their advantages with more modern components (from Midas, among others), which means it should be interesting for price-conscious producers who want to get away from countless software emulations.

Attack and release

The 76-KT's attack control adjusts the time it takes for the compressor to react to audio signals that exceed the threshold value: Turning this control fully anti-clockwise extends the response time, which then becomes progressively shorter as the control is turned clockwise. The release control in turn adjusts how long the compressor stays active after the incoming audio signal drops below the threshold - here too, the response time is slower with the control at the fully anti-clockwise position and becomes faster when adjusted clockwise. Compared to other hardware compressor/limiter models, this mono FET compressor is characterised by extremely fast response times.

Simple to operate

The Klark Teknik 76-KT 's ratio buttons, situated to the left of the VU meter, determine the amount of gain reduction: The lowest setting of 4:1 results in fairly mild compression and 8:1 yields heavier compression, while the 12:1 and 20:1 settings provide soft and hard limiting, respectively. The 76-KT also features the Urei 1176's accidentally discovered "All Button" mode, which is activated by pressing all four buttons at the same time and is particularly effective when applied to drums, bass, guitar, and room mics - or for more aggressive “in your face” vocals.

About Klark Teknik

Founded in 1974 by brothers Terence and Phillip Clarke, Klark Teknik designs and manufactures professional audio equipment used primarily in the events industry. Based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, UK, the company has developed a number of innovative products in the audio field (including the DN60 Real Time Analyzer and the DN300 Graphic Equalizer) and it won one of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise in 1986. Today, the firm (along with Midas) is owned by the Music Group, to which Behringer also belongs.

One for the road

The Klark Teknik 76-KT's solid rackmount housing is 2U high, and its rear-mounted input and output each comprise a robust XLR and 6.35mm jack socket from Neutrik - so it will be a match for the everyday rigours of live use as well as studio applications. In contrast to the original, the 76-KT has a pad switch that can attenuate very loud input signals by 20dB, and another practical detail is the newly added power switch on the front. Fortunately however, the vintage-style VU meter has been retained.

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4.6 / 5

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163 Reviews

An 1176 you can afford!

Mastercraft Studios 14.12.2021

Introduction: as a classic compressor the UA 1176 has been on countless big albums, can the Klark Teknik 76-KT hang with it's inspiration?

Pros: I've had this in the rack for a good while now and it's in regular use on vocals to tame the peaks and keep things sounding nice on the way into the daw it gives you all the functionality you'd expect of an 1176
and does everything you'd expect this type of compressor to do and has served me well,
It's also built like a tank which is a definite plus at this price

Cons: While it gives you all the functionality of it's inspiration
it will introduce some hiss if driven hard enough but set properly with a bit of common sense and good mics and preamps it's negligible in practice

Should you get one?
well I've used this regularly as an insert compressor both while tracking and on mixes and and have had many happy clients,
it makes my workflow much faster with less need for post processing after tracking through it and sounds great on vocals and acoustic instruments
given that it's an affordable and accurate take on
a classic compressor it's really hard to fault,
perhaps it's a touch more transparent than it's inspiration but this is being overly picky and a good thing in my view as more saturation can always be added in post

Overall: it's worth it,
countless plugin emulations exist but tracking through this will save you time and get you to the sound you want faster, the original will always be the most desirable version but this is very very close at a price that wont break the bank :)

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A steady competitor for sure.

Alex Djuran 03.07.2019

I bought this compressor to use with the Klark Teknik KT2A, as I need 2 outboard comps to track vocals in series. I've had both units for a short bit of time, but for what it's worth, I think they're truly fantastic!

Pros: Right of the bat, SOLID and very sturdy construction. The knobs all feel pretty damn good, the VU meter is great and the whole thing just feels like it could survive quite a beating.

I've had the opportunity to try a UA1176 before, and while the Klark Teknik doesn't yield identical results, it delivers way more than you'd expect from a 200€ 1176 clone. I would love to see this thing compared to the Warm/Stam/Heritage units!

Compared to most 1176s I've tried, the KT76 does feel a BIT more clean than what you'd expect from a character compressor, but there are some subtle qualities it brings out from sound, especially if paired with a solid mic and preamp.

Cons: It is worth mentioning that while the unit performs very well, it can get a bit noisy. Cranked hard enough, there is a audible hiss coming trough and while 99% of the time, I won't be cranking the unit that hard, it's still there and can be bit of a pain.

Another thing I'd like to mention is that for those who don't know what a fixed threshold compressor is, this might be a bit of a pain to learn, since I couldn't really find anything in the manual to indicate that.

Overall, I'm very happy with my KT76, and would recommend it to absolutely anyone. It's great value for money and will give you fantastic results if you can't afford a UA.

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Cheap, but not cheap sound

YYYYangtuotuoer 22.09.2021

Just got this lovely compressor, it's well made and doesn't have the problems of excessive noise etc that others have described. I've used it on my music and it's compression behaviour is very quick and the right amount of compression doesn't muffle the sound, although it doesn't bring out certain colourings I might like, in all botton mode the sound is crazy and a little bright. Especially on Bass you get that magical square wave magic.
Very good, I like it.

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Just right for the price

PeteKay3 17.04.2021

Good piece of hardware for the first 76-like comp. However, first one that arrived almost exploded (problems with power). Thomann swiftly repaired (replaced with a new one?) and that one is still working fine, but has somre problems with VU metering when all the switches are engaged. It sounds good! That is what counts. Can really squash your tracks. Too bad it's not stereo but hey. As I said - good compressor for the price, you can have some fun with room mics, snares, vocals.

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Klark Teknik 76-KT

Solid-state compressor / Limiter