Behringer 76 FET compressor/limiter

In a professional recording studio, the engineer reaches for the Behringer 76 to tame dynamic peaks on a lead vocal before it hits the mix bus. This FET compressor/limiter brings the classic punch and character of a legendary design to your rack, with modern reliability and an accessible price. Its single-channel, 2U rackmount format fits standard 19-inch studio furniture, while the internal universal power supply keeps setup clean.

Key specifications

• Compressor type: FET (Field Effect Transistor)
• Channels: 1 (mono)
• Rack size: 2U, 19-inch rackmount
• Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
• Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
• Attack time: 20 µs – 800 µs
• Release time: 50 ms – 1.1 s
• Compression ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, All-Button mode
• Metering: Vintage-style VU meter (Input, Output, Gain Reduction)
• THD+N: <0.2% (@ +10 dBu, 1 kHz, 1:1 ratio)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >90 dB (@ +4 dBu)
• Input impedance: 600 Ohms (XLR), 15 kOhms (TRS)
• Output impedance: 600 Ohms (XLR/TRS)
• Power supply: Internal universal switch-mode (100–240 V~, 50/60 Hz)
• Controls: Input, Output, Attack, Release, Ratio select buttons

Why choose it

The Behringer 76 delivers the aggressive, fast-acting compression that made FET designs famous for drums, bass, and vocals. Its discrete circuitry and transformer-balanced outputs provide a rich, harmonically pleasing character that enhances any source. With precise metering and a wide range of ratios, you can go from subtle leveling to hard limiting with confidence. The rugged build and universal power supply make it suitable for both studio and live use.

Ideal use cases

• Tracking vocals and instruments in a project studio
• Adding punch to drums and bass during mixing
• Parallel compression for parallel drum buses
• Live sound compression for consistent levels
• Mastering with gentle ratio settings

Good to know

The All-Button mode engages all ratio buttons simultaneously, creating a unique, aggressive compression effect favored by many engineers. The VU meter can be switched to display input level, output level, or gain reduction, giving you full visual feedback. The unit operates on any mains voltage from 100 to 240 V, so it can be used worldwide without external transformers.