Klark Teknik 76-KT B-Stock
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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