The Relab 176 Tube Compressor/ Limiter - Out Now!

OUT NOW: The Relab 176 Tube Compressor/Limiter

Relab Development has released the Relab 176 Tube Compressor/Limiter, a detailed software recreation of a classic 1960s American variable-gain tube design, built using real-time circuit solver modeling.

The plugin reconstructs the original’s complete audio signal path - including transformers, tube stages, rectifiers, and its program-dependent resistor–capacitor timing network - to capture the exact behavior of the hardware..

"While we've achieved hardware-accurate modeling in all our previous re-creations, the Relab 176 represents our most complex analog circuit modeling project to date," said Martin Lind, Founder of Relab Development. "This isn't just another generic tube compressor plugin - we're solving the complete analog audio circuit equations in real time."

Key features of the Relab 176 include:Complete audio circuit reconstruction - transformers, tubes, rectifiers, timing circuits, and PSU behavior
Authentic program-dependent timing via original resistor–capacitor network
Asymmetry control to detect positive, negative, or both halves of the waveform for transient shaping
Interstage transformer configuration for two distinct compression characteristics
Calibration tools for adjusting internal tube bias and reference levels

This modeling approach captures the small nonlinearities, asymmetries, and timing shifts that give the hardware its musical compression curve. The result is a plugin that behaves like the original - not just in tone, but in the way it reacts to level changes and program material.

That authenticity is reflected in early user feedback from mix engineers:

"Complete tightness and control over instruments in a way that other compressors don't."
"Beautiful, rich-sounding compression - best ever in a plugin."
"First impression is that it immediately does something to the sound no other plugin has done. Instant recognition of its effect."

These reactions echo a common sentiment from users: the Relab 176 delivers the responsiveness and musicality engineers expect from the original hardware - in software form.

The Relab 176 will be available starting August 11th, 2025 at an introductory price of $149 (reg. $199), with a 7-day free trial available for evaluation.

For more information about the Relab 176, visit: https://relabdevelopment.com/relab-176/









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