Behringer 676 Classic Vacuum Tube Preamplifier and FET-Style Compressor - Vintage Warmth, Modern Value
The Behringer 676 Classic Vacuum Tube Preamplifier and FET-Style Compressor is a budget-friendly channel strip inspired by the iconic Universal Audio 6176, blending a tube preamp with a 1176-style FET compressor. Featuring custom-built Midas transformers and premium 12AX7/ECC83S and 12AT7/6072 tubes, it delivers rich analog warmth and precise dynamic control for vocals, instruments, and mix bus applications. Housed in a sturdy 2U rackmount chassis, the 676 offers professional-grade performance at an accessible price, ideal for studios, live sound, and portable setups.
Timeless Analog Sound
Modeled after the legendary 6176, the 676’s preamp section uses high-quality vacuum tubes to add harmonic richness and depth, praised by engineers for artists like Norah Jones and John Mayer. Custom Midas transformers ensure pristine signal integrity, while a 2-band shelving EQ (70/100/200 Hz low, 4.5/7/10 kHz high) provides flexible tonal shaping. With selectable input impedance and a switchable -15 dB pad, it accommodates a wide range of microphones and instruments.
Effortless Dynamic Control
The FET compressor, inspired by the UREI 1176, offers ultra-fast attack (20-800 μs) and adjustable release (50-1100 ms) for precise transient control, from smooth vocal leveling to aggressive drum snap. Selectable ratios (1:1 to >100:1) and a vintage-style VU meter for gain reduction and output levels make it intuitive and versatile. The Split/Join switch allows independent or combined operation of the preamp and compressor, enhancing workflow flexibility.
Road-Ready Design
Built for durability, the 676 features transformer-balanced XLR inputs/outputs, a universal auto-ranging power supply (100-240V), and a compact 2U chassis weighing just 7.71 lbs. Additional controls like polarity reverse, 48V phantom power, and comprehensive metering ensure seamless integration into any professional or home studio, with portability for live sound applications.
Key Features of the Behringer 676
- Classic 6176-inspired tube preamp with 12AX7/ECC83S and 12AT7/6072 tubes
- 1176-style FET compressor with ultra-fast attack (20-800 μs) and adjustable release (50-1100 ms)
- Custom Midas transformers for superior signal clarity and harmonic detail
- 2-band shelving EQ (70/100/200 Hz low, 4.5/7/10 kHz high, ±9 dB)
- Selectable input impedance (mic: 500 Ω/2 kΩ, Hi-Z: 47 kΩ/2.2 MΩ)
- Switchable -15 dB pad, polarity reverse, and 48V phantom power
- Split/Join switch for independent or combined preamp/compressor operation
- Vintage-style VU meter for preamp output, gain reduction, or compressor output
- Rugged 2U rackmount chassis with transformer-balanced XLR connectors
- 3-year warranty, auto-ranging power supply (100-240V)
Technical Specifications
- Mic Input:
- Type: XLR, transformer-balanced
- Impedance: 500 Ω / 2 kΩ
- Max Input Level: +14 dBu (pad in), -1 dB (pad out)
- CMRR: Typically -90 dBu @ 1 kHz, max gain
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±1 dB)
- EIN Noise (Max Gain): -122 dBu (22 Hz-22 kHz, unweighted)
- THD+N: <0.25% (50 Hz-20 kHz, +4 dBu output)
- Max Gain: +64 dB
- Pad: 0 dB / -15 dB
- Phantom Power: +48V
- Line Input:
- Type: XLR, transformer-balanced
- Impedance: 15 kΩ
- Max Input Level: +30 dBu
- CMRR: Typically -80 dBu @ 1 kHz, unity gain
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±1 dB)
- Noise (Unity Gain): -79 dBu (22 Hz-22 kHz, unweighted)
- THD+N: <0.25% (50 Hz-20 kHz, +4 dBu output)
- Max Gain: +20 dB
- Hi-Z Input:
- Type: 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS jack, unbalanced
- Impedance: 47 kΩ / 2.2 MΩ
- Max Input Level: +12 dBu
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±1 dB)
- EIN Noise (Max Gain): -105 dBu (22 Hz-22 kHz, unweighted)
- THD+N: <0.25% (50 Hz-20 kHz, +4 dBu output)
- Max Gain: +44 dB
- Preamplifier Output:
- Type: XLR, transformer-balanced
- Impedance: 90 Ω balanced
- Max Output Level: +21 dBu
- Compressor:
- Type: XLR, transformer-balanced
- Impedance: 15 kΩ / 600 Ω
- Max Input Level: +30 dBu
- Max Output Level: +26 dBu
- Attack: 20 μs to 800 μs
- Release: 50 ms to 1.1 s
- Ratio: 1:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, >100:1 (All)
- Max Gain: +40 dB
- THD+N: <0.25% (50 Hz-20 kHz, +4 dBu output)
- Noise (Unity Gain): -85 dBu (22 Hz-22 kHz, unweighted)
- Equalizer:
- Low Frequency: 70 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz (shelving)
- High Frequency: 4.5 kHz, 7 kHz, 10 kHz (shelving)
- Cut/Boost: ±1.5, ±3, ±4.5, ±6, ±9 dB
- VU Meter: -20 dB to +3 dB (0 VU = +4 dBu)
- Power: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 28W max, T 1.6 A H 250 V fuse
- Dimensions: 88 mm H x 483 mm W x 160 mm D (3.47" x 19" x 6.30")
- Weight: 3.50 kg (7.71 lbs)
Reviews and Sentiment
The Behringer 676 has sparked debate for its close resemblance to the Universal Audio 6176, with an MSRP of $469-$619 compared to the 6176’s higher cost. Users praise its vocal performance with high-end mics (e.g., Brauner Valvet), noting punchy, characterful sound and effective EQ for quick tracking adjustments. The tube stage adds subtle midrange warmth, though some question the quality of Midas transformers, suspecting they’re Chinese-made rather than vintage designs. Critics argue it lacks the nuance of the 6176 due to cost-cutting components, but for budget-conscious producers, its analog warmth and 1176-style compression are compelling. Gearspace discussions highlight its solid build and value, with some users eager to blind-test it against the original.
