ng78
NEXT GENERATION STEREO FET COMPRESSOR
Fully analog stereo FET compressor with digital recall
ng78
Fully analog Stereo FET Compressor with digital recall
FET compressors have long shaped the character and dynamics of recordings in professional studios. The ng78 continues this tradition with a two-channel, fully analog design featuring digital recall. Each channel offers an extended attack time of up to 20 ms, enabling precise transient control while
preserving the signature speed and punch of FET compression. The newly added 2:1 ratio delivers subtle, musical compression. Introducing the ng78 – a blend of classic FET sound and modern versatility, providing full control across two channels.
Package contents
| Device | x 1 |
| Power cable | x 1 |
| USB B cable | x 1 |
Main Features
ng78 fully analog stereo FET compressor with digital recall.
ANALOG SOUND, DIGITAL CONTROL
True ANALOG sound with extremely convenient control!
100% Analog Stereo FET Compressor
The ng78 features a fully analog signal path designed to maintain the integrity of your source material. Every nuance, from subtle low-end thump to the brightest high frequencies, is preserved, delivering the unmistakable punch, depth, and character that only true FET compression can achieve.
Extended Attack Range
With a wide attack window of up to 20 ms, the ng78 lets you shape transients with precision. Whether you want sharp, aggressive hits for drums or a smoother, more natural response for vocals and instruments, the unit adapts seamlessly to your material, giving you full expressive control.
MIX Knob for Parallel Compression
A dedicated MIX knob allows you to combine the compressed and dry signals in real time. This makes it easy to retain the natural dynamics of your performance while applying just the right amount of compression, eliminating the need for complex routing or parallel setups.
Versatile Compression Ratios
The ng78 offers five carefully calibrated compression ratios, from subtle glue at 2:1 to classic limiting at 20:1. Each ratio is optimized to respond musically to the source, allowing you to add cohesive control or intense limiting character without sacrificing tonal quality.
Saturation Mode
The ng78 features a special mode where static compression is engaged to create sonics based on the FET circuit. A single knob controls the INPUT and OUTPUT in opposite directions, allowing the unit to function as a saturation box or clipper. The harder you drive the signal into the compression and saturation circuit, the more sonic content and harmonic richness you generate.
Sidechain EQ Sections
Features a sophisticated sidechain circuit EQ with two independent sections:
- High-pass filter (HPF) at 60Hz, 90Hz, and 150Hz to preserve low-end information during compression.
- High shelf filter at 2kHz, 5kHz, and 10kHz to tame high frequencies and emphasize high/mid-range content for more control over the top end.
Hardware A/B Button to Compare Two Independent Settings
Even when using the ng78 as a fully analog signal processor, you can effortlessly switch between two parallel settings with the push of a simple button, providing seamless control and flexibility.
USB or Ethernet Connectivity
The ng78 supports direct USB connection for easy setup, or you can manage it over your local network by simply plugging an Ethernet cable into your router, allowing for flexible control and integration.
Gain Reduction, Input and Output Metering
- The ng78 features the classic Vintage Gain Reduction meter, instantly recognizable for its timeless design.
- For enhanced usability, it also provides precise visualization of both input and output levels simultaneously.
Total Recall and Plugin Control
Seamless DAW/live plug-in integration for effortless recall and enhanced workflow efficiency.
Main Features Summary:
APP FOR MAC AND PC
Digital control features for fully analog units.
Specification
ng78 specification
| Attack Time | 20us – 20ms |
| Release Time | 50ms – 1100ms |
| Compression Ratio | 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1 (all possible combinations) |
| SC High Pass Filter | 60,90,150Hz |
| SC High Shelf Filter | 2kHz, 5kHz, 10kHz |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohm |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (+/- 1dB) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio SNR | SNR >83dB |
| Max Signal Level | +24dBu |
| THD+N MIN | 0.2% |
| Noise Floor | -95dBu |
| Power Consumption | 14W |
| Unit Dimensions | 88x483x235mm |
| Box Dimensions | 580x420x320mm |
| Unit Weight | 7 kgs |
| Box Weight | 8 kgs |
| Balanced Output and Input | |
| Case Rack | 2U |
| Warranty | 2 years |
User Manual
Download ng78 User Manual
I like the WesAudio stuff mainly for how it sounds.
Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ariana Grande, ZZ Top, Justin Bieber
This is technology that I’ve been waiting for a long time. It’s taken this long…it’s taken Wes Audio to be the ones to have seamlessly made this digital control work well. Wes Audio has created an analog compressor that sounds amazing and has the flexibility of any great stereo analog box
Beyoncé, Mariah Carey,James Brown, Lady Gaga, Notorious BIG, Black Eyed Peas,R. Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, Puff Daddy, Tupac Shakur, and many others
WesAudio nailed it with ngBusComp. It's been on my mix bus since the first time I tried it. After A/B'ing it with the original quad VCA unit, I was honestly blown away by how much better it is.
Beyonce, Jay-Z, Fka Twigs, and more.
I did a lot of a/b with my other SSL clones and plugins. I find that ngBusComp sounds better than all of them.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Multi-platinium “Driver’s License”, Carlie Rae Jepsen, Niko Rubio, Giorgio Moroder, Lady Gaga, Lost Kings, Melanie Martinez, LP, Bebe Rexha and more….
The ability to control an analog compressor from within the DAW has become a valuable feature to my workflow. The Dione is a great sounding unit and is a perfect example of where the future of pro audio is heading.
Gold & Platinum award producer
_MIMAS is as good as my other 1176 in the rack…I love this technology.
The diones are so very good. It’s such a flexible all purpose compressor. I haven’t found anything it doesn’t do well. Parallel compression on drum bus, compressing multiple keyboards in order to level them all out etc… they are sonically rich sounding, and the distortion modes sound fantastic.
I had several SSL type compressors in the years and for me there’s zero doubt, the WesAudio _Dione is by far the best in that category. _Dione never left my 2bus since the day I got it.
These days it’s really easy to excited about all of the technology we have access to. Which is also another the reason why I do my best to try and spot what really shines in this industry. To me, Wesaudio has something really special going on. Not only are the analog components up to snuff…but I believe they have the potential to be the leaders of the 500 series format. They have the analog/digital hybrid down to a refined science without the need of middle hardware. But most importantly, their stuff simply sounds great!
_MIMAS – This first enhanced 500-series module from Wes Audio is both convenient and impressive: it provides an updated version of the classic 1176 compressor, but with full remote-control facilities via a VST 3/AAX plug-in.
_DIONE – A well thought-out interpretation of the classic SSL bus compressor design that genuinely brings something new to the table.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ng76 implements two different revisions due to the selectable input mode:
VINTAGE – Revision F (transformer balanced input).
MODERN – Revision G (electronically balanced input).
There is no need to uninstall the WesAudio application before installing a new release. The update process will seamlessly overwrite the existing version.
If the module doesn’t react to any changes to the knobs on the front panel, the first necessary step is to rewrite firmware into the flash memory (Factory reset procedure re-writes firmware into internal flash memory – it doesn’t affect anyhow unit configuration). To proceed with factory reset, please follow below steps:
- Connect unit either:
- Through front panel USB socket,
- Or keep the unit in ng500 chassis – _TITAN, but please note that chassis has to be connected to the PC/MAC either via USB or Ethernet cable.
- POWER OFF your 500 series chassis.
- Depends on the product please press following front panel control:
- _MIMAS – RATIO button,
- _DIONE – RATIO button,
- _RHEA – THD button,
- _PROMETHEUS – HIGH CUT encoder (top-right encoder),
- _HYPERION – LMF GAIN encoder,
- _CALYPSO – MENU encoder,
- _PANDORA – HIGH SC FILTER (right button).
- While keeping this control (button/encoder) pressed, POWER ON your 500 series chassis.
- LEDs should present a strange pattern.
- Now open GConManager:
- WIN: C:/Program Files (x86)/WesAudio/GConManager.exe
- MAC: /Applications/WesAudio/GConManager.app
- Or click on the WesAudio “Tray” icon, and select “Open GConManager”
- Go to _UPGRADE application.
- Hit start!
If the module doesn’t react to any changes to the knobs on the front panel, the first necessary step is to rewrite firmware into the flash memory (Factory reset procedure re-writes firmware into internal flash memory – it doesn’t affect anyhow unit configuration). To proceed with factory reset, please follow below steps:
- Connect the unit to either USB or Ethernet.
- POWER OFF your unit.
- Depends on the product please press following front panel control:
- ngBusComp – far left Ratio on Channel 1 (Ratio “-”),
- _TITAN – any LINK button between slot connectors,
- ngTubeEQ – THD encoder on Channel 1,
- ngTubeComp – Saturation encoder on Channel 1,
- ng76 – “IN MODE” button,
- ngLEVELER – use a small screwdriver and press button available on the rear panel via a small hole in the chassis.
- While keeping this control (button/encoder) pressed, POWER ON your unit.
- LEDs should present a strange pattern.
- Now open GConManager:
- WIN: C:/Program Files (x86)/WesAudio/GConManager.exe
- MAC: /Applications/WesAudio/GConManager.app
- Or click on the WesAudio “Tray” icon, and select “Open GConManager”
- Go to _UPGRADE application.
- Hit start!
This is a very common issue and in most cases the root cause lies in the connection of the unit and audio interface. If that happens it should be checked if audio interface input isn’t connected to the chassis input and if audio interface output isn’t connected to chassis output. As this initially would seem to be entirely wrong and shouldn’t work at all, as all our units implement “True Bypass” via relays, the unit will pass a signal when the bypass is engaged. The reason for that is that the relay is in fact hard wiring input to the output, and thus the unit will pass the signal, as it doesn’t go through any active circuit of the unit.
This is actually how it is supposed to work, so after the plug-in instance is created, please use a small triangle button which usually is on the bottom side of the plug-in and select proper HW ID from the drop down menu. If the drop down menu doesn’t list any hardware units, please check Your connectivity and other possible root causes in this FAQ.
This is a wide topic, and there may be at least several root causes, but there are few things that should be checked. However, the first and most important thing is to double check that GConManager doesn’t list this device in the _CONFIG app. If this is the case, it means that WesAudio unit can’t connect on the OS level, and some of the below steps may help:
- First of all double check if module connection is properly executed, this procedure is described here.
- USB specification indicates that USB 2.0 works up to 5 meters. This is however not entirely true, as it strongly depends on the peripherals that unit is connected to. Even if our modules are USB 2.0 compatible, your USB port could support USB 3.0 – USB is a backward compatible protocol, so it may be that USB 3.0 cable length limit should be considered which is 2 meters. We would recommend having a USB cable up to 2 meters to remove those limitations from the equation.
- USB HUB is very common root cause to those problems, if module can’t connect via HUB – just for the sake of the test, it is mandatory to connect unit directly to PC/MAC to verify if the problem isn’t caused by it.
- Please note any system warnings attached to “WesAudio Tray Icon”.
As USB controllers have limited capacity it could be a reason for random unit disconnection. Usually, it happens when a lot of USB devices are plugged into the PC/MAC. The usual behavior would be that the unit works normally, and after reboot it doesn’t, but it strongly depends on the OS implementation so exact reaction could be a little bit different. If this is suspected, just for the test, it would be good to disconnect most of the devices from the USB ports, reboot PC/MAC and double check the connectivity from stability point of view. If it leads to the conclusion that this is the root cause of the problem, we would recommend using a decent USB hub, and ideally a TB/USB dock station which tends to offload a lot of responsibilities from our PC/MAC.
If the unit was working fine, and suddenly it couldn’t connect (it is not visible in the GConManager _CONFIG app) that could lead to the conclusion that some devices were added to our USB line, and we could have problems with the USB controller inside PC/MAC. In that case please check the description in the above “Unit disconnects by itself”.
GConManager in Admin mode enables special functionalities which are used during WesAudio units calibration.
Starting from GCon 15, Admin mode can be activated through the GCon Manager app:
- Open the GCon Manager app.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Click the padlock icon to unlock the settings.
- Check the Admin Mode box to enable it.
Alternatively, Admin mode can be activated by following these instructions:
OSX:
- Please open terminal.
- Copy-Paste following command:
open /Applications/WesAudio/GConManager.app --args --admin
WINDOWS:
- Go to “START” and open “Command Line”.
- copy paste this command:
"c:\Program Files (x86)\WesAudio\GConManager.exe" --admin
