Relab 176 is a compressor/limiter plugin that models the entire audio circuit of a vintage 1960s hardware unit, including its tube stages, transformers and timing networks.
Relab 176 at a glance
| Developer | Relab Development |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / Compressor |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.15 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Copy protection | iLok |
| RAM | 8 GB or more |
| Hosts named by the developer | Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €147.76 (regular €197.34) |
What Relab 176 does
The plugin follows the original fixed-threshold, variable-gain design, so the ratio, drive and source material interact instead of being set independently. A Stage Coupling switch selects between a transformer path, described as sub-millisecond attack, and a resistor path, described as a vintage thump.
Sidechain Polarity changes how the detector responds to the signal, letting transient control be targeted to one polarity. Calibration shifts the internal tube bias balance, and an advanced controls panel is opened by clicking the Relab logo to reach three bias and level tuning controls.
Key features
- Fixed-threshold knee behavior. Ratio-driven knee behavior follows the original fixed-threshold design, so compression curve changes with ratio and drive settings.
- Stage coupling switch. The Stage Coupling switch changes between the transformer path and the resistor path, each with its own attack character.
- Polarity-selective detection. The Sidechain Polarity control changes how the detector responds to the incoming signal.
- Calibration and bias. Calibration shifts the internal tube bias balance, adjusting threshold and harmonics as a single move.
- Advanced bias and level tuning. Clicking the Relab logo opens advanced controls, three in total, for bias and level tuning.
Compatibility
Relab 176 is available as VST3, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS, with a minimum of macOS 10.15 or Windows 10, native Apple Silicon support, and iLok copy protection; the developer names Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo and Reaper as hosts.
Plugins similar to Relab 176
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relab 176 | Relab Development | Compressor | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €147.76 (regular €197.34) |
| Tube 176 | Antelope Audio | Compressor | Windows, macOS | €167.59 | |
| UA 175B & 176 Tube Compressor Collection | Universal Audio | Compressor | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €30.74 (regular €147.76) |
| Open Compressor | Woodstock Audio | Compressor | Windows, macOS | €105.11 | |
| Lookahead Compressor | Harrison Consoles | Compressor | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS, Linux | €52.56 |
Price and availability
Relab 176 was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €147.76, reduced from €197.34. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Relab 176 FAQ
Is there a working serial key or keygen for Relab 176?
A working serial key is the string most often typed alongside the plugin name, and the release is commonly paired with a keygen and a patch.