Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$419.00
Amazon
5.0 (10)
$419.00
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$353.58 New
$370.64 Used
Gear4Music
£299.00

Average Price: $396

High-end/Boutique

$50

$201+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor is your ticket to legendary tone, capturing the essence of classic studio compression in a pedalboard-friendly format. Inspired by the iconic Urei 1176, this compressor offers the ultra-fast FET compression tones that have graced countless records since the 1960s. It's designed for those who crave studio-grade sound without the rack-mounted bulk or price tag.

The Cali76 features all-analog circuitry, ensuring a rich and authentic audio experience. With a full suite of studio-style controls, you can tailor your sound with precision. The pedal includes a Dry Blend control, allowing for parallel compression—a studio technique that combines heavily compressed tones with your natural signal for a perfect mix of sustain and dynamics. This feature is a game-changer, bringing studio tricks right to your pedalboard.

Designed for versatility, the Cali76 boasts a compact brushed stainless-steel enclosure and is built to handle everything from delicate fingerpicking to roaring power chords. Its internally boosted voltage to 24V ensures ample headroom, making it compatible with both traditional guitar pickups and line-level signals. A 10-LED meter provides instant visual feedback, letting you see the compression in action even on the darkest stages.

Key Features:

  • Studio-grade FET compressor in pedal format
  • All-analog signal path inspired by the legendary Urei 1176
  • Full suite of studio-style controls with dedicated Attack/Release and Ratio settings
  • Dry Blend control for parallel compression
  • Internally increased voltage to 24V for high headroom
  • 10-LED gain reduction meter for visual monitoring
  • Compact, brushed stainless-steel enclosure
  • Compatible with electric guitars and line-level signals
  • Designed and built in the UK with premium components

Product specs

Pedal Type FET Compressor
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching High-quality Buffered
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)

FAQs

What type of compression does the Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor provide?

The Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor offers classic FET-style compression, known for its fast response and smooth, musical sound, making it ideal for both studio and live guitar applications.

Is the Origin Effects Cali76 suitable for use with bass guitars?

Yes, the Cali76 FET Compressor is highly effective for bass guitars, providing transparent compression that enhances sustain and punch without sacrificing low-end clarity.

Does the Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor require a specific power supply?

The Cali76 FET Compressor requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It does not operate on batteries.

How does the buffered bypass in the Cali76 affect my signal chain?

The high-quality buffered bypass in the Cali76 maintains signal integrity, especially in longer cable runs, ensuring your tone remains consistent and clear when the pedal is not engaged.

Can the Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor handle high-output pickups?

Yes, the Cali76 is designed to handle a wide range of input levels, making it suitable for use with high-output pickups without distortion or loss of dynamics.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

THE BEST PEDAL COMPRESSOR EVER? ORIGIN CALI 76 FET

Video thumbnail for THE BEST PEDAL COMPRESSOR EVER? ORIGIN CALI 76 FET by Pete Thorn

THE BEST PEDAL COMPRESSOR EVER? ORIGIN CALI 76 FET

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Their BEST Yet? The All New Cali76 FET Compressor by Superdanger Studios

Their BEST Yet? The All New Cali76 FET Compressor

Superdanger Studios

Superdanger Studios

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor.

Features and functionality

  • The Cali76 Stacked Edition allows for dual-stage compression with a thru knob to control the second stage, offering more nuanced compression control.

    Source
  • Running the Stacked Edition at 18v provides increased headroom, enhancing the instrument's tonal clarity and presence.

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  • The Cali76 is noted for its quiet operation, allowing it to be used effectively in different signal chain positions without introducing unwanted noise.

    Source
  • The Cali76's stack knob controls the amount of signal fed into two compressors, while a blend (dry) knob offers additional tonal flexibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Both the Stacked and FET versions share the same circuit; however, the Stacked edition includes an additional layer of compression, allowing for more versatility.

    Source
  • The Cali76 is compared to the Boss CS-3 for having a much lower noise floor, and it's noted for its quality build and substantial weight.

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  • Some users prefer the Empress Bass Compressor over the Cali76 for its transparency, while others find the UAFX 1176 a more affordable alternative offering similar quality.

    Source
  • The JA Bloom is noted as a potential alternative, offering a compressor, 3-band EQ, and boost in one unit, praised for high fidelity and zero noise.

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  • The Cali76 is seen as a significant upgrade over the Mini Ego, providing a more organic and less tone-colored compression.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the FET version easier to use and warmer in tone, preferring it over the Stacked for simplicity and sound quality.

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  • Owners report that the Cali76 can withstand harsh travel conditions, maintaining performance even after extensive international touring.

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  • Users report that the Cali76 consistently delivers excellent tones, even when knobs are adjusted randomly, indicating its forgiving and versatile nature.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Stacked Edition is noted for being particularly heavy and bulky, whereas the FET, though smaller, remains substantial in weight.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Cali76 is praised for handling extra gain from delays and overdrives well, making it suitable for placing after drive pedals in a signal chain.

    Source
  • The Cali76 pairs exceptionally well with the King of Tone pedal, enhancing the overall sound quality without over-coloring the tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Origin Effects Cali76 FET Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor is a stellar update to a beloved classic, delivering richer tones and enhanced headroom that breathe life into your sound. Its 10-LED gain reduction meter is a game-changer for visual feedback, making it easier to dial in the perfect settings. However, at $369, it comes with a hefty price tag, and new users may struggle with its complex controls. Still, for those looking to elevate their audio game, the Cali76 FET is a worthwhile investment that offers an organic and responsive sound, striking a balance between studio and stage performance.

positive

Origin Effects Cali76 FET & Cali76 Bass

soundonsound.com

The Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor delivers studio-quality compression in a compact format, retaining the smooth, transparent sound reminiscent of its larger predecessors. With a solid build and versatile controls, it excels in various applications, from guitar to vocal processing. However, its lack of a dedicated threshold control and limited range at lower input settings may frustrate some users. Overall, it proves to be an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality compression without compromising on pedalboard space.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Loomis uses Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor

Jeff Loomis

Guitarist, Composer

Arch Enemy

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in the pedal’s marketing material

See how Jeff Matz uses Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor

Jeff Matz

Bassist

High On Fire

...
Verified via Photo

Jeff Matz is featured in the marketing materials as an endorser of the Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor.

See how Emily Wolfe uses Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor

Emily Wolfe

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In Origin Effect's marketing materials, Emily Wolfe is quoted saying the following about the Cali76 FET Compressor pedal:

I just plugged in the new Cali76 and it’s incredible. I didn’t know this pedal could get any better from the last version but it’s truly one of my favorites. It’s first in my signal chain… honestly the best compressor pedal on the market.

See how Seal uses Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor

Seal

Music Producer

Seal & Jeff Beck

...
Verified via Photo

Seal uses the Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor. On Origin's website, Seal is quoted as saying, "The Cali76 is what changed my mind about pedalboard compression. I’m so glad to have the MK2 as the visual confirmation meter makes all the difference."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Origin Effects Cali76 FET Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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diamondhead27

diamondhead27

Gear IQ 287

diamondhead27

diamondhead27

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diamondhead27

diamondhead27

Gear IQ 287

modvibe

modvibe

Gear IQ 135

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similar sound

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42255