Cali76
Stacked Compressor
OWNER’S MANUAL
Safety Notices:
General Information:
This document contains important information for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other guidance. Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development.
They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is available on our website https://origineffects.com/manuals/
Keep these instructions and heed all warnings. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
NOTICE!
Damage may be caused to the device should it be tampered with!
No user-serviceable parts inside. In the event of damage to the unit, service or repair must be done by qualified service personnel only.
Symbols and signal words:
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.
Signal Word | Meaning |
DANGER! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a dangerous situation that could result in serious injury or even death if it is not avoided. |
WARNING! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a potentially dangerous situation that could result in serious injury or even death if it is not avoided. |
NOTICE! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a potentially dangerous situation that could result in material and/or environmental damage if it is not avoided. |
Warning Symbol | Meaning |
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Warning – dangerous situation |
Safety Instructions:
Intended use:
This device is intended for use as effects pedal for sound processing of signals from musical instruments with electromagnetic pickups. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
Safety:
DANGER!
Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Never allow children to play with packaging material or the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such as knobs, rubber feet) that children could play with.
WARNING!
Possible hearing damage due to high volumes on speakers, headphones, bass & guitar amplifiers!
With loudspeakers or headphones connected, the device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Do not operate the device permanently at a high volume level. Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing impairment and seek medical advice.
NOTICE!
Damage to device if powered incorrectly!
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >200mA power supply with 2.1mm centrenegative barrel connector. Use of an incorrectly rated power supply could result in damage to the pedal and the power supply.
NOTICE!
Possible staining due from rubber feet!
The plasticiser used in the manufacture of the rubber feet on this product may react with floor coatings and result in permanent dark stains after some time. If necessary, use a suitable mat to prevent direct contact between the device’s rubber feet and the floor.
Introducing the Cali76 Stacked Compressor:
The Cali76 Stacked Compressor is a dual-stage compressor pedal, using two compressor circuits cascaded in series for the ultimate compressed guitar tone. Representing the latest evolution of our world-renowned Cali76 circuit, the Cali76 Stacked Compressor gives you super-squashed cleans, singing slide tones, and endlessly sustaining leads without having to reach for an overdrive pedal.
Inspired by the iconic Urei® 1176® , this pedal combines studio-grade fidelity and control with enough compression to totally transform your tone. The Cali76 Stacked Compressor encourages you to use compression as a creative effiect, not just a tool.
Key Features:
- Dual-stage design for maximum compression
- All-analogue signal path
- Independent controls for each stage
- Huge range of compressed tones from subtle to over-the-top
- Dry level control for parallel compression
- Individual LED gain reduction indicators for each compressor
- Voltage increased internally to 24V for high headroom
- High-quality buffered bypass
- Premium components throughout
- Designed and built in England
Connecting the Cali76 Stacked Compressor:
9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum 200mA). Voltage is increased internally for additional headroom.
NOTICE!
Damage to device if powered incorrectly!
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >200mA power supply with 2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector. Use of an incorrectly rated power supply could result in damage to the pedal and the power supply.
INSTR: Connect to your guitar or other instrument.
AMP: Connect to your amplifier or other e ects pedals.
Controls:
IN: This control sets the level into the first compression stage. Higher settings result in more compression, as more signal is pushed over the fixed threshold. The LED on the right will indicate when the first stage is compressing. Increasing the IN control will also make the signal louder, so this should be balanced with the THRU and OUT controls.
NOTE: Each compression stage has a fixed ratio of 4:1
OUT: This control determines the level of the compressed signal present at the pedal’s output. This control may need to be increased or decreased when adjusting the IN and THRU knobs. For most predictable results, compare your compressed signal to the bypass tone and adjust the OUT knob so that the levels match.
DRY: This control varies the amount of dry, uncompressed signal present at the pedal’s output, mixing the dry signal in parallel with the compressed signal. Adding some uncompressed signal in parallel can restore some natural dynamics and clarity to heavily compressed sounds. Unity gain can be found at approximately 2 o’clock on the DRY knob, while turning this control fully clockwise will boost the signal by 9dB.
NOTE: The DRY control and OUT control are separate level controls, so you will need to decrease the OUT control as you increase the DRY control to maintain the same overall volume.
ATT/REL 1: This control sets the attack and release characteristics of the first compression stage. Fully counterclockwise, the compressor has a fast attack and slow release, reducing pick attack and increasing sustain for smooth, even dynamics. Turned fully clockwise, this controls sets a slow attack and fast release. Pick attack will be exaggerated and the compressor can recover between notes, creating a percussive and lively response.
THRU: This control sets the level of the signal fed from the output of the first compression stage to the input of the second compression stage. This determines how much compression is applied by the second compression stage. Turn clockwise to get more compression from the second stage. For more subtle, singlestage compression sounds, turn the THRU knob fully counterclockwise.
ATT/REL 2: This control sets the attack and release characteristics of the second compression stage. Just like the ATT/REL 1 knob (above), it ranges from a fast attack and slow release (counterclockwise) to a slow attack and fast release (clockwise).
ON / OFF Operation:
Bypass Switch: This switch toggles the pedal on and off. The Cali76 Stacked Compressor uses buffered bypass and electronic switching for low-noise operation. When powered up, the pedal will automatically default to being switched on. This is so it can easily be used with switching systems and rack systems, where pedals need to be left active and may be inaccessible.
NOTE: It is good practice to always turn on your pedalboard first, before turning your amp on or connecting any DI outputs, as some pedals can produce a “pop” noise when powered on.
Noise and Signal Chain Placement:
The Cali76 Stacked Compressor is capable of extreme levels of compression, so we recommend using it at the start of your signal chain. Only pedals that don’t work after buers should go before it, such as vintage fuzz or wah.
Compressors, by their very nature, increase the level of quiet signals and decrease the level of loud signals. So, any background noise coming from before the compressor will be amplified significantly. As such, even a lowgain overdrive could seem noisy if used before the Cali76 Stacked Compressor. And, if you are using a vintage fuzz before your Cali76 Stacked Compressor, it is probably best to turn the compressor off when you turn your fuzz on!
Compressors will also increase the level of hum picked up by single coil pickups. This can be reduced by using more subtle compression settings.
Line Level Signals:
The Cali76 Stacked Compressor can also be used with line level signals. The 9V input voltage is increased internally to 24V, resulting in impressive headroom. This means that the Cali76 Stacked Compressor can be used with keyboards, drum machines and as studio outboard. It can be connected in the insert of a mixing console or used for re-amping tracks in the studio.
Although the pedal has plenty of headroom for dealing with higher signal levels, the circuitry is still primarily designed for use with guitar signals, so it may be necessary to lower the IN control to accommodate line level signals and avoid excessive compression. This will ensure that the right amount of signal is exceeding the fixed threshold, and this can be monitored using the LED gain reduction meters.
Routing Diagram:
The diagram below shows the signal routing within the Cali76 Stacked Compressor.
Sample Settings:
STACKED COMPRESSORS
Two compressors in one pedal! Stage 1 is set for a slow ATTACK and fast RELEASE, providing a snappy, funky tone. Stage 2 is dialled in for fast ATTACK and slow RELEASE, fattening up your whole signal and increasing prominence in the mix.CLEAN OVERDRIVE
This setting gives you all the feel of an overdriven tone without the distortion! Perfect for clean lead playing and slide guitar, this endlessly sustaining tone is smooth and responsive. Your clean tone takes centre stage.PARALLEL COMPRESSION
Get the best of both worlds – heavy compression and natural dynamics. Turn up the DRY knob to add dry signal in parallel with your compressed tone. Pick attack and articulation from the dry signal balance out the fat sustaining tone of two compressors in series.
Appendix A: Physical Specification
Measurement | Unboxed | Boxed |
Weight | 553g (19.5oz) | 661g (23.3oz) |
Length | 124mm (4.8”) | 135mm (5.3”) |
Depth | 64mm (2.5”) | 90mm (3.5”) |
Height | 58mm (2.3”) | 85mm (3.3”) |
Appendix B: Performance Specification
Measurement | Value |
Input impedance | 1M Ω |
Output impedance | 1k Ω |
Current draw | 200mA |
Power supply requirements | 9VDC 2.1mm centre negative connector |
Appendix C: Connector Pin Out
Instrument & Amplifier 1/4” TS Sockets:
Pin | Description |
Tip | Signal |
Sleeve | Ground |
Appendix D: Environmental Information
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The crossed out wheely bin symbol indicates this product is classifi ed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the European Union and should not be discarded with household waste. Other territories may vary. Contact your local authority or Origin Effects for more information. |
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The packing materials for this product are recyclable. Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste. Please refer to the symbols on the packaging for recycling information. Contact your local authority for further guidance on recycle in your region. |
Appendix E: Directives & Regulations
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This product complies with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) directive 2014/30/EU. |
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Origin Effects Ltd has conformed where applicable to European Union’s Directive 2011/65/ EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the following sections of California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10, 25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources Code. |
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This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: |
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Appendix F: Warranty
This product is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorised Origin Effects dealer or directly from Origin Effects.
All returns or servicing should be arranged through the original dealer. Proof of original ownership may be required in the form of a purchase receipt.
For full warranty details visit www.origineffects.com/warranty.
www.origineffects.com
ORIGIN EFFECTS is a trademark of Origin Effects Limited and is a registered trademark in the United States, United Kingdom, China and the EU.
The ORIGIN EFFECTS Totem Device is a trade mark of Origin Effects Limited and is a registered trademark in the United States, United Kingdom and China.
CALI76 is a trademark of Origin Effects Limited and is a registered trademark in the United States and China.
CALI76 STACKED COMPRESSOR is a trademark of Origin Effects Limited.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
1176® is a registered trademark of Universal Audio, Inc. Origin Effects has no affiliation with Universal Audio, Inc.
UREI® is a registered trademark of Harmon International Industries, Inc. Origin Effects has no affiliation with Harmon International Industries, Inc.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the written permission of Origin Effects Limited.
Origin Effects Limited reserves the right to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation. Origin Effects Limited cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in this manual.
© Origin Effects Limited 2025
Origin Effects LTD
Unit 4, Top Angel, Buckingham
Buckinghamshire, MK18 ITH
United Kingdom
Documents / Resources
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ORIGAN EFFECTS Cali76 Stacked Compressor [pdf] Owner's Manual Cali76 Stacked Compressor, Cali76, Stacked Compressor, Compressor |