First Listen: Warm Audio WA-1B Compressor

Warm Audio has really been making waves this year, thanks to its stunning Ampex preamp reproductions and top-notch pedals like the ODD Box V1 and Mutation Phasor II. But hold onto your seats because the Austin, Texas-based company is wrapping up 2023 with an absolute banger. Here comes the WA-1B compressor.

The WA-1B is an all-tube transformer-balanced optical compressor that replicates the magic of the Tube-Tech CL 1B. First released in 1991, the CL 1B has since become an indispensable tool for engineers working in pop, hip-hop, R&B, and beyond. The compressor is known for its warm, smooth, and transparent sound.

To accurately deliver the magic of the CL 1B, Warm Audio has done its due diligence to match the compressor's classic controls. The WA-1B features the same variable threshold and infinite 2:1 - 10:1 ratios as the original. Regarding the WA-1B's Attack/Release controls, engineers can choose between a fixed setting, manual (variable) setting, or combined setting.

In terms of its internal composition, the WA-1B proudly features a 260V circuit and 100% discrete analog signal path. The compressor also incorporates custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden and high-powered vacuum tubes sourced from JJ and Tung-Sol.

For our First Listen of the new Warm Audio WA-1B, we wanted to put it to the test against the Tube-Tech CL 1B. Watch below to hear a shootout featuring both compressors on a number of sources, including vocals (Claire Maisto, Jarrel Pierson, Anna Mae), electric guitar (Kevin Schuck), bass (Anthony Vaticalos), drums (Jason Hall), mandolin, dobro, and acoustic guitar (Michael Westbrook).