Warm Audio WA-1B Tube Optical Compressor

The Warm Audio WA-1B Tube Optical Compressor is a pound-for-pound recreation of an all-time classic tube compressor by way of Scandinavia. Loaded with premium hand-wired components including authentic Lundahl large-core transformers, the WA-1B offers the classic “forgiving” compression tone that made the original unit a go-to for everyone from Rick Rubin to Adele, along with some modern tweaks for greater control and precision.

NATURAL, SCANDINAVIAN-STYLE COMPRESSION

Just like its inspiration, the WA-1B sports a true-to-spec 270 volt circuit and a 100% discrete analog signal path. The Lundahl transformers at the heart of the unit work together with carefully selected vacuum tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol to produce an analog and, well, warm compression tone that always sits perfectly in the mix. But if you want to take your sound from light and natural to squashed and in-your-face, the WA-1B can do just that without sacrificing audio quality or clarity.

CLASSIC CONTROLS WITH MODERN PRECISION

The WA-1B sports the same control layout as the original unit along with a high-precision optical element for greater accuracy and faster response. The variable threshold and infinite 2:1-10:1 ratios work together to deliver a vast range of compression profiles, while the fixed/manual/combined toggle for the Attack and Release controls lets you enjoy the optical element’s natural attack/release times or fine-tune your curves to perfection. The Meter control lets you check your input, output, and compression signals at the flip of a switch, and the Bypass switch hard-stops any signal from passing through the circuit for a completely uncolored output.

AUTHENTIC AND AFFORDABLE ANALOG COMPRESSION

Designed with premium components and hand-tested in Austin, Texas, the Warm Audio WA-1B offers authentic sound at an affordable price.

FEATURES:

• Accurately recreation of world-class Scandinavian compression combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls
• True-to-spec 270 volt, 100% discrete analog signal path - handwired with through-hole components
• Transformer-balanced fully floating input and output - Custom-core large transformers from Scandinavian Manufacturer, Lundahl in Sweden
• 12AX7 Tung-Sol & JJ 12AU7 tubes
• Frequency response @-3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz
• Self-Noise: < -75 dBU @30 dB gain
• CMRR: > 60 dB @10 kHz
• Ratio from 2:1 to 10:1
• Variable Threshold: Off to -40 dBU
• Continuously variable, fixed, or fixed/manual attack and release times
• Output gain: Off to +30 dBU
• Input impedance: 600Ω
• Two bus connectors to connect multiple sidechains
• Meter (VU) input, output, or compression amount
• Linear, low-noise power supply with toroidal power transformer