The Warm Audio WA-1B is a tube compressor. The compressor accurately mimics world-class Scandinavian tube compression, combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision control. Like its original inspiration, beloved by producers and engineers from Chris Lord-Alge to Rick Rubin, the WA-1B delivers that prized "forgiving" musical compression of tube-optical circuits with speed and control more commonly associated with modern dynamic processing. Hand-wired to authentically mimic the sound of a familiar circuit, the WA-1B combines custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden, selected tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol, and a high-quality optical element for ultra-fast and precise operation without compromising authentic analog warmth.
To provide comprehensive dynamic processing, the WA-1B provides all the classic, comprehensive controls of the original inspiration, including infinite 2:1 - 10:1 ratios, variable threshold, fixed/manual/combined attack and release - giving the user maximum control. From soft musical dynamic control to powerful high-impact compression.
Read moreAttack and Release:
These controls on the WA-1B are unique in that the attack and release times can be switched between a fixed setting, a manual (variable) setting, or a combined setting. In the "fixed" mode, the WA-1B provides the natural attack and release time of the optical element. In particular, the combined setting allows for a more nuanced delay time curve. This dual-time-constant switching operation is a special feature of the WA-1B and its original inspiration.
Meter Switch:
The WA-1B's meter switch has three settings: input, compression and exhaust level. Set to "input," the VU meter displays the level at the input jack. Set to "compression," the VU meter reads the gain reduction. The rest state is "0," and the amount of compression is displayed as the needle moves from right to left, away from 0 dB. Set to "output," the VU meter displays the level of output.
The WA-1B is a 270V circuit with hand-wired through-hole circuits and a 100% discrete analog signal path. Custom-made large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden bring the full Scandinavian analog sound of the WA-1B circuit to life. Combined with selected tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol, the high-quality optical element applies sweet analog heat to audio pulses with unparalleled accuracy.
Like all Warm Audio equipment, the WA-1B is meticulously hand tested and inspected by trained engineers with a passion for music making in Austin, Texas, USA.
Specifications:
- Tube compressor
- 100% discrete circuitry
- Custom-core Landahl transformers
- 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
- Threshold to -40 dBu
- Variable attack and release
- Output gain up to +30 dBu
- Input impedance: 600 Ohm
- two sidechain inputs
- Meter VU: input, output, compression
