Warm Audio WA-1B
Product information "Warm Audio WA-1B"
Optical all-valve compressor with output transformers
The WA-1B is an accurate reproduction of a world-class Scandinavian compressor, combining gentle valve-optical warmth with precise control. Like the original, favoured by producers and engineers from Chris Lord‑Alge to Rick Rubin, the WA-1B delivers the sought-after "forgiving" compression of the valve-optical circuit with the speed and control more commonly associated with modern dynamics processors. The WA-1B is hand-wired to faithfully recreate the original circuit. The combination of large-core Lundahl Sweden transformers, selected tubes from JJ and Tung‑Sol and a top-quality opto-coupler guarantees an ultra-fast and precise sound without sacrificing authentic analogue warmth.
- 1-channel opto-coupler based all-valve compressor with output transformers
- Accurate reproduction of a world-class Scandinavian compressor
- Gentle warmth from opto-coupler based valve compression combined with precise control
- Authentic 270 Volt, 100% discrete analogue signal path - hand-wired with through-hole components
- Transformer-balanced, fully floating inputs and outputs - large transformers with special cores from Lundahl in Sweden
- 12AX7 (Tung‑Sol) & JJ 12AU7 valves
- Frequency response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz
- Self-noise: < -75 dBU @ 30 dB gain
- CMRR: > 60 dB @ 10 kHz
- Compression ratio from 2:1 to 10:1
- Variable threshold: Off to -40 dBU
- Continuously variable attack and release times: fast to slow
- Output gain: Off to +30 dBU
- Balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs
- Input impedance: 600 Ω
- Two bus connectors for connecting multiple sidechains
- Meter (VU) for input, output or amount of compression
- Linear, low-noise power supply with toroidal transformer
- Weight: 3.9 kg
- Dimensions: 48.3 x 18.4 x 8.9 cm
- Bypass: Switchable
- Compressor: Yes
- Dimensions: 483x184x89mm
- Displays: Analog VU Meter
- Number of channels: 1
- Subcategory: Rack Enclosure
- Type: Optical all-tube compressor with output transformers
The high-end garage outfit Warm Audio set out to preserve the legacy of vintage audio gear and microphones for future generations. Their credo is refreshingly simple: they build sonically excellent recording equipment that remains affordable for hobby musicians and audio engineers. Since the company was founded in 2011, owner and CEO Bryce Young has assembled a team of audio experts who together bring well over 50 years of experience in manufacturing, production, marketing and the distribution of pro-audio gear.
