WARM AUDIO WA-1B

All-Tube, Transformer-Balanced Optical Compressor The Warm Audio WA-1B is a faithful reproduction of the prestigious Scandinavian compressor, which combines the warmth of valve-optical saturation with extremely precise controls. Just like the original unit, loved by manufacturers such as Chris Lord-Alge and Rick Rubin, the WA-1B offers that renowned “musical compression” typical of optical tube circuitry, but with the speed and control typical of modern dynamic processing. The WA-1B is built by hand to obtain the authentic sound of these famous electronic circuits and combines customized transformers from Sweden (Lundahl), carefully selected valves and a high-precision optical element for fast and precise operation without sacrificing the warmth of analog sound.Main featuresOptical-tube sound with advanced controls: The WA-1B offers that famous “permissive musical compression” with additional speed and control options and excels especially on highly dynamics that require the characteristic warmth of the analog.Controls faithful to the original: To offer extended dynamic processing, the WA-1B maintains all the classic controls of modern and classical inspiration.Threshold: The WA-1B supports a variable threshold, giving the user maximum control over the amount of compression applied at different input levels.Ratio: the ratio of the WA-1B is variable and allows an infinite range of adjustments between 2:1 and 10:1, offering both a soft and a more aggressive compression.Attack and release: I The WA-1B's Attach/Release controls have a unique option: you can choose between a fixed, manual (variable) setting, or a combination of the two. In 'fixed' mode, the WA-1B offers the natural attack and release time of the optical element. The combined mode, in particular, allows for a more nuanced release curve. This operation with variable time constants is a special feature of the WA-1B and the original unit.Meter switch: The WA-1B meter switch offers three options: 'input', 'compression' and 'output'. When set to 'input', the VU meter indicates the level of the input signal. In “compression” mode, the VU meter signals the reduction in gain. The “0" represents the stable level, and the degree of compression is indicated by the movement of the needle. By setting the switch to 'Output', the VU meter monitors the signal output level. ON/Bypass: The On/Bypass switch activates or deactivates the WA-1B's compressor. This is a total bypass, meaning that in this mode, no signal passes through the circuitry. High-quality components: The WA-1B is equipped with a 270V circuit with hand-wired components in “through-hole” technology, and a 100% completely discrete analog signal path. Custom and carefully selected transformers from Sweden (Lundahl) give the WA-1B circuit its characteristic Scandinavian analog tone. Coupled with selected JJ and Tung-Sol tubes, the high-precision optical element brings a pleasant warm saturation to the audio signal with unparalleled precision. Hand Tested in Austin, TX: Like all Warm Audio products, the WA-1B is carefully inspected manually by experienced music-loving technicians in Austin, Texas, USA.Technical featuresFaithful reproduction of the famous Scandinavian compressor, with optical/valve saturation and precise controls.100% discrete analog signal path at 270 volts, made with hand-wired components in “through-hole” technology.Balanced input and output, thanks to customized large section transformers from Sweden, Lundahl. Use of 12AX7 Tung-Sol and JJ 12AU valves.Frequency response between -3 dB: 5 Hz at 25 kHz.Background noise: less than -75 dBu at 30 dB of Gain.cmrr (Common-Mode Rejection Ratio): greater than 60 dB at 10 kHz.Ratio variable between 2:1 and 10:1. Threshold variable from “off” to -40 dBU.Continuously adjustable attack and release times, with fixed or manual options.“ Fixed” setting - Attack: 1 millisecond | Release: 50 milliseconds. “Manual” setting: 0.5 to 300 milliseconds | Release: 0.05 seconds to 10 seconds. 'Fixed/Manual' mode that combines fixed and manual settings release times.Output gain adjustable from “off” to +30 dBU.Input impedance: 600Ω. Two bus connectors to connect multiple side chains.Meter (VU) for input, output, or amount of compression.Low-noise linear power supply with toroidal power transformer.Popular usesNatural and versatile compression for voices.Used to model and control bass signals so that they fit perfectly into the mix.Used to add professional compression to sources dynamics without compromising execution.