WARM AUDIO WA-1B

Description

The Warm Audio WA-1B is a faithful reproduction of the prestigious Scandinavian compressor, combining the warmth of tube-optical saturation with extremely precise controls. Just like the original unit, loved by producers like 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 hand-built to achieve the authentic sound of these famous electronic circuits and combines custom transformers from Sweden (Lundahl), carefully selected tubes, and a high-precision optical element for fast and precise operation without sacrificing the warmth of analog sound.Key FeaturesOptical-tube sound with advanced controls: The WA-1B offers that celebrated "forgiving musical compression" with additional speed and control options and excels especially on highly dynamic sources that require the characteristic analog warmth.Faithful controls to the original: To offer extended dynamic processing, the WA-1B maintains all the classic controls of modern and classic 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 WA-1B's ratio is variable and allows for an infinite range of adjustments between 2:1 and 10:1, offering both soft and more aggressive compression.Attack and Release: The WA-1B's Attack/Release controls feature a unique option: you can choose between a fixed setting, manual (variable), 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's meter switch offers three options: "input," "compression," and "output." When set to "input," the VU meter indicates the input signal level. In "compression" mode, the VU meter signals gain reduction. "0" represents the stable level, and the degree of compression is indicated by the needle's movement. 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 true bypass, meaning that in this mode, no signal passes through the circuitry.High-quality components: The WA-1B features a 270V circuit with hand-wired components in "through-hole" technology, and a 100% discrete analog signal path. The custom and carefully selected transformers from Sweden (Lundahl) give the WA-1B's circuit its characteristic Scandinavian analog timbre. Paired with selected JJ and Tung-Sol tubes, the high-precision optical element adds 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 hand-inspected by experienced audio engineers who are passionate about music in Austin, Texas, USA.Technical SpecificationsFaithful reproduction of the renowned Scandinavian compressor, with optical/tube saturation and precise controls100% discrete 270-volt analog signal path, made with hand-wired "through-hole" components.Balanced input and output, thanks to custom wide-section transformers from Sweden, Lundahl.Uses 12AX7 Tung-Sol and JJ 12AU7 tubes.Frequency response between -3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz.Noise floor: less than -75 dBU at 30 dB gain.CMRR (Common-Mode Rejection Ratio): greater than 60 dB at 10 kHz.Variable ratio between 2:1 and 10:1.Variable threshold 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 - Attack: 0.5 to 300 milliseconds | Release: 0.05 seconds to 10 seconds."Fixed/Manual" mode combining the release times of the fixed and manual settings.Adjustable output gain from "off" to +30 dBU.Input impedance: 600Ω.Two bus connectors for connecting 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 vocals.Used to shape and control bass signals so they fit perfectly in the mix.Used to add professional compression to dynamic sources without compromising performance.