Warm Audio WA-1B Tube Optical Compressor

Warm Audio WA-1B Overview

Combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls, the Warm Audio WA-1B is an accurate recreation of a legendary, top-tier Scandinavian compressor used by producers and engineers from Chris Lord-Alge to Rick Rubin. Like the original studio staple, the WA-1B features a winning compression formula that offers both the forgiving musical compression of tube-optical circuitry and the speed and control more closely associated with modern dynamics processing. The flexible combination works well on a variety of sources allowing you get natural sounding vocal compression, control bass signals so they sit just right in the mix, and generally add professional-sounding compression that tames dynamics without destroying the musicality of the performance.

Handwired to authentically recreate the original true-to-spec circuit, the WA-1B combines custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden, select tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol, and a premium high-precision optical element for ultrafast and accurate operation without sacrificing authentic analog warmth. The WA-1B delivers extended dynamic processing courtesy of its classic extended controls including infinite 2:1 to 10:1 ratios, variable threshold, as well as attack and release settings that can work in fixed, manual, or combined modes for added flexibility. Multiple metering options, dual side-chain bus connections, and a true bypass switch complete the professional feature set.

Controls

Threshold

The WA-1B supports a variable threshold giving maximum control to the user regarding how much compression is applied to any signal at various input levels.

Ratio

The WA-1B ratio is variable and has infinite controls between 2:1 and 10:1. From soft musical dynamic control all the way to hard-smashing compression.

Attack and Release

The Attack/Release controls on the WA-1B are unique in that the attack/release operations can be switched to a fixed setting, manual (variable) setting, or combined setting. In the fixed mode, the WA-1B delivers the natural attack and release time of the optical element. The combined setting in particular creates the opportunity for a more nuanced release-time curve. This dueling time-constant circuit operation is a special feature of the WA-1B and its original inspiration.

Meter Switch

The WA-1B meter switch has three settings: input, compression, and output levels. Set to Input, the VU meter reads the level at the input connector. Set to Compression, the VU meter is reading gain reduction. The steady state is 0, and the amount of compression is shown as the needle moving right-to-left away from 0 dB. Set to Output, the VU meter reads the level at the output connector.

EAN: 850031640238