The WA-1B is an exact replica of world-class Scandinavian compression, combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precise control. Like its original role model, favored by producers and engineers from Chris Lord-Alge to Rick Rubin, the WA-1B delivers the revered “forgiving” musical compression of tube optical circuits with a speed and control more commonly associated with dynamic processing of modern pop genres. As the compressor of choice for many of the vocal recordings, this type of compression has shaped the sound of recordings by artists such as Adele, Dr. Dre, Lenny Kravitz, Norah Jones, The Black Keys and many others. With high-quality components and a meticulous circuit design, the WA-1B has the sound and characteristics of the most famous compression, combining vintage sound with modern control.High quality components: The WA-1B has a 270 V circuit with hand-wired through-hole circuits and a 100% discrete analogpath. The custom-built large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden bring the full Scandinavian analog sound of the WA-1B circuit to life. Paired with selected tubes from JJ (Slovakia) and Tung-Sol (Russia) tubes, the high-precision optical element adds “sweet” analog warmth to audio signals with unmatched accuracy.Hand-tested in Austin, TX: Like all Warm Audio equipment, the WA-1B is carefully hand-tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for music.
1-Channel Tube Opto-Compressor
- With output transformers
- True to the original 270 V, 100 % discrete analogue signal path - hand-wired
- Tubes: 12ax7 Tung-Sol and JJ 12au7
- Frequency range @ -3 dB: 5 - 25,000 Hz
- Inherent-noise: < -75 dBU @ 30 dB gain
- Ratio adjustable from 2:1 to 10:1
- Variable threshold from off (+20 dBU) to -40 dBU
- Continuously adjustable attack and release time
- 3 Different attack/release modes: fixed, manual and fix/man
- Output gain: adjustable from off to +30 dBU
- Balanced XLR and jack inputs and outputs
- Input impedance: 600 Ohm
- Two bus connectors for connecting multiple sidechains
- Meter (VU) for input, output or compression
- Dimensions: 483 x 184 x 89 mm
- Weight: 3.9 kg