Description
The Warm Audio WA-1B is a precision recreation of the iconic Scandinavian tube-optical compressor, designed to deliver the famously smooth and “forgiving” analog compression that has shaped countless professional recordings. Known for its musical character and natural dynamic control, the WA-1B blends vintage optical warmth with modern precision, making it ideal for highly dynamic sources such as vocals, bass, drums, and instruments that require both transparency and character.
Built for complete control over dynamics, the WA-1B features a fully variable threshold and an infinitely adjustable ratio from 2:1 to 10:1, allowing everything from subtle leveling to aggressive compression. Its advanced attack and release system offers fixed, manual, and combined modes, enabling users to shape both natural optical response and more complex time-constant curves. A versatile VU meter provides input, gain reduction, and output monitoring, while a true hard-bypass switch ensures complete signal integrity when disengaged.
At its core, the WA-1B is built around a 270V fully discrete, handwired analog circuit using premium components including Lundahl large-core Swedish transformers, carefully selected JJ and Tung-Sol tubes, and a high-precision optical element. This combination delivers deep analog warmth, smooth response, and exceptional accuracy. Hand-tested in Austin, Texas, the WA-1B brings world-class tube-optical compression into a modern, reliable studio tool for professional engineers and producers.
Product Specifications:
Design: Fully Discrete, Handwired Analog Signal Path
Operating Voltage: 270V True-to-Spec Analog Circuit
Channels: Stereo / Dual-Channel
Compression Ratio: 2:1 to 10:1
Threshold Range: Off to -40 dBU
Attack Time: Fixed 1 ms / Manual 0.5–300 ms
Release Time: Fixed 50 ms / Manual 0.05–10 s
Attack/Release Mode: Fixed, Manual, Fixed/Manual Blend
Output Gain: Off to +30 dBU
Input Impedance: 600Ω
Transformers: Custom-Core Lundahl (Sweden), Fully Transformer-Balanced I/O
Signal Path: 100% Discrete, Through-Hole Handwired
Tubes: 12AX7 Tung-Sol & JJ 12AU7
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 25 kHz (-3 dB)
Self-Noise: < -75 dBU @ 30 dB Gain
CMRR: > 60 dB @ 10 kHz
Metering: VU Input / Output / Gain Reduction
Sidechain: Dual Bus Connectors for Linking Multiple Units
Power Supply: Linear Low-Noise with Toroidal Transformer
Product Weight: 9.5 lbs.
Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 19 x 9 x 3.5 in
Shipping Weight: 11.5 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H): 23 x 12.5 x 5.5 in
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We're proud to support those who serve. Active-duty military, veterans, and first responders qualify for a special discount on your gear. See our Military Discount details here and how to redeem.