The Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Transformer Balanced Optical Compressor accurately recreates world-class Scandinavian compression, blending smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls. Inspired by the compressor favored by renowned producers and engineers, the WA-1B delivers the sought-after "forgiving" musical compression of tube-optical circuitry with the speed and control associated with modern dynamics processing. This style of compression has shaped the sound of countless recordings by acclaimed artists. The WA-1B features premium components and meticulous circuit design, capturing the essence of celebrated compression while offering modern control.

Hand-wired to authentically recreate the sound of a renowned circuit, the WA-1B utilizes carefully selected components to achieve the perfect balance between vintage tone and modern performance. Premium large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden contribute to the rich, articulate, and "forgiving" analog tone. A premium optical attenuator facilitates smooth and musical compression, making the WA-1B an ideal choice for vocals, instruments, and highly dynamic sources. All critical components are handwired in a true-to-spec, 100% analog 270-volt circuit. Following the Warm Audio formula of true-to-original tone driven by premium components, each WA-1B compressor undergoes careful inspection and testing at Warm Audio Headquarters in Austin, Texas.

The WA-1B compressor delivers a signature Scandinavian style of compression renowned for its exceptional analog performance and modern features. Offering sonic versatility, the WA-1B spans pristine, transparent compression that maintains audio clarity while also creating rich and harmonically saturated tones when driven to saturation. Equipped with threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain controls, the WA-1B allows for precise dynamic control and tone shaping without compromising vintage tube-optical tone. The controllable attack time, program-dependent release, and dedicated sidechain bus selector contribute to the compressor's forgiving character. The front-mounted meter-adjust control ensures uninterrupted workflow.

The WA-1B's sonic signature is characterized by the analog warmth of the makeup gain stage, achieved through the use of premium vacuum tubes. Custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden contribute to the smooth compression and rich analog tone. Hand-wired with through-hole soldering and meticulously tested, the WA-1B delivers exceptional performance and reliability.

Key Features

High-quality premium name-brand tubes for analog warmth in makeup gain
Custom large-core transformers from Lundahl in Sweden for rich analog tone
Signature Scandinavian style of compression with exceptional analog performance
Modern features for versatile and transparent compression
Pristine audio clarity maintained while creating rich, harmonically saturated tones
Key controls for precise dynamic control and tone shaping
Controllable attack time with faster speeds and program-dependent release controls
Dedicated sidechain bus selector with three positions for interconnecting multiple compressors
Front-mounted meter-adjust control for easy access during recording sessions
Vintage tube-optical tone without sacrificing modern features

Technical Specifications

General Information
True-to-spec 270 volt, 100% discrete analog signal path - handwired with through-hole components
Transformer-balanced fully floating input and output - Custom-core large transformers from Scandinavian
Manufacturer, Lundahl in Sweden
Premium name-brand tubes
Frequency response @ -3 dB
5 Hz to 25 kHz
Self-Noise
< -75 dBu @ 30 dB gain
CMRR
> 60 dB @ 10 kHz
Ratio from 2:1 to 10:1
Variable Threshold
Off to -40 dBu
Continuously variable, fixed, or fixed/manual attack and release times
Fixed - Attack
1 millisecond | Release
50 milliseconds
Manual - Attack
.5 - 300 milliseconds | Release
.05 seconds - 10 seconds
Fixed/Man mode
Blends the release times of fixed and manual mode
Output gain
Off to +30 dBu
Input impedance
600Ω
Other
Two bus connectors to connect multiple sidechains
Meter (VU) input, output, or compression amount
Linear, low-noise power supply with toroidal power transformer

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