Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Transformer-Balanced Optical Compressor

The ultimate compression tool for recording engineers is the Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Optical Compressor. This tube opto design has been recreated using the highest quality components, ensuring top-tier performance. The vintage design is combined with modern features, making it easier to dial in specific settings that will bring out the best possible sound in your studio recordings. That means superb levels of signal control and dynamic range for stunning results.

The Warm Audio WA-1B is an accurate recreation of a world-class Scandinavian compressor combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls. Like the original favored by producers and engineers from Chris Lord-Alge to Rick Rubin, the WA-1B delivers that revered “forgiving” musical compression of tube-optical circuitry with speed and control more closely associated with modern dynamics processing.

Hand-wired 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 ultra-fast and accurate operation without sacrificing authentic analog warmth.

Like all Warm Audio gear, the WA-1B is meticulously hand-tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for making music in Austin, TX USA.

True-To-Original Controls

To deliver extended dynamics processing, the WA-1B delivers all of the classic, extended controls of the original including infinite 2:1 – 10:1 ratios, variable threshold, fixed/manual/combined attack and release, multiple metering options, dual sidechain bus connections, and true-bypass operation.

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. From soft musical dynamic control all the way to hard-smashing compression, you now have limitless control of your sound.

Attack & Release

The Attack/Release controls on the WA-1B are unique in that the attack and release operations can be switched from a fixed setting, manual (variable) setting, or a 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. When set to “input,” the VU meter reads the level at the input connector and when 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. When set to “output,” the VU meter reads the level at the output connector.

The on/bypass switch on the WA-1B activates or bypasses the compressor. This is a hard bypass, meaning no signal will pass through the circuitry in bypass mode.

Premium Components

The WA-1B is a 270v circuit with hand wired through-hole circuitry and a 100% discrete analog signal path. The custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden bring the full Scandinavian-style analog tone of the WA-1B circuit to life. Paired with select tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol, the high-precision optical element applies sweet analog warmth to audio signals with unrivaled accuracy.