Warm Audio WA-1B Optical Tube Compressor

The Warm Audio WA-1B is an all-tube, transformer-balanced optical compressor that emulates a classic Scandinavian compressor design. The discrete analog signal path operates at 270 V and is hand-wired, with a precision optical element at the heart of the compression. Large Lundahl transformers from Sweden provide fully floating balanced inputs and outputs.

Unlike many opto compressors, the WA-1B gives you complete control: ratio from 2:1 to 10:1, threshold, variable attack and release, and output gain up to +30 dBu. The VU meter can display input, output, or gain reduction. Two bus connections allow you to link multiple units in a sidechain. The linear power supply with a toroidal transformer keeps noise levels low.

Specifications:

• Brand: Warm Audio
• Item number: WA1B
• Type: optical tube compressor, 1 channel
• Tubes: 12AX7 (Tung-Sol) and 12AU7 (JJ)
• Transformers: Lundahl (Sweden)
• Ratio: 2:1 to 10:1
• Threshold: from 0 to -40 dBu
• Variable attack and release
• Output gain: from 0 to +30 dBu
• VU meter: input, output, or gain reduction
• 2 bus connections for linked sidechain
• Input impedance: 600 Ω
• Frequency range: 5 Hz - 25 kHz (-3 dB)
• Noise: lower than -75 dBu at 30 dB gain
• CMRR: higher than 60 dB at 10 kHz