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Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Transformer-Balanced Optical Compressor (B-Stock)
was
$1,199.00
Special Price
$1,019.15
Single-Channel Tube Optical Compressor with Smooth Musical Gain Reduction, Fixed Or Manual Attack And Release Modes, Analog Metering, And High-Voltage Discrete Signal Path
Availability:
In Stock
SKU
WA-1B - B-Stock
Features:
- Accurately recreating world-class Scandinavian compression combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls
- True-to-spec 270 volt, 100% discrete analog signal path - handwired with through-hole components
- Premium vacuum tubes
- Transformer-balanced fully floating input and output - Custom-core large transformers from Scandinavian Manufacturer, Lundahl in Sweden
What This Optical Tube Compressor Does For Your Signal Chain
The Warm Audio WA-1B is a single-channel tube optical compressor designed to provide smooth, musical dynamics control for vocals and instruments in professional studio environments. Modeled after a highly respected Lydkraft-style compressor, it delivers controlled compression with forgiving behavior that preserves detail while adding analog tube warmth. This makes it a strong choice for engineers working with dynamic sources that need consistent level control without sounding over-processed.
Tube Optical Compression Trusted For Vocals And Beyond
The WA-1B is widely suited for vocal compression, particularly for hip-hop, R&B, and pop recordings where consistent presence and smooth gain reduction are essential. Its tube-opto design naturally responds to transients, keeping vocals forward and controlled without harsh artifacts. Beyond vocals, it performs equally well on bass, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, and other program material that benefits from musical compression rather than aggressive limiting.
Familiar Control Layout With Deep Dynamic Shaping Options
This compressor features a control set that mirrors the original hardware layout, making it intuitive for experienced engineers while remaining approachable for new users. Threshold and ratio controls allow everything from subtle dynamic smoothing to firm, transparent compression. Attack and release controls can be switched between fixed and manual operation, letting users rely on the natural timing of the optical circuit or fine-tune the response for specific sources.
Fixed And Manual Timing Modes For Musical Compression Curves
The dual fixed and manual time-constant modes provide flexible control over how the compressor reacts and recovers. Fixed mode uses the optical element’s natural response for smooth, program-dependent compression, while manual mode allows precise shaping of attack and release characteristics. This flexibility makes the WA-1B suitable for tracking, mixing, and even light bus compression when transparency and tone are priorities.
Premium Analog Circuitry With High-Voltage Tube Design
Inside the WA-1B is a handwired, discrete analog signal path operating at 270 volts, ensuring proper headroom and authentic tube behavior. Through-hole components and custom-core Lundahl transformers contribute to its balanced, full-bodied sound. Select tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol work alongside a high-precision optical element to deliver consistent compression with rich harmonic character and reliable performance.
Studio-Ready Build Quality And Professional Monitoring Tools
An onboard analog meter provides clear visual feedback with selectable input, gain reduction, and output modes, making it easy to monitor signal levels during recording or mixing. A hard bypass switch completely removes the compression circuit from the signal path when needed. Each unit is hand-tested and inspected by Warm Audio technicians to ensure dependable operation in demanding studio workflows.
**This B-Stock product has either been returned from a prior customer order or was used as a demo and repackaged. The product box may show signs of wear, and has had the manufacturer seal broken, but the product should remain in working condition. The item may show some signs of use, but it should not affect performance. All B-Stock items include the original manufacturer warranty, as we are an authorized reseller for this brand. This product is also covered under our return policy.
| MPN | WA-1B - (B-Stock) |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue |
| UPC / EAN | 850031640238 |
| Brand | Warm Audio |
| Product Condition | B-Stock |
| Availability | In Stock |
- Accurately recreating world-class Scandinavian compression combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls
- True-to-spec 270 volt, 100% discrete analog signal path - handwired with through-hole components
- Premium vacuum tubes
- Transformer-balanced fully floating input and output - Custom-core large transformers from Scandinavian Manufacturer, Lundahl in Sweden
- 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
- Two bus connectors to connect multiple sidechains
- Meter (VU) input, output, or compression amount
- Linear, low-noise power supply with toroidal power transformer