Warm Audio WA-1B Tube Optical Compressor
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| Province | Standard Shipping | Express Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| ON | $19 | $39 |
| QC, MB | $29 | $69 |
| Other | $39 | $119 |
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Description
The Warm Audio WA-1B is a single-channel, all-tube optical compressor that recreates the Tube-Tech CL 1B, a Scandinavian design prized for its smooth, musical compression on vocals, bass, and dynamic sources. Hand-wired with a true-to-spec 270V discrete analog signal path, the WA-1B pairs Lundahl Sweden transformers with Tung-Sol and JJ tubes to deliver tube-optical warmth with the precise attack, release, ratio, and threshold controls absent from simpler vintage optical designs.
Precision Controls
Unlike simpler optical compressors with only gain and peak reduction knobs, the WA-1B provides full dynamics control:
- Variable threshold, ratio (2:1 to 10:1), attack, and release
- Three compression modes: Fixed (natural optical timing), Manual (user-set attack/release), and Fixed/Manual (blended)
- Dedicated sidechain bus selector (Off, Bus 1, Bus 2) allows interconnecting and linking up to 10 WA-1B units
- Front-panel bypass switch and VU meter (switchable input, output, or compression)
Tube Circuit
The WA-1B operates at a true 270V rail voltage, replicating the headroom and dynamic behavior of the original Scandinavian design. A Tung-Sol 12AX7 handles the gain stage while a JJ 12AU7 drives the optical detector and output. Custom large-core Lundahl Sweden transformers on both input and output contribute the smooth, open character associated with Nordic transformer designs. The linear toroidal power supply provides clean, stable current to the tube stages for consistent performance.
Specifications
- Type: Single-channel tube optical compressor
- Topology: 270V, Class A, all-discrete, hand-wired
- Tubes: 12AX7 (Tung-Sol), JJ 12AU7
- Transformers: Lundahl Sweden (input and output, custom large-core)
- Ratio: 2:1 to 10:1
- Threshold: Off to -40 dBU
- Output gain: Off to +30 dBU
- Frequency response: 5 Hz - 25 kHz (-3 dB)
- Self-noise: <-75 dBU at 30 dB gain
- CMRR: >60 dB at 10 kHz
- Input impedance: 600 Ohms
- Inputs: 1x XLR, 1x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
- Outputs: 1x XLR, 1x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
- Sidechain: 2x 1/4" bus connectors
- Metering: VU (input, output, or compression)
- Power: Linear supply with toroidal transformer, IEC
- Rack size: 2U, 19"
- Dimensions: 483 x 184 x 89 mm (19 x 7.25 x 3.5")
- Weight: 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs)
In the Box
- Warm Audio WA-1B
- IEC power cable