Warm Audio WA-2A Opto Compressor

Warm Audio WA-2A Opto Compressor

The Warm Audio WA-2A is built as a single-channel tube optical compressor that is professionally designed capable of recreating a classic leveling amplifier originally released in the late 1950s. With Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes, dual CineMag transformers, and a Kenetek opto-cell, the WA-2A is capable to offer a smooth, warm compression ideal for vocals, guitars, bass, drums, and parallel submixes. Its discrete signal path is terminated along with balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS input and output connectors, and capable of delivering a high output along with minimal noise.

Use compress mode that is designed for moderate peak attenuation, or switch to limit mode on order to get more aggressive gain reduction. Operation is simple and efficient,  and that's a big thanks to the adjustable gain and peak reduction controls. The rear-panel "Pre-Emphasis" is designed for serving as a tone control for the sidechain. A large VU meter is intended for allowing the easy viewing of gain reduction or output level, and capable to be calibrated by using a dedicated potentiometer. The WA-2A is supporting stereo linking to a second WA-2A through a 1/4" TRS cable (available separately).

• Transformed-balanced, high-voltage, optical tube compressor built in the classic "2A" style
• Up to 40 dB of gain reduction
• Up to 40 dB of make-up gain
• CineMag USA input and output transformers
• USA-made Kenetek opto-cell attenuator T4-style module
• Socketed construction to allow retrofitting of other opto-cells and tubes
• Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes including two 12AX7s, one 12BH7, and one 6P1
• Fully discrete signal path
• Variable pre-emphasis allows for reducing high frequencies in the sidechain
• Supports stereo linking via 1/4" TRS
• Balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS I/O
• VU meter with selectable display of gain reduction or output at +4 dB / +10 dB above the meter reading
• Rear-panel meter adjust function for easy VU calibration
• Occupies 2 RU of rack space