Warm Audio WA-2A Optical Compressor

Warm Audio WA-2A - Opto Compressor

Ah, analog. It delivers low-end presence and top-end detail better than any other type of gear. And for seamlessly handling vocals, bass, and a wide variety of other instruments and program material in an effortless, smooth way, no other type of compressor quite compares to the warm, forgiving, classic '2A optical compressor.

Unfortunately, those beautiful old analog compressors are priced out of reach for all but a few. That’s why we like the Warm Audio WA-2A. This high-voltage, Class-A opto-compressor utilizes large-core CineMag USA Transformers, premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell—considered by many to be the world’s finest. The result is sweet, transparent performance at a believable price.

Why We Like Warm Audio

This one is simple: Warm Audio builds outstanding products at beyond-fair prices. Bryce Young runs an efficient shop, uses quality components, and builds large enough quantities to make money without over-pricing his gear. Warm Audio products sound great and make your recordings sound better without costing you an arm and a leg. Great stuff, highly recommended.

Features:

• '2A style, transformer-balanced, high-voltage, opto tube compressor
• Utilizes premium-grade input and output CineMag USA transformers
• USA-made Kenetek opto-cell attenuator T4 style module, socketed to allow retro-fitting with other opto-cells
• Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes: 2x 12AX7, 1x 12BH7, 1x 6AQ5 or 6P1
• Fully discrete signal path
• Variable pre-emphasis, allows for compression hi-pass filtering (tone control)
• Stereo-link capable via TRS connector
• Input impedance: 600 ohms, Bridges-T control (floating)
• XLR and TRS balanced line-level outputs: 600 ohms impedance
• XLR and TRS balanced line-level inputs: 600 ohms impedance
• Frequency response: +/- 1 dB, 15 Hz to 20 kHz
• Gain: 40 dB ±1 dB
• Input level: +16 dB maximum
• Output level: +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum
• Distortion: less than 0.1% THD at ±10 dBm
• Noise: -74 dB
• Attack time: 10 milliseconds
• Release time: 0.06 seconds for 50% release; 0.5 to 5 seconds for complete release
• Meter displays both dB gain reduction and dB output
• Power: 115/230 volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions: 19" rackmount chassis, 2U (19" x 7" x 3.5")