Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Transformer-Balanced Optical Compressor

Dynamic and Powerful - The Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Transformer-Balanced Optical Compressor

Delivering that revered “forgiving” musical compression with the added speed and control functionality, the WA-1B excels on highly dynamic sources that demand analog warmth.

• Supports a variable threshold giving maximum control to the user regarding how much compression is applied to any signal at various input levels
• Ratio is variable and has infinite controls between 2:1 and 10:1. From soft musical dynamic control all the way to hard-smashing compression
• Attack/Release controls on the WA-1B are unique in that the attack/release operations can be switched from a fixed setting, manual (variable) setting, or a combined setting
• Meter switch has three settings: input, compression, and output levels. Set to “input”, the VU meter is reading the level at the input connector
• Bypass switch on the WA-1B activates or bypasses the compressor. This is a hard bypass, meaning no signal passes through the circuitry in bypass mode

SPECIFICATIONS

• 12AX7 Tung-Sol & JJ 12AU7 tubes 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: 600 Ω

We are Musictoner Musictoner

Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Musictoner has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.

Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.