• Optical full tube compressor with output transformers
  
• Smooth, musical compression for special vocals (pop, rock, rap) and bass
  
• One of the most sought-after compressor circuits of recent years, especially for rap vocals
  
• Performance dynamics are retained
  
• Nuanced compression possible
  
• Lundahl transformers and sophisticated tube circuitry ensure a high-quality, sophisticated sound
  
• Attack and Release infinitely variable or fixed (as with classic opto compressors)
  
• Ratio infinitely variable
  
• 2-stage side chain filter can be switched on
  
• Side chain in/thru
  
• Inherent noise below 75dBu even at maximum catch-up gain (30dB)
  
• VU meter optionally displays input level, output level and level reduction
  

The WA-1B is a detailed recreation of world-class Scandinavian compression, combining smooth opto-coupler and tube warmth with precise control. It features a 270V circuit with hand-wired through-hole circuitry and a 100% discrete analog signal path. Like its original role model, favoured by producers and engineers like Chris Lord-Alge and Rick Rubin, the WA-1B delivers the "forgiving" musical compression of tube-optical circuits with the speed and control more commonly associated with modern dynamics processing. Hand-wired to authentically recreate the sound of renowned circuits, the WA-1B combines custom Lundahl transformers with select JJ and Tung-Sol tubes and a premium precision optical element for ultra-fast and accurate operation without sacrificing authentic analogue warmth.

For advanced dynamics processing, the WA-1B has all the classic controls of its predecessor, including variable threshold and infinitely variable ratio from 2:1 to 10:1, allowing smooth, musical dynamics control through to hard, punchy compression. In addition, the WA-1B has a three-stage level meter switch with which the VU meter can be switched to input, compression and output level. The bypass switch also enables a quick A/B comparison of the signal to be processed, making it quick and easy to ensure that the compressor is doing what it should.

The WA-1B's attack/release control is unique in that the attack/release settings can be switched between a fixed control, a manual (variable) control or a combined control. In "fixed" mode, the WA-1B delivers the natural attack and release time of the optical element. The combined control offers in particular the possibility of a more nuanced release time curve. This combination of the two time constants is a special feature of the WA-1B and its original source of inspiration.