Warm Audio WA-1B Optical Compressor-NEW 

In brief: 1-channel Tube Optical Compressor

The Warm Audio WA-1B delivers the smooth, tube-optical compression style made famous by one of the most sought-after Danish studio compressors ever built. Designed as a meticulous, true-to-spec re-creation, the WA-1B captures the velvety warmth, forgiving response, and musical transparency that engineers rely on for polished, professional results.

Renowned for its ability to tame highly dynamic sources, the WA-1B excels on hip-hop and R&B vocals, adding rich tube-driven warmth while preserving clarity and articulation. Its open, airy top end gives vocals presence without harshness. Beyond vocals, it works beautifully on bass, guitars, keyboards, and virtually any signal that benefits from smooth, controlled dynamics and analog character.

The control layout mirrors the original design, offering Threshold and Ratio controls that range from subtle leveling to firm, punchy compression — all while maintaining musical transparency. The Attack and Release can be switched between Fixed and Manual modes, allowing you to choose the natural timing of the optical element or dial in more precise behavior. A Fixed/Manual dual time-constant mode delivers an ultra-musical release curve. An analog VU meter provides Input, Gain Reduction, and Output monitoring, alongside a true hard bypass switch.

Under the hood, the WA-1B features a handwired, 270-volt discrete analog signal path with through-hole components and custom-core Lundahl transformers for authentic European-style tone. Premium JJ and Tung-Sol tubes pair with a high-precision optical element to ensure smooth compression, harmonic richness, and reliable accuracy. Each unit is carefully hand-tested and inspected by Warm Audio’s technicians in Austin, Texas.

Features:

• Free shipping, delivery within 2 to 3 business days or less.
• We are an authorized Warm Audio dealer.

• Delivers the smooth, tube-opto sound and forgiving behavior of the industry-renowned Lydkraft-style compressor
• Boasts an identical control set to the original hardware unit
• Threshold and Ratio controls dial in everything from soft, musical dynamic control to hard-smashing compression
• Attack and Release controls are switchable between Fixed and Manual modes
• Fixed/Manual dueling time-constant mode provides a hyper-musical release-time curve
• Analog meter with Input, Compression, and Output modes
• Bypass switch takes the compression circuitry completely out of your signal
• Handwired, true-to-spec, 270V, discrete analog signal path
• Through-hole components and custom-core Lundahl transformers yield full-on Lydkraft-style tone
• Employs select tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol and a high-precision optical element
• Hand-tested and inspected by Warm Audio's world-class technicians in Austin, TX
• Type: Tube Optical Compressor
• Number of Channels:1
• Controls: Gain, Ratio, Threshold, Attack, Release
• Threshold: -40dB to 0dB
• Ratio: 2:1 to 10:1
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-25kHz (-3dB)
• Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS
• Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS
• Sidechain I/O: 2 x 1/4"
• Tubes: 12AX7 Tung-Sol, JJ 12AU7
• Rack Spaces: 2U
• Power Source: Standard IEC AC Power Cable
• Height: 3.5"
• Width: 19"