The Warm Audio WA-1B is the latest in a series of dynamics processors modeled after the ubiquitous tools that have shaped the sound of recorded music for decades. The WA-1B is an accurate recreation of a celebrated tube-based optical compressor from Denmark, originally released in 1987 as the CL 1A, and again in 1991 as the CL 1B. Relatively “young” compared to the ’60s LA-2A that inspired it, the CL 1B has countless hits under its belt thanks to the musical shimmer it gives to vocals, and it’s widely considered the not-so-secret weapon for hip-hop, R&B and pop artists. The Warm Audio WA-1B captures the same magic as the original, excelling on highly dynamic sources that demand a vintage flavor with the benefit of modern precision.

Precision Tube-Opto Tone

Optical compression is known for its smoothness and musicality, providing a natural and forgiving style of dynamic control. Even under aggressive settings where gain reduction is working overtime, the WA-1B can tame the signal while retaining the clarity of the source. Its sound can be described as transparent overall, while the bottom end and low mids benefit from analog fullness attributed to the compressor’s tubes. Because of its transparency as well as the weight it imparts on a source, the Warm Audio WA-1B shines on vocals and bass. Pair the organic sound of optical compression with the precision control of a modern dynamics processor, and you have a versatile and intuitive piece of outboard equipment to change the way you record.  

Characteristic Attack and Release Settings

The Warm Audio WA-1B offers unparalleled sound shaping from a tube-driven optical compressor. In a traditional optical circuit, attack and release times are fixed based on the inherent speed of the components—this creates the fundamental sound associated with opto compression. The WA-1B goes further and, like its inspiration, features fixed, manual, and combined attack and release settings. Fixed mode bypasses the dedicated time-constant controls and uses the optical circuit’s natural attack and release envelopes. Manual mode lets users dial in the desired settings in the same way you would with virtually any modern compressor. The characteristic combination mode blends both fixed and manual attack/release operations, which is particularly useful for establishing an ultranuanced release curve, or for discovering an unlikely interplay between settings that suit your source material.  

Premium Components

Warm Audio achieves clarity, precision and vintage-style depth through clever design and a selection of premium components. The nucleus of the WA-1B’s 100% discrete analog signal path is a handwired through-hole circuit board. Custom transformers from Lundahl and tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol help bring the analog tone of the WA-1B circuit to life. The compressor’s optical element simultaneously enriches the signal with subtle coloration, while maintaining a distinctively contemporary amount of speed, accuracy and transparency. The WA-1B offers state-of-the-art dynamics processing in a refined analog package.  

Thoroughly Inspected, Studio-ready

Warm Audio has a reputation for bringing professional audio equipment to engineers, producers and studio owners at an impressive value, and never cuts corners when it comes to quality control. Like all Warm Audio products, the WA-1B tube-opto compressor receives a meticulous hand inspection by trained technicians at their headquarters in Austin, Texas. Each WA-1B is also tested to ensure that all components are functioning properly out of the box, so you can wire up your new outboard equipment and start recording right away.

The Warm Audio WA-1B compressor combines smooth, “forgiving” tube-optical tone with the surgical precision of FET-style processors. Suitable on a wide range of sources, the WA-1B excels as a natural, versatile vocal compressor; it can sculpt bass signals, giving them the punch they need to stand out; and it can handle nearly any ultradynamic source, applying appropriate compression without destroying the performance. The Warm Audio WA-1B faithfully recreates a classic piece of Scandinavian design that’s helped spawn myriad hits and legendary recordings. Check out the WA-1B by Warm Audio at your local Guitar Center. Our expert associates can help you discover more about this easy-to-use, all-around studio compressor.