Warm Audio WA-2A Optical All-Tube Audio Compressor





zZounds Gear Experts Say...
What's your go-to compressor? Inspired by the classic LA-2A, the Warm WA-2A sits on your signal with a Kenetek T4B opto-attenuator and Cinemag transformers.
Overview
True to its inspiration; the WA-2A boasts an all tube, completely discrete signal path with through-hole component topology. It also features custom, large-core Cinemag input and output transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell, considered by many to be the world's finest.
No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of this classic optical tube compressor. For decades, the renowned '2A type circuit has become the go-to device for seamlessly handling vocals, bass, and a wide variety of other instruments and program material in an effortlessly smooth way.
- Fully discrete signal path
- Utilizes custom USA made CineMag input and output transformers
- Utilizes boutique USA made Kenetek T4B opto attenuator. Socketed to allow for retro-fitting with vintage (or other) opto-cells
- Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes. 2x 12ax7, 1x 12bh7, 1x 6aq5 (or 6p1 - interchangeable)
- Variable Pre-emphasis knob (via the back-panel) allows for compression hipass filtering
- Stereo-link capability via TRS connector and knob on back panel
No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of this classic optical tube compressor. For decades, the renowned '2A type circuit has become the go-to device for seamlessly handling vocals, bass, and a wide variety of other instruments and program material in an effortlessly smooth way.
Features:
- '2A Style, Transformer balanced, high voltage, opto (Light controlled) tube compressor- Fully discrete signal path
- Utilizes custom USA made CineMag input and output transformers
- Utilizes boutique USA made Kenetek T4B opto attenuator. Socketed to allow for retro-fitting with vintage (or other) opto-cells
- Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes. 2x 12ax7, 1x 12bh7, 1x 6aq5 (or 6p1 - interchangeable)
- Variable Pre-emphasis knob (via the back-panel) allows for compression hipass filtering
- Stereo-link capability via TRS connector and knob on back panel
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
Specs
- XLR and TRS balanced line level inputs: 600 ohms impedance
- XLR and TRS balanced line level outputs: 600 ohms impedance
- Frequency Response: +/- 1 dB, 15 Hz to 20kHz
- Gain: 40 dB +/-1dB
- Input Level: +16 dB maximum
- Output Level: +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum
- Distortion: Less than 0.5% THD at +/-10 dBm
- Noise: -74dB
- Attack Time: 10 milliseconds
- Release Time: 0.06 seconds for 50% release; 0.5 to 5 seconds for complete release
- Power: 115/230 volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: 19" Rackmount chassis, 2U. 19 x 7 x 3.5"
- Weight: 12 lbs.
- XLR and TRS balanced line level outputs: 600 ohms impedance
- Frequency Response: +/- 1 dB, 15 Hz to 20kHz
- Gain: 40 dB +/-1dB
- Input Level: +16 dB maximum
- Output Level: +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum
- Distortion: Less than 0.5% THD at +/-10 dBm
- Noise: -74dB
- Attack Time: 10 milliseconds
- Release Time: 0.06 seconds for 50% release; 0.5 to 5 seconds for complete release
- Power: 115/230 volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: 19" Rackmount chassis, 2U. 19 x 7 x 3.5"
- Weight: 12 lbs.
- Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
- Base Item
- Shipping Weight: 11.12 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 23 x 11 x 6 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): WAU WA2A
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://warmaudio.com/contact-support/
Web: https://warmaudio.com/contact-support/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(3 ratings)
Submitted December 28, 2017 by Klyde Spracjar in Saint Louis, MO
"No 'limits' here!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The WA2A Optical Leveling Amplifier makes any recording sound better, drastically.
I purchased a pair of these from zZounds, excellent customer service over the years, and since putting in over 100+ hours on the WA2A's I can say that these units actually work extremely well. I run my guitars through them, vocals, drums, bass... everything, and there's just something to hear about the difference these make. Comparing recordings without using the leveling amps, they sound mediocre.
Plus, I am going to run all of the tracks through the WA2A's at the end as a master, and I am excited for the results there as well. These units are very functional, yet easy to use. Finding the sound is just plain easier with fewer knobs, especially if you let the tubes to the talking! BTW, utilize the "Pre-emphasis" knob on the back to alter the harmonic distortion of the tubes. It's a little difficult to reach in most setups, but dial it up to 3/4 up and that's a good start.
Something that I've noticed, heavily distorted guitars sounds real nice with the Peak Reduction turned up fairly high, careful now!
All in all, great product. Should last a really long time.
P.S. They come with a pret-ty cool sticker.
Musical Background:
Do it all.
Musical Style:
Hard rock, rock, heavy metal, alternative, acoustic.
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