Open Box Warm Audio WA-1B Optical Compressor Level 1

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.  

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.