Warm Audio WA-2A, Leveling Amplifier, Opto Compressor

Warm Audio WA-2A - Opto Compressor

The Warm Audio WA-2A was built after the iconic 2A style compressor, which for decades has been and still is the go-to compressor for vocals and bass, among other things. The WA-2A is a Class-A Opto-Compressor with CineMag USA transformers, four tubes resulting in a warm open sound with smooth fine compression.

Though digital technology and software have made great strides in recent years; we still believe that nothing compares to the level of articulation, depth, realism, and responsiveness of a well-built piece of analog gear. When you hear the bottom-end presence and top-end detail of quality analog gear, the difference is astounding. The cost of most boutique analog equipment is financially out of reach for many recording artists. Our mission is to change this, and introduce as many people as we can to recording and mixing with real, dedicated hardware.

No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of the classic '2A optical compressor. For decades, the renowned ‘2A style 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.
Releasing the WA-2A would be for nothing if we couldn’t make it affordable. Since the start of Warm Audio, we have striven to give unprecedented value to our customers, by putting high-end audio within the reach of more people than ever before. This philosophy drives everything we do, and every product we offer.

The WA-2A is a high-voltage, Class-A opto-compressor, utilizing large-core CineMag USA Transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell - considered by many to be the world’s finest.

The WA-2A operates on four tubes: two 12AX7s, one 12BH7, and one 6aq5 (or 6P1J). We proudly use Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix brand tubes in the signal path, which sound very 'open' and LARGE. All 4 tubes are socketed for easy swapping and replacement.

Tech specs:

• 2A-style, transformer balanced, high voltage, opto tube compressor.
• Utilizes premium grade input and output Cinemag USA transformers.
• USA-made kenetek opto-cell attenuator t4' style module. socketed to allow retrofitting with other opto-cells.
• Premium tung-sol and electro-harmonix tubes. 2x 12ax7, 1x 12bh7, 1x 6aq5 or 6p1.
• Fully discrete signal path.
• Variable pre-emphasis allows for compression hi-pass filtering (tone control).
• Stereo-link capable via TRS-connector.
• Input impedance - 600 ohms, bridges-t control (floating).
• XLR & TRS balanced line level outputs - 600 ohms impedance.
• XLR & TRS balanced line level inputs - 600 ohms impedance.
• Gain 40 db ±1dB.
• Input level +16 dB maximum.
• Output level +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum.
• Distortion less than 0.1% 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.
• The meter displays both db gain reduction and db output.