WARM AUDIO / WA-2A

This is an amazingly affordable reproduction of the famous '2A' style compressor. It's an optical compressor that uses vacuum tubes and a transformer to deliver a natural compression that can't be achieved with a plug-in.

■All-Tube Opto-Compressor

Constructed with an all-tube design and discrete signal circuitry mounted on a through-hole PCB, the WA-2A features Cinemag large-core input and output transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek optocells beloved by fans worldwide.
The smooth sound of the classic 2A-style opto-compressor delivers a warm, full sound unmatched by plug-ins or other compressors. The 2A-style circuit has long been a staple for easily applying smooth effects to vocals, bass, and a variety of instruments.

・Analog Tone
While modern digital technology and software have revolutionized processors, nothing beats sophisticated analog gear for clarity, depth, fidelity, and responsiveness. The difference is clear when comparing low-frequency presence and high-frequency detail. However, high-end analog gear can be prohibitively expensive for recording artists. Warm Audio is on a mission to change this situation by making dedicated recording and mixing hardware available to as many people as possible.

Premium Components
The WA-2A is a high-voltage, Class A opto-compressor. It features custom-made Cinemag large-core input and output transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek optocells favored by fans worldwide.

Four-Tube Operation
The WA-2A is powered by four vacuum tubes: two 12AX7s, one 12BH7, and one 6P1/6AQ5 in the signal circuit, with the 12AX7 equipped with a Tung-Sol vacuum tube for a rich, open sound.

Specifications

- 2A-style, transformer-balanced, high-voltage, opto-tube compressor
- Premium-grade input and output CineMag USA transformers
- USA-made Kenetek opto-attenuator
- Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes. 2x 12ax7, 1x 12bh7, 1x 6aq5
- Fully discrete circuit
- Interchangeable with other opto-cells
- Variable pre-emphasis for high-pass filter compression
- Stereo link capability
- XLR and TRS balanced inputs - 600Ω impedance
- XLR and TRS balanced outputs - 600Ω impedance
- Frequency response: ±1 dB, 15 Hz - 20kHz
- Gain: 40 dB ±1dB
- Input level: Max 16 dB
- Output level: Nominal +10 dB, Max +16 dB
- Distortion: Less than 0.1% THD (±10 dBm)
- Noise: -74 dB
- Attack time: 10 msec
- Release time: 0.06 sec (50% release). 0.5-5 sec (complete release)
Meter: dB gain reduction and dB output
Dimensions: 48.0 (W) x 18.0 (D) x 9.0 (H) cm (excluding protrusions)
For 19-inch rack mounting, 2U
Weight: 5.4 kg
Power consumption: 25W

This product is designed for 115V operation in the UK, but can also be used in 100V environments in Japan.