Warm Audio WA-2A
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Essential Information About the Warm Audio WA-2A Optical Compressor
Essential Information About the Warm Audio WA-2A Optical Compressor
- True tube optical compressor in the "2A" style for musical, smooth, and transparent compression.
- High-voltage Class A audio path with CineMag USA transformers and Kenetek opto-electronic cell.
- Modern controls: variable pre-emphasis, high-pass filter on the sidechain, and stereo linking.
- Balanced XLR and TRS inputs/outputs, switchable VU meter for gain reduction/output level.
Manufacturer Information
Warm Audio
https://shop.warmaudio.com
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Safety manager:
Mogar Music France
Email: info@mogarmusic.fr
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A Studio Classic, Faithfully Reinterpreted
Inspired by the legendary "2A" compressor that shaped decades of recordings, the WA-2A captures the warm and indulgent sonic aesthetic that made this circuit famous. Warm Audio designed it with selected components-CineMag transformers and Kenetek cell-to deliver the sought-after soft attack, harmonic density, and smoothness both tracking and mixing.
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
The WA-2A is aimed at vocalists, bassists, producers, and studios seeking natural compression without artifacts. Ideal on vocals, bass, guitars, synths, and pads, it excels at leveling a track, rounding transients, and adding presence. In mixing, it provides glue on individual tracks and can be paired in stereo for dual sources.
Key Features and Workflow
The four premium tubes (2x 12AX7, 1x 12BH7, 1x 6AQ5/6P1J) provide comfortable headroom and a wide image, while the optical circuit automatically manages attack and program-dependent release for musical adaptation to the signal. Variable pre-emphasis allows fine-tuning of sidechain sensitivity to preserve low-end energy, supported by a high-pass filter to avoid bass-related over-compression. The VU meter switches between gain reduction and output level for quick and reliable adjustment, and stereo linking facilitates processing pairs or a bus.
Technical specifications
| Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes | 2x 12AX7, 1x 12BH7, 1x 6AQ5 (or 6P1 - interchangeable) | Distortion | less than 0.1% THD at +/-10 dBm |
| Line-level inputs | XLR and TRS jack - 600 Ohm impedance | Attack time | 10 milliseconds |
| Balanced line-level outputs | XLR and TRS jack - 600 Ohm impedance | Release time | 0.06 seconds for 50%, and 0.5 to 5 seconds for full release |
| Input level | +16 dB maximum | Display | VU meter indicating gain reduction and output level in decibels |
| Output level | +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum | Internal power supply | 115/230 Volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz |
| Frequency response | +/- 1 dB, 15 Hz to 20 kHz | Dimensions | 483 x 178 x 89 mm |
| Gain | 40 dB (+/- 1 dB) | Weight | 5.44 kg |
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Questions frequently asked
Is the WA-2A suitable for compressing vocals or bass?
Its optical circuit offers a 10 ms attack time and a program-dependent release ranging from 0.06 s to 5 s. This compression is well-suited for leveling vocals and bass, with smooth transients.
What line connectivity is available on this compressor?
Balanced inputs and outputs are provided on XLR and TRS jacks, with an impedance of 600 ohms. The maximum input level reaches +16 dB, while the output accepts up to +16 dB.
Can two units be used in stereo?
Stereo linking allows pairing two units to process a stereo source or a pair of tracks.
How does the WA-2A prevent bass frequencies from triggering too much compression?
Variable pre-emphasis adjusts the sidechain sensitivity. A high-pass filter is provided to limit the influence of low frequencies on compression.
What tubes are installed in the compressor?
Four tubes are used: two 12AX7s, one 12BH7, and one 6AQ5. The 6AQ5 can be replaced by a 6P1.
