WARM AUDIO WA-1B Tube-Optical Compressor User Manual

: June 13, 2024
: WARM AUDIO

Table of Contents

WARM AUDIO WA-1B Tube-Optical Compressor
WARRANTY STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
FEATURES
FRONT & BACK PANEL GUIDE
SPECIFICATIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

WARM AUDIO WA-1B Tube-Optical Compressor

THANK YOU!
Thank you for purchasing the WA-1B tube optical compressor. We feel this product offers the best in terms of sound, function, and vibe for professional analog recording. We don’t cut corners when it comes to what goes into our products, and the WA-1B is no exception. The WA-1B accurately recreates world- class Scandinavian compression combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls. Delivering that revered “forgiving” musical compression with the added speed and control functionality, the WA-1B excels on highly dynamic sources that demand analog warmth. We at Warm Audio are very excited to bring the sound of an unattainable studio compressor at a ridiculously affordable price. We are confident you will enjoy creating a lifetime of beautiful recordings with your new WA-1B!

Bryce Young

President
Warm Audio
Austin, Texas USA

REGISTER YOUR WA-1B!
Before we begin, please take the time to visit www.warmaudio.com to register your product. To ensure you receive proper and uninterrupted warranty support for your product, please register your unit within 14 days from purchase.

WARRANTY STATEMENT

Warm Audio warranties this product to be free from defect in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, for the original purchaser to whom this equipment is registered. This warranty is non-transferrable.
This warranty is void in the event of damage incurred from unauthorized service to this unit, or from electrical or mechanical modification to this unit. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from abuse, accidental damage, misuse, improper electrical conditions such as mis-wiring, incorrect voltage or frequency, unstable power, disconnection from earth ground (for products requiring a 3 pin, grounded power cable), or from exposure to hostile environmental conditions such as moisture, humidity, smoke, fire, sand or other debris, and extreme temperatures. Warm
Audio will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace this product in a timely manner. This limited warranty extends only to products determined to be defective and does not cover incidental costs such as equipment rental, loss of revenue, etc. Please visit us at www.warmaudio.com for more information on your warranty, or to request warranty service.
This warranty applies to products sold in the United States of America. For warranty information in any other country, please refer to your local Warm Audio distributor. This warranty provides specific legal rights, which may vary from state to state. Depending on the state in which you live, you may have rights in addition to those covered in this statement. Please refer to your state laws or see your local Warm Audio retailer for more information.

NON-WARRANTY SERVICE

If you have a defective unit that is outside of our warranty period or conditions; we are still here for you and can get your unit working again for a modest service fee.
Please visit us at www.warmaudio.com to contact us about setting up a repair or for more information.
With proper care, your Warm Audio gear should last a lifetime and provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
We believe the best advertisement we can have is a properly working unit being put to great use. Let’s work together to make it happen.

INTRODUCTION

The WA-1B accurately recreates world-class Scandinavian compression combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls.
Like the original favored by producers and engineers from Chris Lord-Alge to Rick Rubin, the WA-1B delivers that revered “forgiving” musical compression of tube-optical circuitry with speed and control more closely associated with modern dynamics processing.
Handwired to authentically recreate the sound of a renowned circuit, the WA-1B combines custom, large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden, select name-brand tubes, and a high-precision optical element for ultra-fast and precise operation without sacrificing genuine analog warmth.

FEATURES

Tube-Opto Tone With Extended Control: Accurately recreating world-class Scandinavian compression combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls.
Delivering that revered “forgiving” musical compression with the added speed and control functionality, the WA-1B excels on highly dynamic sources that demand analog warmth.

True-To-Original Controls: To deliver extended dynamics processing, the WA-1B features all of the classic controls of its original inspiration.

Threshold: The WA-1B supports a variable threshold giving maximum control to the user regarding how much compression is applied to any signal at various input levels.
Ratio: The WA-1B ratio is variable and has infinite controls between 2:1 and 10:1. From soft musical dynamic control all the way to hard-smashing compression!
Attack & Release: The Attack/Release controls on the WA-1B are unique in that the attack/release operations can be switched from a fixed setting, manual (variable) setting, or a combined setting. In the “fixed” mode, the WA-1B delivers the natural attack & release time of the optical element. The combined setting in particular creates the opportunity for a more nuanced release-time curve. This dueling time-constant circuit operation is a special feature of the WA-1B and its original inspiration.
Meter Switch: The WA-1B meter switch has three settings: input, compression, and output levels. Set to “input”, the VU meter is reading the level at the input connector. Set to “compression”, the VU meter is reading gain reduction. The steady-state is “0”, and the amount of compression is shown as the needle moves right-to-left away from 0dB. Set to “output”, the VU meter is reading the level at the output connector.
On/Bypass: The on/bypass switch on the WA-1B activates or bypasses the compressor. This is a true bypass, meaning no signal passes through the circuitry in bypass mode.

Premium Components

The WA-1B is a 270v circuit with handwired through-hole circuitry, and 100% discrete analog signal path.
The custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden bring the full Scandinavian-style analog tone of the WA-1B circuit to life.
Paired with select tubes, the high-precision optical element applies sweet analog warmth to audio signals with unrivaled accuracy.

Hand-Tested In Austin, TX:

Like all Warm Audio gear, the WA-1B is meticulously hand-tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for making music in Austin, TX USA.

FRONT & BACK PANEL GUIDE

On/Bypass: Determines whether the WA-1B is moving audio through the signal path (on) or is true-bypassed (bypass)
Gain: The gain knob provides makeup gain, which is used to boost the level of the audio signal after it has been compressed.
Ratio: Determines the degree of compression applied to the signal once it exceeds the threshold
Threshold: Sets the level at which compression begins to act on the audio signal
Meter: Displays the level of the input or output signal, or gain reduction for monitoring and visual reference
Attack: Adjusts how quickly the compressor responds to changes in the input signal level in manual and combined mode
Release: Controls the time it takes for the compressor to return to its normal state after the input level falls below the threshold in manual and combined mode
Attack/Release: Determines if the attack/release controls operate manually, fixed, or in the combined mode
Sidechain Bus: Determines which sidechain bus connection is engaged
Meter Cal: When the meter is in “compression” mode, adjust this knob to set the needle’s resting position at 0dB
On/Off Switch: Powers the unit on or off
IEC AC POWER INLET: Connect the accompanying power cord to power the unit
Voltage Switch: Always use the correct rating (115v or 230v) that corresponds with local power requirements, as indicated by the red voltage switch
Sidechain Connections: For connecting multiple compressors together for group control
Balanced Line Outputs (XLR & TRS): Balanced outputs are provided on an XLR and ¼” TRS connection for convenience
Balanced Line Inputs (XLR & TRS): Balanced inputs are provided on an XLR and ¼” TRS connection for convenience

WA-1B SAMPLE HOOKUP DIAGRAM

RECORDING INTERFACE

In this example, a microphone is connected to a WA-MPX input, which sends signal into the WA-1B compressor via a balanced XLR patch cable, which feeds in the LINE LEVEL input of your recording interface/recorder.
Note: it is important to use a line level input on your recording device as opposed to a microphone or instrument level input.

SPECIFICATIONS

Accurately recreating world-class Scandinavian compression, combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls
True-to-spec 270 volt, 100% discrete analog signal path – handwired with through-hole components
Transformer-balanced fully floating input and output – Custom-core large transformers from Scandinavian Manufacturer, Lundahl in Sweden
Premium name-brand tubes
Frequency response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz
Self-Noise: < -75 dBu @ 30 dB gain
CMRR: > 60 dB @ 10 kHz
Ratio from 2:1 to 10:1
Variable Threshold: Off to -40 dBu
Continuously variable, fixed, or fixed/manual attack and release times
- Fixed – Attack: 1 millisecond | Release: 50 milliseconds
- Manual – Attack: .5 – 300 milliseconds | Release: .05 seconds – 10 seconds
- Fixed/Man mode blends the release times of fixed and manual mode
Output gain: Off to +30 dBu
Input impedance: 600Ω
Two bus connectors to connect multiple sidechains
Meter (VU) input, output, or compression amount
Linear, low-noise power supply with toroidal power transformer

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read these instructions – All of the safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated.
Keep these instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed all warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow all instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
Do not use this apparatus near water – The appliance should not be used near water or moisture – for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool, and the like.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart or rack is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so.