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WA-2A

Warm Audio WA-2A
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Description

True to its inspiration; the WA-2A boasts an all tube, completely discrete signal path with through-hole component topology. It also features custom, large-core Cinemag input and output transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell, considered by many to be the world’s finest.

No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of this classic optical tube compressor. For decades, the renowned ‘2A type 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 strived to give an 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. That’s why the WA-2A’s street price will be just $899 USD.
Welcome to the future of vintage!

-'2A Style, Transformer balanced, high voltage, opto tube compressor​.
-Utilizes premium grade input and output CineMag USA -Transformers.
-Utilizes USA made Kenetek opto attenuator.
-Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes. 2x 12ax7, 1x 12bh7, 1x 6aq5
-Fully discrete signal path.
-Socketed to allow for retro-fitting with other opto-cells.
-Variable Pre-emphasis, allows for compression hipass filtering.
-Stereo-link capability.
-XLR and TRS balanced line level inputs - 600 ohms impedance.
-XLR and TRS balanced line level outputs - 600 ohms impedance.
-Frequency Response +/- 1 dB, 15 Hz to 20kHz.
-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.
-Meter shows both dB gain reduction and dB output.
-Power - 115/230 volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz.
-Dimensions - 19" Rackmount chassis, 2U. 19" x 7" x 3.5".
-Weight - 12 lbs.

Discussions

Klark Teknik KT-2A

I now own a UA LA-2a, a WA-2a and a pair of KT-2a. They don't sound the same at all. The UA LA-2a is a favorite of mine channel patched on a bass guitar track at mix down, it sounds huge and deep, it adds girth to bass-rich tracks. I'd never use this compressor...

Warm Audio introduces the WA-1B Compressor

Yeah I don't see any Opto in the picture but Bill at Kenetek said he was busy and booked solid make Opto's for a warm audio and was working on something new with them. But maybe he's just making the opto's for the wa-2a.

The (un)official Audioscape thread

I have an Audioscape 76F and a G BussComp. I bought a Warm WA-2A before I knew about Audioscape. I have thought on occasion about selling the Warm unit and upgrading to the Audioscape Opto, but honestly I've found that for me at this point the WA-2A is good enough. I'd...

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