Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Optical Compressor with Pure Tube Analog Circuitry for Vocals and Acoustics

The Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Optical Compressor is an authentic reproduction of the most revered compressor and leveling amplifier in recording history.
Legendary Optical Compression At Your Fingertips
The WA-2A authentically reproduces the most sought-after vintage analog tube optical compression of all time. The gentle, 'forgiving' application of compression from the optical unit combined with the rich tone of the output section provided by premium tube analog circuitry combine to deliver the most lauded 'musical' compression that won’t suck tone out of your recordings. This compression style is favored by legendary artists like Led Zeppelin, Jack White, Nirvana, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, U2, Prince, Pharrell Williams, and many more.
Pure, Streamlined Analog Tone
The original 2A compression style sets the standard for vintage-style analog dynamics control. When the performance requires gentle control, preserving dynamics, and changes in volume on the track, the WA-2A shines as a streamlined 2-knob compressor with rich tube warmth in the output stage. Great for lead vocals, acoustics, electric/upright bass, orchestral work, and more, the premium components paired with simple controls are perfect for preserving the great sound you’re hearing in the room.
Applications
The Warm Audio WA-2A tube optical compressor delivers classic lead vocals that sit perfectly in the mix with dynamic preservation for emotive performances. Natural acoustic guitar tones that sound like you’re right in the room, revealing a natural, woody sound and preserving tone. The electric and upright bass tones sustain perfectly without getting too unruly or stiff, and beautiful strings and horns control the natural dynamics of strings and horns in an acoustically treated room without killing the soul of the performance. Like the original 2A-style compressor, the WA-2A includes all the features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience.
Peak Reduction
The peak reduction control on the WA-2A applies the 'amount' of compression from the 2A to the signal. This is on a percentage scale with '100' equalling 100 percent, which is 40 dB of gain reduction.
Output Gain
The output gain control adjusts the amount of makeup gain applied to the output signal. This is on a percentage scale with '100' equalling 100 percent, which is approximately 40 dB of makeup gain. Take care to monitor DAW or recording device input levels as you raise the makeup gain to avoid unwanted clipping.
Pre-Emphasis
This control adjusts the sidechain audio that directs the optical module to compress. Set to the 'flat line' image, the optical module responds to peaks across the full bandwidth of the audio source with no frequency filtration.  As you move the control towards the 'high pass line', the WA-2A will become more responsive to high-frequency transients and 'disregard' some lower frequencies in applying compression.
Stereo Link
The dedicated TRS stereo link input on the back of the WA-2A allows for quick connection between two WA-2As making stereo optical compression easy and intuitive. When linked, the linked 2As will share threshold response, so it’s important to manually match the front-panel controls, especially the output gain.
USA-Made Transformer from CineMag
The USA-made CineMag transformer inside the WA-2A is made like it used to be, with a rich history from some of the most sought-after analog consoles. As the output gain control is pushed, the transformers introduce harmonic overtones and eventually sweet distortion to the signal. This additional layer of analog color allows the WA-2A to deliver rich analog warmth associated with the most prized vintage optical compressors.
Premium Name-Brand Vacuum Tubes
One of the key elements of the WA-2A sonic signature is the analog warmth of the output gain. Using premium vacuum tubes, the WA-2A adds rich character after the compression stage to deliver a dynamically balanced signal without sacrificing tone.
Hand-Tested, Elite Build Quality
Every single WA-2A is meticulously hand-tested and inspected at Warm HQ in Austin, TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.