Warm Audio WA-1B, Manual

3

NOW LETS GET STARTED!

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 as-
sociated 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-preci-
sion 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 combin-

ing 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. 

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.

•  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-con-
stant 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 read-
ing 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.