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Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Opto Compressor
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About Inventory Status
About Inventory Status
Questions? Call or text us at 301-946-8808.
♫ In stock: It is in stock and available to ship or pickup. Apparel must be shipped from another location and is not available for in-store pickup. We can usually ship or have these items available for pickup by the next business day if they don't require inspection, special handling, or setup. Our pickup location is 11151 Veirs Mill Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20902.
📆 Preorder: It is on the way to our warehouse. We can't predict when preorder items will arrive due to current supply chain issues. If you place an order for one of these items someone will contact you to estimate the delivery date.
❓ Out of stock: We don't currently have it available but you're not out of luck yet. We still may be able to get it. If you order one of these items we will contact you with an estimated fulfillment date. You have the option to cancel the order if you change your mind.
❔ Special order: The item is so special that it needs to be custom ordered for you. Some of these items are works of art and have to be made individually. Orders for special order items must be prepaid and we cannot accept cancellations or refunds.
█ Sold out: We don't think we can get this item because it was either discontinued by the manufacturer or was limited in quantity. If you want or need this item call or text us. Sometimes we can help you track down the item through other sources or help you find something similar.
About Item Conditions
About Item Conditions
Questions? Call or text us at 301-946-8808.
New: The item is brand new as received from the manufacturer with a full manufacturer warranty. Instruments such as guitars, snare drums, drum kits, brass and woodwind instruments may be opened for photography and quality control inspection and may not be in a factory sealed box.
Mint or Open Box: The item may have been opened and tested but has been repackaged. The original packaging may have superficial issues but the item itself and any originally included accessories are in perfect, like new condition.
Display Model: These items are so cool that we put them on display in our legendary shop. The condition is brand new as received from the manufacturer with manufacturer warranty. Rest assured, these items undergo a very careful inspection before shipping.
Demo: These items have been on our sales floor for demo purposes and will likely show signs of use. The original packaging may no longer be included, but you can be assured that you are receiving an awesome item and an awesome price.
Used: The item is used. These item may have varying degrees of wear. Please read the description for information about the condition of the item. Used items do not carry a warranty.
B or C Stock: Factory refurbished. These items were purchased from the manufacturer in a refurbished condition. They will show some cosmetic issues, but nothing that would impact performance. Being that these are sealed from the manufacturer, we generally do not open these to photograph the cosmetic issues. They are guaranteed to work and may have a limited warranty or you may purchase an extended warranty in some cases. Please see the listing description for item specific information.
Description
Description
Get The Renowned ‘2A Style Circuit For Seamless Handling Of Vocals, Bass, And A Wide Variety Of Other Instruments - The Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Opto Compressor
ANALOG TONE.
Though digital technology and software have made great strides in recent years; we still believe that nothing compares to the level of articulation, depth, realism, and responsiveness of a well-built piece of analog gear. Â When you hear the bottom-end presence and top-end detail of quality analog gear, the difference can be astounding. The cost of most boutique analog equipment is financially out of reach for many recording artists. Warm Audio's mission is to change this, and introduce as many people as we can to recording and mixing with real, dedicated hardware.Â
'2A STYLE OPTICAL COMPRESSOR - MADE AFFORDABLE.
No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of this classic '2A-style optical compressor. For decades, the renowned ‘2A style 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 Warm Audio's 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.Â
PREMIUM COMPONENTS IN EVERY WARM AUDIO PRODUCT
The WA-2A is a high-voltage, Class-A opto-compressor, utilzing large-core CineMag USA Transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell - considered by many to be the world’s finest.
A FOUR TUBE OPERATION
The WA-2A operates on four tubes: two 12AX7’s, one 12BH7, and one 6P1J. We proudly use Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix brand tubes in the signal path, which sound very 'open' and LARGE. All 4 tubes are socketed for easy swapping and replacement.
- '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.
LINE LEVEL, TRANSFORMER BALANCED INPUT
- 600 ohms impedance pin 2/tip=positive, pin
- 3/ring=negative, pin 1/sleeve=ground
LINE LEVEL, TRANSFORMER BALANCED OUTPUT
- 600 ohms impedance pin 2/tip=positive, pin
- 3/ring=negative, pin 1/sleeve=ground
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
- +/- 1 DB, 15 HZ TO 20KHZ
MAXIMUM GAIN
- +40 dB ±1dB
MAXIMUM PEAK REDUCTION
- -40 dB ±3dB
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
TUBE COMPLIMENT
- 2x 12AX7, 1x 12BH7, 1x 6P1 (compatible with
- 6aQ5, 6005, and 6N1N)
OPTICAL ATTENUATOR
- Kenetek T4B module (socketed) (compatible with T4A, T4B, and T4C modules per standard wiring configuration to standard octal header
POWER
- 115/230 volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz, standard IEC 3 conductor cord
FUSE COMPLIMENT
- 1x 250v, 1amp fast-blow type fuse
DIMENSIONS
- 19” Rackmount chassis, 2U. 19” x 7” x 3.5”
WEIGHT
- 12 lbs
Manufacturer: Warm Audio
Model: WA-2A
SKU: I400214-3-WHXE
We are Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center
Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.
Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.
Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.
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