Detail 01
2U rack spaces
Requires two rack units of installation space.
Product detailSKU #1500000411696
Warm AudioWA-1B Optical Compressor
1/5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
WA-1B is a 2U tube-based optical compressor with a discrete analog signal path, built for controlling dynamic recordings while retaining source clarity. Its optical circuit is described as smooth and forgiving, with added fullness in the low mids and bottom end. Fixed mode follows the circuit’s natural timing; manual mode gives direct attack and release adjustment; combined mode blends both approaches for more detailed release shaping. It is positioned for vocals, bass, and other highly dynamic sources.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Shaping vocal dynamics while retaining clarity and adding tube-derived fullness.
- Controlling bass signals when punch and a more prominent role are wanted.
- Experimenting with blended fixed and manual timing on highly dynamic recorded sources.
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Attack and release: fast to slow, continuously variable
Manual mode allows attack and release timing to be dialed across the stated range.
Detail 03
Ratio: 2:1 to 10:1
Provides compression-ratio settings from 2:1 through 10:1.
Detail 04
Threshold: Off to -40 dBU
The threshold control spans the stated range, including an Off position.
Detail 05
Frequency response: 5Hz to 25kHz (-3dB)
States the unit’s -3dB frequency-response range.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Plan for a 2U rack space.
- 02The WA-1B uses fixed, manual, and combined attack/release operating modes.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What timing modes does the WA-1B offer?
It has fixed, manual, and combined attack/release modes. Fixed uses the optical circuit’s natural envelopes; manual provides direct adjustment; combined blends both.
02Which sources is the WA-1B described for?
It is described as excelling on vocals, bass, and highly dynamic sources.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsSound
- Frequency Response 3db
- 5Hz to 25kHz
2 detailsConnections & power
- Input Impedance
- 600 ohms
- Output Gain
- Off to +30 dBU
6 detailsOther
- Rack Spaces
- 2U
- Continuously Variable Attack and Release Times
- fast-slow
- Self Noise
- < -75 dBU @ 30dB gain
- Cmrr
- > 60 dB @ 10kHz
- Ratio From 2
- 1 to 10:1
- Variable Threshold
- Off to -40 dBU
